Sunday, May 4: THE ASCENSION OF JESUS: Gloria & Creed: Acts 1:1-11 (As the Apostles were looking on, Jesus was lifted up.), Ps 47:2-3 & 6-9 (God mounts His throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.), Ephesians 1:17-23 (God seated Jesus at His right hand in the heavens.), Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!, Matthew 28:16-20 (Go and make disciples of all the nations and teach for I am with you always.)
Theme: Jesus returned to His heavenly Father to prepare a place there for His faithful followers.
The Ascension, 40 days after Easter, marked the last time Jesus appeared to His early followers. He was taken up in a cloud and we are still waiting for His second coming. He went back to heaven to intercede there as our High Priest and to prepare a place for us, Jn 14:3. He told His followers that He would not leave them alone. He and His Father would send Their Holy Spirit to empower them to continue His work of reaching out to all people on earth inviting them into His Kingdom. He promised to be with His Church until the end of time. Acts 1:1-11 and Luke 24:51 tells us of JesusÙ Ascension. Jesus commanded them to remain in Jerusalem until they should receive His promised Holy Spirit. Then they were to go out to all the world proclaiming His Good News. This was their mission and it has been passed on to us. We have the Spirit of the Father and the Son Who enlightens and reminds us of all that Jesus said, Jn 14:26. This Holy Spirit brings us the Truth of GodÙs Kingdom. It proves the world wrong about sin, justice and condemnation. And the Holy Spirit still guides us and makes us holy in the Fire of His love. Let us surrender ourselves more fully to His transforming power; "be transformed by the renewal of your minds," Romans 12: 2. With Mary and the early community let us continue in prayer begging for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Have a good week as we wait and pray for His transformation. Blessings, + Fr. Bob Hilz.
P.S.: Last Friday began the ChurchÙs Solemn Novena preparing for Pentecost. You can still make at least 7 days by praying each day for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in your life and the world. Any prayer to the Holy Spirit would be O.K.
Monday, May 5: Acts 19:1-8 (Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?), Ps 68:2-7 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.), John 16:29-33 (Take courage, I have conquered the world.)
Tuesday, May 6: Acts 20:17-27 (I am finishing my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.), Ps 68:12-11 & 20-21 (Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.), John 17:1-11a (Father, glorify Your Son.)
Wednesday, May 7: Acts 20:28-38 (I commend you to God, Who has the power to build you up and to give you an inheritance.), Ps 68:29-36b (Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.), John 17:11b-19 (May they be one just as We are one.)
Thursday, May 8: Acts 22:30 & 23:6-11 (You must bear witness in Rome.), Ps 16:1-2a, 5, & 7-11 (Keep me safe, O God; You are my hope.) John 17:20-26 (May they all be one.)
Friday, May 9: Acts 25:13b-21 (Jesus was dead, Whom Paul claimed to be alive.), 103:1-2, 11-12 & 19-20b (The Lord has established His throne in heaven.), John 21:15-10 (Feed My lambs, feed My sheep.) (Franciscan optional memorial of 2nd & 3rd Order Nuns, St. Catherine of Bologna, virgin, 1413-1463. She was born in Bologna, Italy, and connected to royalty in Ferrara. She got a good liberal education at court. At 17 she joined a group of religious women that 4 years later became Poor Clare Nuns in Ferrara. With 15 others she was sent to Florence to make a new foundation where she became superior. Her reputation of holiness drew many vocations.)
Saturday, May 10: (Optional memorial of Blessed Damien de Veuster of MolokaÙi, priest, Leper priest, 1840-1889. He was born January 3 in Tremeloo, Belgium. He and his brother joined a missionary order and went to the Hawaiian Islands where he worked to improve the lot of the lepers. He was beatified in 1995.) Acts 28:16-20 & 30-31 (Paul remained at Rome, proclaiming the Kingdom of God.), Ps 11:4, 5 & 7 (The just will gaze on Your face, O Lord.), John 21:20-25 (This is the disciple who has written these things and his testimony is true.)
Saturday, May 10: Vigil of Pentecost Mass: Gloria and Creed: Genesis 11:1-9 (It was called Babel because there the Lord confused the languages of the whole world.), or Exodus 19:3-8a & 16-20 (The Lord came down upon Mount Sinai before the people.) or Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Dry bones of Israel, I will put My Spirit in you that you may come to life.), or Joel 3:1-5 (I will pour out My Spirit upon the servants and handmaids.), Ps 104:1-2, 24, 35 & 27-30 (Lord, send out Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.), Romans 8:22-27 (The Holy Spirit intercedes with inexpressible groanings.), Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Alleluia, alleluia!, John 7:37-39 (Rivers of living water will flow from within.).
Sunday, May 11: The SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST: Gloria, Sequence and Creed: Acts 2:1-11 (They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages.), Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31 & 34 (Lord, send out Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.), 1 Corinthians 12:3-7 & 12-13 (In one Spirit we were all baptized, making one body.) Or Galatians 5:16-25 (The fruits of the Holy Spirit.) Pentecost Sequence: Come, Holy Spirit Come, Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Alleluia, alleluia!, John 20:19-23 (As the Father sent Me, so I send you: ...Receive the Holy Spirit.)