Saints Philip and James, apostles, foundations of the holy city (Rv 21:19)

DAILY GOSPEL: 03/05/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Saints Philip and James, apostles - Feast

First Letter to the Corinthians 15:1-8.
Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand.
Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures;
that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures;
that he appeared to Kephas, then to the Twelve.
After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.

Psalms 19(18):2-3.4-5.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft.
One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge.
There is no word or sound; no voice is heard;
Yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. God has pitched there a tent for the sun;

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:6-14.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. 

Jn 14,6-14

Commentary of the day 
Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa) and Doctor of the Church
Discourse on the Psalms, Ps. 86

Saints Philip and James, apostles, foundations of the holy city (Rv 21:19)

      "Her foundations are upon the holy hills; the Lord loves the gates of Zion." (Ps 86  87:1-2)... «You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone» (Ep 2:19-20)...  Christ, the cornerstone, and the apostles and mighty prophets, the hills that bear the fabric of the city, constitute a sort of living structure. This living building now makes its voice resound in your hearts. God himself, a master builder, is working in you through my tongue so that you may be built up into its structure, like so many squared stones....



      Note the shape of a stone that has been perfectly squared off: Christians should have similar qualities. In all their trials they never fall; though pushed and, after a fashion, knocked over, they do not fall; for whatever way a square stone is turned, it still stands erect... Be similar to those squared stones, and be thus prepared for every shock; whatever the force which may push you, it cannot make you lose balance...



       You will rise to take your place in this building by a sincere Christian life, by faith, hope and love. The holy city is constructed of its own citizens; they are themselves the blocks that form this city, for these stones are living: "You also," says Scripture, "like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house," (1 P 2:5)... Why are the apostles and prophets the foundations? Because their authority is the support of our weakness... Through them we enter the kingdom of God: they proclaim it to us; and while we enter by their means, we enter also through Christ, who is himself its gate (Jn 10:9).

Monday, 03 May 2010 Sts Philip and James, apostles (+ 1st century) Saints PHILIP and JAMES Apostles         Philip was one of the first chosen Disciples of Christ. On the way from Judea to Galilee Our Lord found Philip, and said, "Follow me" Philip straightway obeyed; and then in his zeal and charity sought to win Nathaniel also, saying, "We have found him of whom Moses and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth;" and when Nathaniel in wonder asked, "Can any good come out of Nazareth?" Philip simply answered, "Come and see," and brought him to Jesus.         Another characteristic saying of this apostle is preserved for us by St. John. Christ in his last discourse had spoken of his Father; and Philip exclaimed, in the fervor of his thirst for God, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough"         St. James the Less, the author of an inspired epistle, was also one of the Twelve. St. Paul tells us that he was favored by a special apparition of Christ after the Resurrection. On the dispersion of the apostles among the nations, St. James was left as Bishop of Jerusalem; and even the Jews held in such high veneration his purity, mortification, and prayer, that they named him the Just.         The earliest of Church historians has handed down many traditions of St. James's sanctity. He was always a virgin, says Hegesippus, and consecrated to God. He drank no wine, wore no sandals on his feet, and but a single garment on his body. He prostrated himself so much in prayer that the skin of his knees was hardened like a camel's hoof. The Jews, it is said, used out of respect to touch the hem of his garment. He was indeed a living proof of his own words, "The wisdom that is from above first indeed is chaste, then peaceable, modest, full of mercy and good fruits."         He sat beside St. Peter and St. Paul at the Council of Jerusalem; and when St. Paul at a later time escaped the fury of the Jews by appealing to Cæsar, the people took vengeance on James, and crying, "The just one hath erred," stoned him to death. Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

San Felipe y san Jaime, apóstoles y fundamentos de la ciudad santa

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 03/05/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

San Felipe y Santiago, apóstoles - Fiesta

Carta I de San Pablo a los Corintios 15,1-8.
Hermanos, les recuerdo la Buena Noticia que yo les he predicado, que ustedes han recibido y a la cual permanecen fieles.
Por ella son salvados, si la conservan tal como yo se la anuncié; de lo contrario, habrán creído en vano.
Les he trasmitido en primer lugar, lo que yo mismo recibí: Cristo murió por nuestros pecados, conforme a la Escritura.
Fue sepultado y resucitó al tercer día, de acuerdo con la Escritura.
Se apareció a Pedro y después a los Doce.
Luego se apareció a más de quinientos hermanos al mismo tiempo, la mayor parte de los cuales vive aún, y algunos han muerto.
Además, se apareció a Santiago y de nuevo a todos los Apóstoles.
Por último, se me apareció también a mí, que soy como el fruto de un aborto.

Salmo 19(18),2-3.4-5.
El cielo proclama la gloria de Dios y el firmamento anuncia la obra de sus manos;
un día transmite al otro este mensaje y las noches se van dando la noticia.
Sin hablar, sin pronunciar palabras, sin que se escuche su voz,
resuena su eco por toda la tierra y su lenguaje, hasta los confines del mundo. Allí puso una carpa para el sol,

Evangelio según San Juan 14,6-14.
Jesús le respondió: "Yo soy el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. Nadie va al Padre, sino por mí.
Si ustedes me conocen, conocerán también a mi Padre. Ya desde ahora lo conocen y lo han visto".
Felipe le dijo: "Señor, muéstranos al Padre y eso nos basta".
Jesús le respondió: "Felipe, hace tanto tiempo que estoy con ustedes, ¿y todavía no me conocen? El que me ha visto, ha visto al Padre. ¿Como dices: 'Muéstranos al Padre'?
¿No crees que yo estoy en el Padre y que el Padre está en mí? Las palabras que digo no son mías: el Padre que habita en mí es el que hace las obras.
Créanme: yo estoy en el Padre y el Padre está en mí. Créanlo, al menos, por las obras.
Les aseguro que el que cree en mí hará también las obras que yo hago, y aún mayores, porque yo me voy al Padre.
Y yo haré todo lo que ustedes pidan en mi Nombre, para que el Padre sea glorificado en el Hijo.
Si ustedes me piden algo en mi Nombre, yo lo haré. 

Jn 14,6-14

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
San Agustín, (354-430), obispo de Hipona (África del Norte) y doctor de la Iglesia
Disertación sobre los salmos: Salmo 86

San Felipe y san Jaime, apóstoles y fundamentos de la ciudad santa

     «Él la ha cimentado sobre el monte santo; y el Señor prefiere las puertas de Sión» (Sl 86,1-2)... «Sois ciudadanos del pueblo de Dios y miembros de la familia de Dios. Estáis edificados sobre el cimiento de los apóstoles y profetas, y el mismo Cristo Jesús es la piedra angular» (Ef 2,19-20)... Cristo, la piedra angular, y las montañas, es decir, los apóstoles y los grandes profetas que llevan sobre sí todo el conjunto de la ciudad, forman como un edificio vivo. Este edificio vivo tiene una voz que ahora resuena en vuestros corazones. Es que Dios, hábil obrero, se sirve de mis palabras para empujaros a ocupar un lugar en esta construcción: así como tantas piedras talladas igual por los cuatro costados...

     Fijaos en la forma de una piedra perfectamente cuadrada: es como la imagen de un cristiano. Un cristiano, sea cual sea la tentación que sufre, no cae; puede sentirse empujado violentamente, en cierta manera trastornado, pero no cae. Porque de cualquier lado que hagáis girar una piedra cuadrada, permanece siempre de pié... Sed, pues, semejantes a las piedras cuadradas, y preparados para todos los choques; y sea cual sea la fuerza que os empuje, que no pueda haceros perder el equilibrio...

     Vosotros os levantaréis para tener vuestro lugar en este edificio a través de una vida cristiana sincera, por la fe, la esperanza y la caridad. La ciudad santa la forman sus propios ciudadanos; las mismas personas son, a un mismo tiempo piedras y ciudadanos, porque estas piedras son vivas. «Vosotros, dice la Escritura, como piedras vivas entráis en la construcción del templo del Espíritu (1P 2,5)... ¿Por qué los apóstoles y profetas son los fundamentos de la ciudad? Porque su autoridad sostiene nuestra debilidad... Por ellos entramos en el Reino de Dios; son para nosotros los predicadores de la salvación. Y cuando por ellos entramos en la ciudad, entramos en ella a través de Cristo –porque él mismo es la puerta (Jn 10,9).

lunes 03 Mayo 2010 San Santiago Menor Santiago hijo de Alfeo" (Mc. 10, 3 y paralelos; Hech. 1, 13) que aparece en noveno lugar en todas las listas de los Doce, es apodado "Santiago el Menor" (Mc. 15, 40) -probablemente porque era de baja estatura-, para distinguirlo del otro Santiago, el hijo de Zebedeo y hermano de Juan. La tradición cristiana siempre lo ha identificado con el "hermano del Señor" (Mc. 6, 3) que se entrevistó con Pablo (Gal. 1, 19); con el Santiago mencionado en la misma Carta a los Gálatas como una de las "columnas de la Iglesia" (Gal. 2, 9); con aquél que toma la palabra durante el "concilio" de Jerusalén (Hech. 15, 13ss), obviamente un líder de la comunidad, al que Pedro había mandado anunciar su liberación (cfr. Hech. 12, 17); con quien quedó a cargo de la Iglesia de dicha ciudad cuando la dispersión de los apóstoles por el mundo y fue su primer Obispo; con aquél Santiago a quien -según cuenta Pablo- se apareció el Señor Resucitado (1 Cor. 15, 7); y con el autor de la Carta de Santiago. Esta identificación ha quedado consagrada en la Liturgia de su fiesta, ya que la referencia de la Primera Carta a los Corintios que acabamos de mencionar, forma parte de la Primera Lectura de su fiesta, el 3 de mayo. Además, el Himno del Oficio de Lectura de ese día llama a Santiago "hermano del Señor y columna de la Iglesia" y lo invoca diciendo "Tú eres el primero en presidir la comunidad ilustre de Jerusalén y, por medio de tu Epístola, nos instruyes en la Palabra de salvación". A estos datos bíblicos se suman otros de carácter legendario para definir sus atributos iconográficos. Como era "hermano" del Señor, es decir, primo o pariente cercano, se lo representa con rasgos parecidos a los de Cristo (según algunos autores, se le parecía tanto que ese fue el motivo de que Judas tuviera que darle un beso al verdadero Jesús para que sus perseguidores atraparan a la persona correcta). Otra tradición se refiere a su muerte. Cuando estaba predicando el Evangelio cerca del Templo de Jerusalén, es arrojado de allí (o desde el pináculo del Templo) por orden del sumo sacerdote. Santiago sobrevive, pero es lapidado y rematado por un batanero, que le aplasta el cráneo de un mazazo. Este episodio le vale su principal atributo, que es una maza de batanero. También se lo suele representa junto a Felipe, cuya fiesta comparte. Se lo representa en ocasiones con un libro, a causa de ser autor de una Epístola canónica; también con ornamentos episcopales, por considerárselo primer Obispo de Jerusalén. Su caída delante del Templo de Jerusalén es otro tema preferido de los iconógrafos. Cristo ha constituido a unos apóstoles; a otros, profetas; a otros, evangelistas; a otros, pastores y doctores, para el perfeccionamiento de los fieles, en función de su ministerio, y para la edificación del cuerpo de Cristo; hasta que lleguemos todos a la unidad en la fe y en el conocimiento del Hijo de Dios, al hombre perfecto, a la medida de Cristo en su plenitud. Ef 4, 11-13 Calendario de  Fiestas Marianas: Nuestra Señora de Jasna Gora, Polonia.

RAZA DE VÍBORAS: Benedicto XVI condena los "delitos" del fundador de los Legionarios

RAZA DE VÍBORAS: Benedicto XVI condena los "delitos" del fundador de los Legionarios

"As I have loved you, so you also should love one another"

DAILY GOSPEL: 02/05/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27.
After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."
They appointed presbyters for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Psalms 145(144):8-9.10-11.12-13.
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love.
The LORD is good to all, compassionate to every creature.
All your works give you thanks, O LORD and your faithful bless you.
They speak of the glory of your reign and tell of your great works,
Making known to all your power, the glorious splendor of your rule.
Your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work.

Book of Revelation 21:1-5.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God).
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away."
The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Then he said, "Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true."

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13:31-33.34-35.
When Judas had left them, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
(If God is glorified in him,) God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once.
My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, 'Where I go you cannot come,' so now I say it to you.
I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." 

Jn 13,31-33#Jn 13,34-35

Commentary of the day 
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997), founder of the Missionary Sisters of Charity
A Simple Path (©1995)

"As I have loved you, so you also should love one another"

I always say that love starts at home: family first, and then your own town or city. It is easy to love people who are far away but it is not always so easy to love those who live with us or right next to us. I do not agree with the big way of doing things-love needs to start with an individual. To get to love a person, you must contact that person, become close. Everyone needs love. All must know that they're wanted and that they are important to God.

Christ said, "Love one another as I have loved you." He also said, "Whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did it to me," (Mt 25,40) so we love Him in the poor – and every human being in the world is poor in something or other. He said, "I was hungry and you fed me ... I was naked and you clothed me" (Mt 25,35). I always remind the Sisters and Brothers that our day is made up of twenty-four hours with Jesus.

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Sunday, 02 May 2010

St. Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (+ 373)

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SAINT ATHANASIUS
Bishop & Doctor of the Church
(+ 373)

        Athanasius was born in Egypt towards the end of the third century, and was from his youth pious, learned, and deeply versed in the sacred writings, as befitted one whom God had chosen to be the champion and defender of his Church against the Arian heresy.

        Though only a deacon he was chosen by his bishop to go with him to the Council of Nicæa, in 325, and attracted the attention of all by the learning and ability with which he defended the faith. A few months later, he became Patriarch of Alexandria, and for forty-six years he bore, often well-nigh alone, the whole brunt of the Arian assault.

        On the refusal of the Saint to restore Arius to Catholic communion, the emperor ordered the Patriarch of Constantinople to do so. The wretched heresiarch took an oath that he had always believed as the Church believes; and the patriarch, after vainly using every effort to move the emperor, had recourse to fasting and prayer, that God would avert from the Church the frightful sacrilege. The day came for the solemn entrance of Arius into the great church of Sancta Sophia. The heresiarch and his party set out glad and in triumph. But before he reached the church, death smote him swiftly and awfully, and the dreaded sacrilege was averted.

        St. Athanasius stood unmoved against four Roman emperors; was banished five times; was the butt of every insult, calumny, and wrong the Arians could devise, and lived in constant peril of death. Though firm as adamant in defence of the Faith, he was meek and humble, pleasant and winning in converse, beloved by his flock, unwearied in labors, in prayer, in mortifications, and in zeal for souls.  

        In the year 373 his stormy life closed in peace, rather that his people would have it so than that his enemies were weary of persecuting him. He left to the Church the whole and ancient Faith, defended and explained in writings rich in thought and learning, clear, keen, and stately in expression.

        He is honored as one of the greatest of the Doctors of the Church.

«Que os améis unos a otros como yo os he amado»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 02/05/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

Domingo de la V Semana de Pascua

Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 14,21-27.
Después de haber evangelizado esta ciudad y haber hecho numerosos discípulos, volvieron a Listra, a Iconio y a Antioquía de Pisidia.
Confortaron a sus discípulos y los exhortaron a perseverar en la fe, recordándoles que es necesario pasar por muchas tribulaciones para entrar en el Reino de Dios.
En cada comunidad establecieron presbíteros, y con oración y ayuno, los encomendaron al Señor en el que habían creído.
Atravesaron Pisidia y llegaron a Panfilia.
Luego anunciaron la Palabra en Perge y descendieron a Atalía.
Allí se embarcaron para Antioquía, donde habían sido encomendados a la gracia de Dios para realizar la misión que acababan de cumplir.
A su llegada, convocaron a los miembros de la Iglesia y les contaron todo lo que Dios había hecho con ellos y cómo había abierto la puerta de la fe a los paganos.

Salmo 145(144),8-9.10-11.12-13.
El Señor es bondadoso y compasivo, lento para enojarse y de gran misericordia;
el Señor es bueno con todos y tiene compasión de todas sus criaturas.
Que todas tus obras te den gracias, Señor, y tus fieles te bendigan;
que anuncien la gloria de tu reino y proclamen tu poder.
Así manifestarán a los hombres tu fuerza y el glorioso esplendor de tu reino :
tu reino es un reino eterno, y tu dominio permanece para siempre. El Señor es fiel en todas sus palabras y bondadoso en todas sus acciones.

Apocalipsis 21,1-5.
Después vi un cielo nuevo y una tierra nueva, porque el primer cielo y la primera tierra desaparecieron, y el mar ya no existe más.
Vi la Ciudad santa, la nueva Jerusalén, que descendía del cielo y venía de Dios, embellecida como una novia preparada para recibir a su esposo.
Y oí una voz potente que decía desde el trono: "Esta es la morada de Dios entre los hombres: él habitará con ellos, ellos serán su pueblo, y el mismo Dios estará con ellos.
El secará todas sus lágrimas, y no habrá más muerte, ni pena, ni queja, ni dolor, porque todo lo de antes pasó".
Y el que estaba sentado en el trono dijo: "Yo hago nuevas todas las cosas". Y agregó: "Escribe que estas palabras son verdaderas y dignas de crédito.

Evangelio según San Juan 13,31-33.34-35.
Después que Judas salió, Jesús dijo: "Ahora el Hijo del hombre ha sido glorificado y Dios ha sido glorificado en él.
Si Dios ha sido glorificado en él, también lo glorificará en sí mismo, y lo hará muy pronto.
Hijos míos, ya no estaré mucho tiempo con ustedes. Ustedes me buscarán, pero yo les digo ahora lo mismo que dije a los judíos: 'A donde yo voy, ustedes no pueden venir'.
Les doy un mandamiento nuevo: ámense los unos a los otros. Así como yo los he amado, ámense también ustedes los unos a los otros.
En esto todos reconocerán que ustedes son mis discípulos: en el amor que se tengan los unos a los otros". 

Jn 13,31-33#Jn 13,34-35

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Beata Teresa de Calcuta (1910-1997), fundadora de las Hermanas Misioneras de la Caridad
Un Camino muy simple

«Que os améis unos a otros como yo os he amado»

     Yo digo siempre que el amor comienza en casa. Lo primero es vuestra familia y después vuestra ciudad. Es fácil pretender amar a los que están lejos, pero mucho menos fácil es amar a los que viven con nosotros o muy cerca. Desconfío de los proyectos impersonales porque lo único que cuenta es cada persona. Para conseguir amar a alguien es necesario estar cerca de ella. Todo el mundo tiene necesidad de ser amado. Cada uno de nosotros tiene necesidad de saber que es alguien para los demás y que es de un valor inestimable a los ojos de Dios.

     Cristo dijo: «Amaos los unos a los otros como yo os he amado». Y dijo   también: «Cada vez que lo hicisteis con uno de estos mis humildes hermanos, conmigo lo hicisteis» (Mt 25,40). Es a él a quien amamos en cada pobre, y cada ser humano en la tierra es pobre en alguna cosa. Dijo: «Tuve hambre y me disteis de comer. Estuve desnudo y me vestisteis » (Mt 25,35). Siempre recuerdo a mis hermanas  y a nuestros hermanos que nuestra jornada está compuesta de veinticuatro horas con Jesús. 

domingo 02 Mayo 2010 San Atanasio Obispo y Doctor de la Iglesia   Nació en Alejandría el año 295 y fue colaborador y sucesor del obispo Alejandro a quien acompañó en el Concilio de Nicea. Peleó valerosamente contra los arrianos, lo que le acarreó incontables sufrimientos, entre ellos varias penas de destierro.    Escribió excelentes obras apologéticas y expositivas de la fe. Murió el año 373. Oremos Dios todopoderoso y eterno, que suscitaste a San Atanasio como preclaro defensor de la divinidad de tu Hijo, haz que nosotros, iluminados por sus enseñanzas y ayudados por sus ejemplos, crezcamos en tu conocimiento y en tu amor. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father"

Daily Gospel: 01/05/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Saturday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 13:44-52.
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.

Psalms 98:1.2.3-4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory.
The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see,
Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:7-14.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. 

n 14,7-14

Commentary of the day 
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-c.208), Bishop, theologian and martyr
Against the heresies, IV, 5

"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father"

God's splendor is life-giving and therefore those who see God partake of life. This is the reason why he who cannot be grasped and is incomprehensible and invisible offers himself to our sight, understanding and grasp, that he might give life to those who take hold of him and see him. For if his greatness cannot be fathomed, neither, too, can his goodness be expressed, yet through it he allows himself to be seen and bestows life on the beholder.

       It is impossible to live without Life; there is no life except through participation in God; and this participation in God consists in seeing God and rejoicing in his goodness. Therefore people will come to see God that life may be theirs... as Moses says in Deuteronomy: «In that day we shall see, because God will speak to man and he will live» (cf. Dt 5,24). God is invisible and inexpressible... but all living beings learn through his Word that there is only one God, the Father, who contains all things and gives existence to all things, as our Lord himself also says: «No one has seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known» (Jn 1,18)

Saturday, 01 May 2010 St Joseph the Worker Saint Joseph the Worker         Every day St Joseph had to provide for the family's needs with hard manual work.Thus the Church rightly points to him as the patron of workers.         Today's is also a wonderful occasion to reflect on the importance of work in the life of the human person, the family and the community.         The human being is the subject and the primary agent of work, and in the light of this truth, we can clearly perceive the fundamental connection between the person, work and society. Human activity - the Second Vatican Council recalls - proceeds from the human person and is ordered to the person. According to God's design and will, it must serve the true good of humanity and allow "man as an individual and as a member of society to cultivate and carry out his integral vocation" (cf. Gaudium et spes, n. 35).         In order to fulfil this mission, a "tested spirituality of human work" must be cultivated that is firmly rooted in the "Gospel of work" and believers are called to proclaim and to witness to the Christian meaning of work in their many activities and occupations (cf. Laborem exercens, n. 26).         May St Joseph, such a great and humble saint be an example that inspires Christian workers, who should call on him in every circumstance. Today I wish to entrust to the provident guardian of the Holy Family of Nazareth the young people who are training for their future profession, the unemployed, and those who are suffering from the hardship of the shortage of employment, families and the whole world of work, with the expectations and challenges, the problems and prospects that characterize it. (John Paul II - General audience, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Wednesday, 19 March 2003)

«Quien me ha visto a mí, ha visto al Padre»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 01/05/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

Sábado de la IV Semana de Pascua

Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 13,44-52.
Casi toda la ciudad se reunió el sábado siguiente para escuchar la Palabra de Dios.
Al ver esa multitud, los judíos se llenaron de envidia y con injurias contradecían las palabras de Pablo.
Entonces Pablo y Bernabé, con gran firmeza, dijeron: "A ustedes debíamos anunciar en primer lugar la Palabra de Dios, pero ya que la rechazan y no se consideran dignos de la Vida eterna, nos dirigimos ahora a los paganos.
Así nos ha ordenado el Señor: Yo te he establecido para ser la luz de las naciones, para llevar la salvación hasta los confines de la tierra".
Al oír esto, los paganos, llenos de alegría, alabaron la Palabra de Dios, y todos los que estaban destinados a la Vida eterna abrazaron la fe.
Así la Palabra del Señor se iba extendiendo por toda la región.
Pero los judíos instigaron a unas mujeres piadosas que pertenecían a la aristocracia y a los principales de la ciudad, provocando una persecución contra Pablo y Bernabé, y los echaron de su territorio.
Estos, sacudiendo el polvo de sus pies en señal de protesta contra ellos, se dirigieron a Iconio.
Los discípulos, por su parte, quedaron llenos de alegría y del Espíritu Santo.

Salmo 98,1.2.3-4.
Salmo. Canten al Señor un canto nuevo, porque él hizo maravillas: su mano derecha y su santo brazo le obtuvieron la victoria.
El Señor manifestó su victoria, reveló su justicia a los ojos de las naciones:
se acordó de su amor y su fidelidad en favor del pueblo de Israel. Los confines de la tierra han contemplado el triunfo de nuestro Dios.
Aclame al Señor toda la tierra, prorrumpan en cantos jubilosos.

Evangelio según San Juan 14,7-14.
Si ustedes me conocen, conocerán también a mi Padre. Ya desde ahora lo conocen y lo han visto".
Felipe le dijo: "Señor, muéstranos al Padre y eso nos basta".
Jesús le respondió: "Felipe, hace tanto tiempo que estoy con ustedes, ¿y todavía no me conocen? El que me ha visto, ha visto al Padre. ¿Como dices: 'Muéstranos al Padre'?
¿No crees que yo estoy en el Padre y que el Padre está en mí? Las palabras que digo no son mías: el Padre que habita en mí es el que hace las obras.
Créanme: yo estoy en el Padre y el Padre está en mí. Créanlo, al menos, por las obras.
Les aseguro que el que cree en mí hará también las obras que yo hago, y aún mayores, porque yo me voy al Padre.
Y yo haré todo lo que ustedes pidan en mi Nombre, para que el Padre sea glorificado en el Hijo.
Si ustedes me piden algo en mi Nombre, yo lo haré. 

Jn 14,7-14

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
San Ireneo de Lión (hacia 130-hacia 208), obispo, teólogo y mártir
Contra las herejías, IV, 5

«Quien me ha visto a mí, ha visto al Padre»

     El esplendor de Dios da vida: los que ven a Dios tendrán parte en la vida. Es por ello que el que es inaccesible, incomprensible e invisible se ofrece a nosotros para ser visto, comprendido y accesible por los hombres; él es para dar vida a aquellos que le captan y le ven. Puesto que, si su grandeza es insondable, su bondad no puede tampoco expresarse, y gracias a ella él se hace ver y da la vida a los que le ven.

     Es imposible vivir sin la Vida; no hay vida si no es participando de Dios; y esta participación de Dios consiste en ver a Dios y gozar de su bondad. Así pues, los hombres verán a Dios para poder vivir... según lo que dice Moisés en el Deuteronomio: «Aquel día veremos, porque Dios hablará al hombre y éste vivirá» (Dt 5,24). Dios es invisible e inexpresable... pero todos los seres conocen a través de su Verbo que no hay más que un solo Dios Padre, que contiene todas las cosas y da la existencia a toda cosa, según lo que dice el Señor: «A Dios nadie le ha visto jamás; el Hijo único, que está en el seno del Padre, es quien lo ha revelado» (Jn 1,18).

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sábado 01 Mayo 2010

San José Obrero

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  San José  Obrero  

El día 1 de Mayo del año 1955, el Papa Pío XII, instituyó la fiesta de San José Obrero. Una fiesta bien distinta que ha de celebrarse desde el punto de partida del amor a Dios y de ahí pasar a la vigilancia por la responsabilidad de todos y de cada uno al amplísimo y complejo mundo de la relación con el prójimo basada en el amor: desde el trabajador al empresario y del trabajo al capital, pasando por poner de relieve y bien manifiesta la dignidad del trabajo -don de Dios- y del trabajador -imagen de Dios-, los derechos a una vivienda digna, a formar familia, al salario justo para alimentarla y a la asistencia social para atenderla, al ocio y a practicar la religión que su conciencia le dicte; además, se recuerda la responsabilidad de los sindicatos para logro de mejoras sociales de los distintos grupos, habida cuenta de las exigencias del bien de toda la colectividad y se aviva también la responsabilidad política del gobernante.

Todo esto incluye ¡y mucho más! la doctrina social de la Iglesia porque se toca al hombre al que ella debe anunciar el Evangelio y llevarle la Salvación; así mantuvo siempre su voz la Iglesia y quien tenga voluntad y ojos limpios lo puede leer sin tapujos ni retoques en Rerum novarum, Mater et magistra, Populorum progressio, Laborem exercens, Solicitudo rei socialis, entre otros documentos. Dar doctrina, enseñar donde está la justicia y señalar los límites de la moral; recordar la prioridad del hombre sobre el trabajo, el derecho a un puesto en el tajo común, animar a la revisión de comportamientos abusivos y atentatorios contra la dignidad humana... es su cometido para bien de toda la humanidad; y son principios aplicables al campo y a la industria, al comercio y a la universidad, a la labor manual y a la alta investigación científica, es decir, a todo el variadísimo campo donde se desarrolle la actividad humana.

Nada más natural que fuera el titular de la nueva fiesta cristiana José, esposo de María y padre en funciones de Jesús, el trabajador que no lo tuvo nada fácil a pesar de la nobilísima misión recibida de Dios para la Salvación definitiva y completa de todo hombre; es uno más del pueblo, el trabajador nato que entendió de carencias, supo de estréchese en su familia y las llevó con dignidad, sufrió emigración forzada, conoció el cansancio del cuerpo por su esfuerzo, sacó adelante su responsabilidad familiar; es decir, vivió como vive cualquier trabajador y probablemente tuvo dificultades laborales mayores que muchos de ellos; se le conoce en su tiempo como José «el artesano» y a Jesús se le da el nombre descriptivo de «el hijo del artesano». Y, por si fuera poco, los designios de Dios cubrían todo su compromiso.

Fiesta sugiere honra a Dios, descanso y regocijo. Pues, ánimo. Honremos a Dios santificando el trabajo diario con el que nos ganamos el pan, descansemos hoy de la labor y disfrutemos la alegría que conlleva compartir lo nuestro con los demás.

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Oremos

Dios nuestro, creador del universo, que has establecido que el hombre coopere con su trabajo al perfeccionamiento de tu obra, haz que, guiados por el ejemplo de San José y ayudados por sus plegarias, realicemos las tareas que nos asignas y alcancemos la recompensa que nos prometes. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

Calendario de  Fiestas Marianas: Nuestra Señora de Reina de Mayo.

"In my Father's house there are many dwelling places"

DAILY GOSPEL

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Friday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 13:26-33.
When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue:   «My brothers, children of the family of Abraham,  and those others among you who are God-fearing,  to us this word of salvation has been sent.
The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath.
For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death,
and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.
But God raised him from the dead,
and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are (now) his witnesses before the people.
We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors
he has brought to fulfillment for us, (their) children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my son; this day I have begotten you.'

Psalms 2:6-7.8-9.10-11.
"I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD, who said to me, "You are my son; today I am your father.
Only ask it of me, and I will make your inheritance the nations, your possession the ends of the earth.
With an iron rod you shall shepherd them, like a clay pot you will shatter them."
And now, kings, give heed; take warning, rulers on earth.
Serve the LORD with fear; with trembling bow down in homage, Lest God be angry and you perish from the way in a sudden blaze of anger. Happy are all who take refuge in God!

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:1-6.
Jesus said to his disciples:  «Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.
Where (I) am going you know the way."
Thomas said to him, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jn 14,1-6

Commentary of the day 
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church
Autobiography of a soul, Manuscript A, 2r°- 3r° (trans. Ronald Knox)

"In my Father's house there are many dwelling places"

     I had always wondered why it was that God has his preferences, instead of giving each soul an equal degree of grace... Jesus has been gracious enough to teach me a lesson about this mystery, simply by holding up to my eyes the book of nature. I realised, then, that all the flowers he has made are beautiful; the rose in its glory, the lily in its whiteness, don't rob the tiny violet of its sweet smell, or the daisy of' its charming simplicity. I saw that if all these lesser blooms wanted to be roses instead, nature would lose the gaiety of her spring tide dress-there would be no little flowers to, make a pattern over the countryside.

And so it is with the world of souls, which is his garden. He wanted to have great Saints, to be his lilies and roses, but he has made lesser Saints as well; and these lesser ones must be content to rank as daisies and violets, lying at his feet and giving pleasure to his eye like that. Perfection consists simply in doing his will, and being just what he wants us to be.

This, too, was made clear to me: that our Lord's love makes itself seen quite as much in the simplest of souls as in the most highly gifted, as long as there is no resistance offered to his grace. After all, the whole point of love is making yourself small; and if we were all like the great Doctors who have shed lustre on the Church by their brilliant teaching, there wouldn't be much condescension on God's part, would there, about coming into hearts like these? But no, he has created little children, who have no idea what's going on and can only express themselves by helpless crying: he has made the poor savages, with nothing better than the natural law to live by; and he is content to forget his dignity and come into their hearts too - these are the wild flowers that delight him by their simplicity. It is by such condescension that God shows his infinite greatness. The sun's light that plays on the cedar-trees plays on each tiny flower as if it were the only one in existence; and in the same way our Lord takes a special interest in each soul, as if there were no other like it.

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Friday, 30 April 2010

St. Pius V, Pope (1504-1572)

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ST PIUS V
Pope
(1504-1572)

        A Dominican friar from his fifteenth year, Michael Ghislieri, as a simple religious, as inquisitor, as bishop, and as cardinal, was famous for his intrepid defence of the Church's faith and discipline, and for the spotless purity of his own life.

        His first care as Pope was to reform the Roman court and capital by the strict example of his household and the severe punishment of all offenders. He next endeavored to obtain from the Catholic powers the recognition of the Tridentine decrees, two of which he urgently enforced-the residence of bishops, and the establishment of diocesan seminaries.

        He revised the Missal and Breviary, and reformed the ecclesiastical music. Nor was he less active in protecting the Church.

        We see him at the same time supporting the Catholic King of France against the Huguenot rebels, encouraging Mary Queen of Scots, in the bitterness of her captivity, and excommunicating her rival the usurper Elizabeth, when the best blood of England had flowed upon the scaffold, and the measure of her crimes was full.

        But it was at Lepanto that the Saint's power was most manifest; there, in October, 1571, by the holy league which he had formed, but still more by his prayers to the great Mother of God, the aged Pontiff crushed the Ottoman forces, and saved Christendom from the Turk.

        Six months later, St. Pius died, having reigned but six years.

        St. Pius was accustomed to kiss the feet of his crucifix on leaving or entering his room. One day the feet moved away from his lips. Sorrow filled his heart, and he made acts of contrition, fearing that he must have committed some secret offence, but still he could not kiss the feet. It was afterwards found that they had been poisoned by an enemy.

Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

En la casa de mi Padre hay muchas estancias

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 30/04/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

Viernes de la IV Semana de Pascua

Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 13,26-33.
Hermanos, este mensaje de salvación está dirigido a ustedes: los descendientes de Abraham y los que temen a Dios.
En efecto, la gente de Jerusalén y sus jefes no reconocieron a Jesús, ni entendieron las palabras de los profetas que se leen cada sábado, pero las cumplieron sin saberlo, condenando a Jesús.
Aunque no encontraron nada en él que mereciera la muerte, pidieron a Pilato que lo condenara.
Después de cumplir todo lo que estaba escrito de él, lo bajaron del patíbulo y lo pusieron en el sepulcro.
Pero Dios lo resucitó de entre los muertos
y durante un tiempo se apareció a los que habían subido con él de Galilea a Jerusalén, los mismos que ahora son sus testigos delante del pueblo.
Y nosotros les anunciamos a ustedes esta Buena Noticia: la promesa que Dios hizo a nuestros padres,
fue cumplida por él en favor de sus hijos, que somos nosotros, resucitando a Jesús, como está escrito en el Salmo segundo: Tú eres mi Hijo; yo te he engendrado hoy.

Salmo 2,6-7.8-9.10-11.
"Yo mismo establecí a mi Rey en Sión, mi santa Montaña".
Voy a proclamar el decreto del Señor: El me ha dicho: "Tú eres mi hijo, yo te he engendrado hoy.
Pídeme, y te daré las naciones como herencia, y como propiedad, los confines de la tierra.
Los quebrarás con un cetro de hierro, los destrozarás como a un vaso de arcilla"
Por eso, reyes, sean prudentes; aprendan, gobernantes de la tierra.
Sirvan al Señor con temor;

Evangelio según San Juan 14,1-6.
"No se inquieten. Crean en Dios y crean también en mí.
En la Casa de mi Padre hay muchas habitaciones; si no fuera así, se lo habría dicho a ustedes. Yo voy a prepararles un lugar.
Y cuando haya ido y les haya preparado un lugar, volveré otra vez para llevarlos conmigo, a fin de que donde yo esté, estén también ustedes.
Ya conocen el camino del lugar adonde voy".
Tomás le dijo: "Señor, no sabemos adónde vas. ¿Cómo vamos a conocer el camino?".
Jesús le respondió: "Yo soy el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. Nadie va al Padre, sino por mí. 

Jn 14,1-6

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús (1873-1897), Carmelita descalza, doctor de la Iglesia
Manuscrito autobiográfico A, 2rº-3rº

«En la casa de mi Padre hay muchas estancias»

     Durante mucho tiempo me he preguntado por qué tenía Dios preferencias, por qué no recibían todas las almas las gracias en igual medida... Jesús ha querido darme luz acerca de este misterio. Puso ante mis ojos el libro de la naturaleza y comprendí que todas las flores que él ha creado son hermosas, y que el esplendor de la rosa y la blancura del lirio no le quitan a la humilde violeta su perfume ni a la margarita su encantadora sencillez... Comprendí que si todas las flores quisieran ser rosas, la naturaleza perdería su gala primaveral y los campos ya no se verían esmaltados de florecillas...

     Eso mismo sucede en el mundo de las almas, que es el jardín de Jesús. El ha querido crear grandes santos, que pueden compararse a los lirios y a las rosas; pero ha creado también otros más pequeños, y éstos han de conformarse con ser margaritas o violetas destinadas a recrear los ojos de Dios cuando mira a sus pies. La perfección consiste en hacer su voluntad, en ser lo que él quiere que seamos...

     Comprendí también que el amor de Nuestro Señor se revela lo mismo en el alma más sencilla que no opone resistencia alguna a su gracia, que en el alma más sublime. Y es que, siendo propio del amor el abajarse, si todas las almas se parecieran a las de los santos doctores que han iluminado a la Iglesia [3rº] con la luz de su doctrina, parecería que Dios no tendría que abajarse demasiado al venir a sus corazones. Pero él ha creado al niño, que no sabe nada y que sólo deja oír débiles gemidos; y ha creado al pobre salvaje, que sólo tiene para guiarse la ley natural. ¡Y también a sus corazones quiere él descender! Estas son sus flores de los campos, cuya sencillez le fascina... Abajándose de tal modo, Dios muestra su infinita grandeza. Así como el sol ilumina a la vez a los cedros y a cada florecilla, como si sólo ella existiese en la tierra, del mismo modo se ocupa también Nuestro Señor de cada alma personalmente, como si no hubiera más que ella.

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viernes 30 Abril 2010

San Pío V

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Papa (1504-1572)   Nació cerca de Alejandría (Italia) el año 1504. Se hizo dominico y fue profesor de Teología. Obispo, cardenal y finalmente Papa en el 1566.    Su principal empeño consistió en poner en práctica las disposiciones del Concilio de Trento que hacían referencia a la fe, a la disciplina y a la liturgia.   Dio a la Iglesia un impulso misionero y propagó el rezo del Santo Rosario con motivo del triunfo de la cristiandad en Lepanto.

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Oremos

Dios todopoderoso y eterno, que quisiste que San Pío V, Papa, presidiera a todo tu pueblo y lo iluminara con su ejemplo y sus palabras, por su intercesión protege a los pastores de la Iglesia y a sus rebaños y hazlos progresar por el camino de la salvación eterna. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

Calendario de  Fiestas Marianas: Nuestra Señora del África, Argel (1876)

IN ILLO TEMPORE IESUS ...: En la casa de mi Padre hay muchas estancias

Link

“If you receive the one I send, you receive me.”

DAILY GOSPEL: 29/04/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Thursday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 13:13-25.
From Paphos, Paul and his companions  set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia.  But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats.
After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, "My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak."
So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, "Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it
and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance
at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel (the) prophet.
Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.'
From this man's descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.'

Psalms 89(88):2-3.21-22.25.27.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever, proclaim your loyalty through all ages.
For you said, "My love is established forever; my loyalty will stand as long as the heavens.
I have chosen David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him.
My hand will be with him; my arm will make him strong.
My loyalty and love will be with him; through my name his horn will be exalted.
He shall cry to me,'You are my father, my God, the Rock that brings me victory!'

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13:16-20.
When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them:  «Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master  nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the scripture might be fulfilled, 'The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.'
From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." 

Jn 13,16-20

Commentary of the day 
Saint [Padre] Pio de Pietrelcina (1887-1968), Capuchin
Ep.3,707; 2,70 in Buona Giornata ( Une pensée, Médiaspaul 1991, p.30)

“If you receive the one I send, you receive me.”

After the love of our Lord, I recommend to you the love of the Church, his Spouse. She is in a sense the dove that broods and brings to birth her Spouse’s children. Always give thanks to God for being a child of the Church, following the example of so many souls who have preceded us on this wonderful path. Have great compassion for all pastors, preachers and spiritual guides; they can be found in the whole world… Pray to God for them, so that by saving themselves they might be fruitful and bring salvation to souls.

Pray for deceitful people and fervent ones alike, pray for the Holy Father, for all the spiritual and temporal needs of the Church; for she is our mother. Also say a special prayer for all who work for the salvation of souls to the Father’s glory.

Thursday, 29 April 2010 St Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Dortor of the Church (1347-1380) - Memorial (Feast in Europe) SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA Virgin and Doctor of the Church Co patron of Europe - Feast in Europe (1347-1380)         Catherine, the daughter of a humble tradesman, was raised up to be the guide and guardian of the Church in one of the darkest periods of its history, the fourteenth century. As a child, prayer was her delight. She would say the "Hail Mary" on each step as she mounted the stairs, and was granted in reward a vision of Christ in glory. When but seven years old, she made a vow of virginity, and afterwards endured bitter persecution for refusing to marry. Our Lord gave her his heart in exchange for her own, communicated her with his own hands, and stamped on her body the print of his wounds.         At the age of fifteen she entered the Third Order of St. Dominic, but continued to reside in her father's shop, where she united a life of active charity with the prayer of a contemplative Saint. From this obscure home the seraphic virgin was summoned to defend the Church's cause. Armed with Papal authority, and accompanied by three confessors, she travelled through Italy, reducing rebellious cities to the obedience of the Holy See, and winning hardened souls to God.         In the face well-nigh of the whole world she sought out Gregory XI. at Avignon, brought him back to Rome, and by her letters to the kings and queens of Europe made good the Papal cause. She was the counsellor of Urban VI., and sternly rebuked the disloyal cardinals who had part in electing an antipope. Long had the holy virgin foretold the terrible schism which began ere she died.         Day and night she wept and prayed for unity and peace. But the devil excited the Roman people against the Pope, so that some sought the life cf Christ's Vicar. With intense earnestness did St. Catherine beg our Lord to prevent this enormous crime. In spirit she saw the whole city full of demons tempting the people to resist and even slay the Pope. The seditious temper was subdued by Catherine's prayers; but the devils vented their malice by scourging the Saint herself, who gladly endured all for God and his Church.         She died at Rome, in 1380, at the age of thirty-three.