Author: diocesan-joliet

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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Reading 1 Acts 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.

Responsorial Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R.    (3cd)  All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R.    All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R.    All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R.    All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R.    Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 8:31b-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“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 Jesus,
“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.”

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

St. Zita of Lucca

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St. Zita of Lucca

Feast date: Apr 27

On April 27 the Catholic Church honors Saint Zita, a 13th century Italian woman whose humble and patient service to God has made her a patron saint of maids and other domestic workers.

Born into poverty during the early 1200s, Zita was taught by her mother from an early age to seek God’s will in all circumstances. She had already developed a strong prayer life by the time she was sent, at age 12, to work in the home of the Fatinelli family in Lucca.

Zita’s employers lived near a church where she managed – by waking up extremely early in the morning – to attend daily Mass. She looked upon her work primarily as a means of serving God, and kept herself mindful of his presence during long hours of exhausting tasks.

Her presence in the Fatinelli household, however, was inexplicably unwelcome and met with harsh treatment for a number of years. Zita suffered hostility and abuse from her employers, including fits of rage and beatings.

The young woman faced these trials with patience and inner strength developed through a life of prayer. In time, the members of the household came to value her service, and appreciate the virtues she had acquired through God’s grace.

Zita maintained her humility when she was promoted to a position of responsibility within the Fatinelli home. She continued to view her earthly responsibilities as a service to God, and to seek his presence through prayer and fasting. She also refused to hold a grudge against those who once mistreated her.

Within her new household role, Zita was faithful to Christ’s admonition that superiors should conduct themselves as the servants of all. She was kind to those under her direction, and mindful of the poor through frequent almsgiving to the point of personal sacrifice.

Throughout her life, Zita found a source of strength and consolation in the Mass and Holy Communion, which frequently moved her to tears. Despite her many responsibilities, she frequently set aside time to recall God’s presence through contemplative prayer in the course of the day.

One anecdote relates a story of Zita giving her own food or that of her master to the poor. On one morning, Zita left her chore of baking bread to tend to someone in need. Some of the other servants made sure the Fatinelli family was aware of what happened; when they went to investigate, they claimed to have found angels in the Fatinelli kitchen, baking the bread for her.

After foretelling her own death and spiritually preparing for it, Saint Zita died in Lucca on April 27, 1271. Many residents regarded her as a saint and began to seek her intercession, to which a large number of miracles were attributed. Some writers even began referring to the city of Lucca as “Santa Zita” in her honor.

The Fatinelli family, which had once caused St. Zita such extreme suffering, eventually contributed to the cause of her canonization. The earliest account of her life was found in a manuscript belonging to the family, and published in 1688.

The Church’s liturgical veneration of St. Zita was introduced in the early 1500s, and confirmed by Pope Innocent XII in 1696. In 1580, her body was exhumed and found to be miraculously incorrupt, but it has since been mummified. It is venerated today in the Basilica of St. Frediano, where she attended Mass during her life.

Daily Prayer for April 27

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You answered me when I called to you; with your strength you strengthened me. Psalm 138:3, TEV

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that we are your children and that your eyes watch over us and see all that is in our hearts. You hear the request of each heart, and you will answer at the right time. Stretch out your strong hand to us, for we are weak and often heavy-hearted, not knowing what to do nor how to find you. But you are with us in every need in spite of all our faults and shortcomings. You are with us; you lead us through everything to our life’s true goal, until each of us can rejoice over all you have done, to the praise of your name, our Father. Amen.

 

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Comfort in His Word / Encontrando Consuelo en su Palabra

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**This reflection has been reposted from Diocesan Archives.**

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is sharing with his disciples that if they know Him, then they know the Father. Philip goes on to say, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” I’m glad that Philip said this, for it is why Jesus expands on the fact that He and the Father are one. He shares that the very words He speaks are not on His own, but with the Father, who dwells within Him. 

Jesus goes on to say that whoever believes in Him will do even greater works since He is going to the Father. He said that whatever you ask in His name, He will do so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. He said, “If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

What does this good news mean for you and me today? As I’m sure you know, there is much suffering and fear of the unknown in the world today. Personally, the unknown aspect can really get to me. I’m someone who loves having a plan or an idea of what the future can or should look like. I constantly have to remind myself that God is in control as I loosen my grasp on these plans or ideas of life. 

When I reflected on this Gospel passage and how it is good news today, I found that Jesus is comforting us in His word. He expands upon the reality that He is completely united to the Father and anything we ask in His name, He will do it. Does that mean He will give me anything I ask for? I’m not too sure about that, but I know He gives us what we need. So today, what do you need? Comfort, strength, courage? Ask for a particular need or grace in His name. We can trust that His Word is true. He is faithful to His promises, and He always pulls through for us.

**Esta reflexión ha sido publicada nuevamente desde los Archivos Diocesanos.**

En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy, Jesús comparte con sus discípulos que si lo conocen a Él, entonces conocen al Padre. Felipe continúa diciendo: “Señor, muéstranos al Padre, y eso nos basta”. Me alegra que Felipe haya dicho esto, porque es por eso que Jesús amplía el hecho de que Él y el Padre son uno. Comparte que las mismas palabras que pronuncia no son de sí mismo, sino de parte del Padre, que habita en él.

Jesús continúa diciendo que quien cree en Él hará obras aún mayores ya que Él va al Padre. Dijo que todo lo que pidan algo en su nombre, lo cumplirá para que el Padre sea glorificado en el Hijo. Dijo: “cualquier cosa que pidan en mi nombre, yo la haré ”.

¿Qué significa esta buena noticia para ti y para mí hoy? Como seguramente ya sabes, hoy en el mundo hay mucho sufrimiento y miedo a lo desconocido. Personalmente, el aspecto desconocido realmente me puede afectar. Soy alguien a quien le encanta tener un plan o una idea de cómo puede o debería ser el futuro. Constantemente tengo que recordarme a mí misma que Dios tiene el control a medida que suelto estos planes o ideas de vida.

Cuando reflexioné sobre este pasaje del Evangelio y cómo son buenas noticias hoy, descubrí que Jesús nos está consolando con su palabra. Él amplía la realidad de que Él está completamente unido al Padre y cualquier cosa que le pidamos en Su nombre, Él lo hará. ¿Eso significa que Él me dará todo lo que le pida? No estoy muy seguro de eso, pero sé que Él nos da lo que necesitamos. Entonces hoy, ¿qué necesitas? ¿consuelo? ¿fuerza? ¿valor? Pide una necesidad o gracia particular en Su nombre. Podemos confiar en que Su Palabra es veraz. Él es fiel a sus promesas y siempre nos ayuda.

This reflection has been reposted from Diocesan Archives. Author: Brianna David

Feature Image Credit: Aaron Burden, unsplash.com/photos/bible-page-on-gray-concrete-surface-9zsHNt5OpqE

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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Reading I Acts 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 fathers
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.”

Responsorial Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab

R.        (7bc)  You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R.        Alleluia.
“I myself have set up my king
            on Zion, my holy mountain.”
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
            The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
            this day I have begotten you.”
R.        You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R.        Alleluia.
“Ask of me and I will give you
            the nations for an inheritance
            and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
            you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.”
R.        You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R.        Alleluia.
And now, O kings, give heed;
            take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
            with trembling rejoice.
R.        You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R.        Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 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.”

 

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Our Lady of Good Counsel

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Our Lady of Good Counsel

Feast date: Apr 26

On the Feast of St. Mark, April 25, 1467, at the close of a festival in Genazzano, Italy, a cloud descended upon an ancient 5th-century deteriorated church, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel. When the cloud disappeared, the festive crowd found a small, fragile image of the Blessed Virgin and Child on a thin sheet of plaster. The painting is said to have hung in mid-air, suspended without support, floating, on a small ledge. This particular fresco is said to date to the time of the Apostles. It had long been venerated in Albania’s capital city, Scutari.

Much of the church of Our Lady of Good Counsel was destroyed in World War II, but the image remained intact and in place. The miraculous image is still there today after more than 500 years. Countless miracles have been attributed to the prayerful intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Many pilgrims visit the church in Genazzano, and take part in the annual spring celebration, observed on April 25. Elsewhere in the world, the feast is celebrated April 26.

Daily Prayer for April 26

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How good it is to give thanks to you, O Lord, to sing in your honor, O Most High God, to proclaim your constant love every morning, and your faithfulness every night. Psalm 92:1-2, TEV

We thank you, Lord our God. How much good you have poured out on us throughout our lives! And how much we should thank you every day! We thank you that again and again we feel your help and know that you can fill our earthly life with what is of heaven. May your kingdom come over the whole world, for all people are longing for faith and for mercy and are to be gathered into your house under the staff of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Watch over us during the night. May your help go far and wide into the whole world. Stand by those who call upon you, even when they do not understand how they should pray. Help us and grant that the Savior may come, to the glory of your name. Amen.

 

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The Warmth of a Fire / El Calor de una Fogata

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Last fall I began working at a Christian facility with a homey, country feel to it. The basic structures were all built in a log cabin style and the grounds were truly an oasis. One of their favorite lines is “It’s the best place to do nothing.” But as the fall became winter, those wooden structures began to feel awfully chilly. Something had to be done to keep our fingers from freezing on our keyboards. 

During these days I grew in appreciation for an old fashioned wood fire. My first time trying to make one was a big fail, but after learning a few pointers from my coworkers, I got it to burn for an hour or so. I loved watching those flames dance around and enjoyed the instant warmth that accompanied it. Around the same time, my toddler had learned a new word, which fit so well. “Mommy, that’s so cozy!” she would tell me as I wrapped a blanket around her and read to her on my lap. The fire was indeed cozy as well. 

But it also got me thinking about the fire within. As we read from the Acts of the Apostles during this Easter season, we witness again and again how their hearts burned within them. Nothing stopped them from preaching and teaching, sharing and caring. They tirelessly traveled miles upon miles by horseback or on foot, by land or sea to reach those who had not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

How is your fire burning? Is it like mine was those first couple tries? Does it ignite right away only to snuff out just as quickly? Does it take a little coaxing but eventually burn brightly? Is it a steady blaze that brings warmth to all around it? 

Let us heed Jesus’ invitation today: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” God can turn our flame into a burning fire. Our faith should be something we live, move and breathe. It should dictate our daily decisions and our everyday actions, for Jesus clearly states: “I am the way, and the truth and the life.” 

May your flame burn brightly today and each day, so that others may feel the warmth of God’s love in you and glorify Him. 

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El otoño pasado comencé a trabajar en una instalación cristiana con un ambiente hogareño y campestre. Todas las estructuras básicas fueron construidas al estilo de una cabaña de troncos y los terrenos eran verdaderamente un oasis. Una de sus frases favoritas es “Es el mejor lugar para no hacer nada”. Pero a medida que el otoño se convirtió en invierno, esas estructuras de madera empezaron a sentirse terriblemente frías. Había que hacer algo para evitar que se nos congelaran los dedos en el teclado.

Durante estos días comencé a apreciar la hermosura de un fuego de leña. La primera vez que intenté hacer uno fue un gran fracaso, pero después de aprender unas pistas de mis compañeros de trabajo, logré que se quemara por lo menos una hora consecutiva. Me encantaba ver esas llamas bailar y disfrutaba la calidez instantánea que las acompañaba. Casi al mismo tiempo, mi hijita había aprendido una palabra nueva que aplicaba muy bien a esos fuegos. “¡Mami, eso es tan acogedor!” me decía mientras la envolvía en una manta y le leía en mi regazo. El fuego también era realmente acogedor.

Pero también me hizo pensar en el fuego interior. Al leer los Hechos de los Apóstoles durante este tiempo pascual, somos testigos una y otra vez de cómo sus corazones ardían dentro de ellos. Nada les impidió predicar y enseñar, compartir y cuidar. Recorrieron incansablemente millas y millas a caballo o a pie, por tierra o por mar para llegar a aquellos que aún no habían escuchado la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo.

¿Cómo arde tu fuego? ¿Es como el mío durante esos primeros intentos? ¿Se enciende de inmediato para apagarse con la misma rapidez? ¿Se necesita un poco de persuasión pero al final arde brillantemente? ¿Es un fuego constante que ofrece calidez a todo lo que lo rodea?

Prestemos atención a la invitación de Jesús hoy: “No pierdan la paz. Si creen en Dios, crean también en mí.” Dios puede convertir nuestra llama en un fuego ardiente. Nuestra fe debe ser algo que vivamos, algo que nos mueve y algo que respiremos. Debería dictar nuestras decisiones y acciones diarias, porque Jesús dice claramente: “Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida”.

Que tu llama arda intensamente hoy y cada día, para que otros sientan el calor del amor de Dios en ti y glorifiquen a Dios.

Comunicarse con la autora

Feature Image Credit: Photoholgic, https://unsplash.com/photos/photo-of-bonfire-BmoqhFTwdvc

Tami Urcia grew up in Western Michigan, a middle child in a large Catholic family. She spent early young adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Western Kentucky. She loves tackling projects, finding fun ways to keep her little ones occupied, quiet conversation with the hubby and finding unique ways to love. She works full time, is a guest blogger on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net, and has been doing Spanish translations on the side for over 20 years.

Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist

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Reading 1 1 Pt 5:5b-14

Beloved:    
Clothe yourselves with humility
in your dealings with one another, for:

God opposes the proud
but bestows favor on the humble.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time.
Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant.
Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, steadfast in faith,
knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world
undergo the same sufferings.
The God of all grace
who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you
after you have suffered a little.
To him be dominion forever.  Amen.

I write you this briefly through Silvanus,
whom I consider a faithful brother,
exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.
Remain firm in it.
The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son.
Greet one another with a loving kiss.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Responsorial Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R.    (2)  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
The heavens proclaim your wonders, O LORD,
and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies can rank with the LORD?
Who is like the LORD among the sons of God?
R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.
R.    For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R.    Alleluia.

Alleluia 1 Cor 1:23a-24b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We proclaim Christ crucified;
he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 16:15-20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

St. Mark, the Evangelist

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St. Mark, the Evangelist

Feast date: Apr 25

St. Mark, the Evangelist, is the author of the second Gospel and the patron saint of notaries. He wrote the Gospel in Greek for the Gentile converts to Christianity. Tradition says the Romans asked St. Mark to record the teachings of St. Peter about Jesus. St. Mark is often depicted as a winged lion in religious art.

St. Mark is also said to have traveled with St. Paul and St. Barnabas, who was Mark’s cousin, on their missionary journey through Cyprus. Mark is said to have founded the Church in Alexandria.

St. Mark is sometimes called John Mark in the New Testament. Both he and his mother, Mary, were highly esteemed in the early Church, and his mother’s house in Jerusalem served as a meeting place for Christians.

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