WEEK TWENTY TWO: LIFE IN THE RESURRECTION - DAY 3



WEEK TWENTY TWO: LIFE IN THE RESURRECTION - DAY 3

MORNING PRAYER: Act of Faith; Act of Hope; Act of Charity; Daily Offering

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

REPETITION OF DAYS ONE AND TWO:
Ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days One and Two of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation." (# 62) If you wish, you can do a triple colloquy: refer to #63 of the Third Exercise of the First Week.

Day 1 - Prayer on 1 Corinthians 15: 3-8: Christ's Resurrection "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 appeared to Cephas, 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." [Please read 1 Corinthians 15: 1-56 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Day 2 - Prayer on 2 Corinthians 13: 13: Paul's Greeting: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship (communion) of the holy Spirit be with all of you.

God speaks, I listen.  Paul has been condemning the body of Christ, it was his way, Paul spoke and God listened then came the Holy Spirit and Paul was transformed.  He was a seeker of truth, his truth, then he realized that his truth was not the way, he did not know truth, in fact it was the opposite.  His love for God was condemning God, God was speaking and Paul was listening.  He has been transformed, now his life is done through the lense of the Holy Spirit.  God speaks and I listen. 

What is God saying to you?  Seek truth and the deeper message in My Word, reflect upon the images and words used to paint the picture.  Is Love your guiding force in all that you do?

Dear Father God, You overwhelm the senses and imagination with the power of Your Holy Spirit.  I thank You for the blessings of Your graces that are poured out each Friday morning in the men's prayer group.  I thank You for the tutelage of Your Holy Spirit in my daily life and I thank You for the constant transformation and reminder of not sitting still both physically and spiritually.  Bless this day Father, welcome all Your children into the Kingdom and to seek Truth in Your Holy Word.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

https://youtu.be/ca9LnzJnpjQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY TWO: LIFE IN THE RESURRECTION - DAY 2



 WEEK TWENTY TWO: LIFE IN THE RESURRECTION - DAY 2

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on 2 Corinthians 13: 13: Paul's Greeting: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship (communion) of the holy Spirit be with all of you."

Read the Reflection: ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

1. 'The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ' is the unmerited gift to us of sharing in God's divine life, made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus has bridged the chasm between God and us, caused by our sin. And now we share in His relationship with the Father and Holy Spirit. With Him, in Him, and through Him, we now can address His Father as Our Father!

2. 'The love of God' the Father has made possible this indescribable gift of participation in the divine nature through Jesus: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3: 16).

3. 'The fellowship (communion) of the Holy Spirit': To bring about this covenant union of God with His human covenant family, the fellowship or communion of the Holy Spirit has been offered to us. Through the Holy Spirit, the Trinity invites us into God's life and relationships, to share in their Trinitarian fellowship." from Mold me as Your Disciple.

Being under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit makes you a student of God.  As His creation we seek the perfect place for us and our families, St Paul is giving us the perfect place while on earth, being with and in the presence of the Triune God.  It is like he is emulating Jesus when Jesus says "Peace be with you."    We are built to seek Heaven, it isn't here on earth, this is the valley of tears with its trials and tribulations but being with God on earth is the closest to Heaven.  Jesus found this place in the midst of His life, Paul and the Apostles found it and we are each offered the same opportunity.  Be under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit and listen!  He speaks, I listen.  

What is God saying to you?  Peace be with You, nothing is hidden from you, it is available to all, all of it.  I hold nothing back.  

Dear Father, You speak and I listen even in my short comings, I listen.  Thank You God for this day and all it has to offer, let's go together and be confident in the truth of Your Word.  Prayers for a friend recovering from an operation, return him to full health and full physical ability.  May Your Peace reside in our hearts today, I ask this in the One who died for our sins, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Patron of the Dying, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/svjUyCxmQa0

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY TWO: LIFE IN THE RESURRECTION - DAY 1



WEEK TWENTY TWO: LIFE IN THE RESURRECTION - DAY 1

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on 1 Corinthians 15: 3-8: Christ's Resurrection "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 appeared to Cephas, 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." [Please read 1 Corinthians 15: 1-56 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Some of the Corinthians are denying the resurrection of the dead (verse 12). They are not able to imagine the possibility of any kind of bodily existence after death (verse 35). Paul affirms both the bodily reality of the Risen Lord and the implied reality of our own resurrection. His response through the whole Chapter moves through three steps: a recall of the basic teaching about Jesus' resurrection (verses 1-11). In this step, Paul recounts the various appearances of the Risen Lord to his disciples and to the last and least of all, Paul. These men and women are living witnesses of the Risen Jesus, that He is Messiah and Lord. Secondly, in verses 12-34, Paul makes an assertion of the logical inconsistencies involved in denying the resurrection. For instance, "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all." (verses 17-19) Thirdly, in verses 35-58, Paul makes an attempt to perceive theologically what the properties of the resurrected body must be. A good example is the following verses, 42- 44: "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible. It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one."

What is God saying to you?  My Spirit lives within, call upon Me for help and guidance more.  I Am there always.

Dear Father, I thank You for this day and all it has to offer.  I thank You for the lessons You are teaching, help me carry them through the day.  I pray for a friend in the hospital, heal his body and return his strength to him.  Prayers for sound minds and good judgement as the days unfold.  Watch over us Lord and protect us from all harm.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Au3otElq6D4

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 6



WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 6

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

REPETITION OF DAYS FOUR AND FIVE:
Ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days Four and Five of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation." (# 62) If you wish, you can do a triple colloquy: refer to #63 of the Third Exercise of the First Week.

Day 4 - Prayer on Acts 2: 1-4: The Descent of the Holy Spirit: "When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim." [Please read Acts 2: 1-13 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Day 5 - Prayer on Galatians 5: 22-25: The Fruit of the Spirit: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit."

The authority of God, in His infinite wisdom God gives us His Holy Church so we may follow Him on earth throughout the ages.  The teachings of the Church span centuries, for as we know God is a mystery even in the little that we know there is so much more that we have yet to learn.  "If we live in the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit", as humans we seek knowledge but in doing so we can get influenced by our own will and desire.  This is the flaw of our own nature, in following Christ we are following the teachings of the Church.  In following our own wills we are following a blind man.  Listen to your heart and be healed with the love of Christ.  

What is God saying to you?  It will be ok, we know how the end is written, have faith and march on, more are in the way.  

Dear Father, I am at a loss of words this morning, I can not express what the mind and heart feel and know.  You see the battlefield Lord, you see the wounded and hurting and most don't even know it.  I pray for the warriors, the ones willing to stand and fight, the ones willing to listen and follow.  Prayers for a friend in the hospital with Covid, prayers for his family, I ask for his healing both body, mind and soul.  Watch over us Lord and send help, may we not be lulled to sleep in this valley of tears.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mart, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Pillar of Families, Pray for us.  
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/lJ9HwwvNH6M

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 5



WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 5



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Galatians 5: 22-25: The Fruit of the Spirit: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit."

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Through these gifts we receive an appreciation of God's life, of the Trinitarian relationships, and of the meaning of being in a new and everlasting covenant with the Triune God who is Covenant itself. We are heirs with Christ of God's eternal Life because of God's love for us. Joy and Peace are innate to the Risen Lord, and are offered to us as lasting signs of our insertion into God's divine life. Only Jesus can share His Peace and Joy with us because the Trinity is the Source, and Jesus is both the Source and the Way to receive the Trinitarian gifts of peace and joy through the Holy Spirit. As we enter more deeply into Trinitarian Life and put on the mind and heart of Jesus Christ, we learn to become as the Trinity is in relationship to us through the Holy Spirit. We learn to be patient as God, throughout the history of human beings, has been patient in endurance, both in His fidelity to the covenants, and to us in our sin and rebellion! Like God, under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit, we too learn to be kind and generous. Our faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control are a sharing in God's own transparency of spirit.

Love is patient, Love is kind, I sat with God's patience this morning and witness His love and kindness with us.  In the events of our lives He watches as we learn to love Him in return as He loves us unconditionally.  As a father loves his children, when the children listen and follow, this brings about joy in both Father and child.  The fruit of the Spirit are gifts that need nurtured, they need an attentive ear and a willing heart, they need patience for them to blossom.  In the quiet moments of your day, you can witness Love moving about being a loving Father.   In the silence, they grow ever deeper without the influences of the world penetrating.

What is God saying to you?

Dear Father, Thank You for the witness of Love, the answer to prayers and the peace that it brings about in families and the future of Your people.  Thank You Father for being able to sit and watch, to ponder Your movements within and see growth occurring in the vineyard.  Thank You Father for Your protection, for Your watchful glances and reminders that keeps us on track, the gentle nudges that brings us back on course.  Bless the couples that got married yesterday in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament, bless them with the knowledge of the depth of You being present physically in the Eucharist.  Prayers for young couples to choose to get married in Church and not at the altars of the World.  Bless this day Father and all that You are giving, Thank You.

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Guardian of Virgins, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/W-U4Rv_d_Ws

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 4



 WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 4

"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Acts 2: 1-4: The Descent of the Holy Spirit: "When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim." [Please read Acts 2: 1-13 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles reverberated with the power and majesty of God, and brought about amazing transformation in the apostles and bystanders. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit occasioned the birth of the Church. The Holy Spirit is described as "a strong driving wind," and "tongues of fire." Fire symbolized the presence of God to initiate the covenant on Sinai. Here the Holy Spirit acts upon the apostles, preparing them to proclaim the new covenant with its unique gift of the Divine Spirit. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamations. The bystanders were utterly amazed and dumbfounded because they could understand the apostles speaking to them in their own tongues. What an amazing manifestation of God's power in and through the Holy Spirit!" Copier from Mold me as Your Disciple GEM

I sit in quiet contemplation with my eyes closed, in the room are the Apostles and our Blessed Mother, the Queen Mother, the Queen of Peace.  Her presence brings about peace within our spirit and her presence also prepares us for what her Son Jesus has already told us.  Our hearts are ready, we have been cleansed from sin and any doubts by Jesus, and fear of death no longer has a grip upon us.  The silence is really quiet, I can hear shuffling of feet, the breath of another then I hear the sound from Heaven, a rushing wind, Pentecost of the Holy Ghost has arrived.  Now I must decide is my "Yes" full hearted, it is.  From that day forward the lives of the Apostles has never been the same, it is a joint effort with the Triune God.  Persecuted and trials still will come but God is always present within, that guiding whisper leads the way and we that have been baptized in the Spirit get to decide is my "Yes", full hearted, it is!

What is God saying to you?  My Holy Spirit does not come uninvited, it does not come into a soul unprepared.  When it comes you know, for everything is different from that time on, you are no longer born of the flesh but born of the spirit.  Your witness isn't made up, it is natural and of Me, it is a true witness that changes lives that are also prepared and ready to receive truth.  (Come Holy Spirit)

Dear Father, we are blessed to be in Your Presence each day in prayer, to sit at Your feet and listen to gifts of Your Holy Spirit.  Our hearts stir as the words resonate within and You reveal the Word of God to us.  I thank You for the gift of this day, I thank You for Your Patience with me as we walk together.  Prayers for a sister-in-law with parents with Covid, calm their minds and hearts and bring healing into their bodies.  Thank You Father for slowing us down to realize what is truly important in life, it begins at home.  Prayers for families that are struggling may they see the gift of prayer in action.  I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Glory of Domestic Life, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/KAq2g5WvuZE

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 3



 WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 3

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

 

REPETITION OF DAYS ONE AND TWO:

Ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days One and Two of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation." (# 62) If you wish, you can do a triple colloquy: refer to #63 of the Third Exercise of the First Week.

What is God saying to you?  There are no easy answers in life, no magic wand that makes things go away. The only truth one can rely upon is the Truth of My Word.  My Son died for your sins and those of humanity.  In this understanding of our own human weaknesses, it is in listening and developing Our relationship daily.  Sin can not be present when I am present.  The question: What am I saying to you? is an important question on daily discipleship.  My Apostles learned this as we sat together in person, sometimes nothing was said but they knew what I was thinking.  Be at peace with all these situations, trust in My Divine will and point others to the cross and My Son, this is the answer all are seeking.  Sin can never be justified otherwise Jesus died in vain.  Look to the cross, with an open heart.  

Dear Father, Thank You for the grace to sit in Your presence, to recognize my own human weaknesses and to rely upon You for the spiritual guidance that is needed.  Prayers for friends walking alone, not taking time to sit and listen.  Prayers for a successful ladies conference in Victoria tomorrow, give them a heart to listen and respond.  Thank you for the bountiful rain this afternoon.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Most Pure, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Model of Workers, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/vBqPXvP6aso

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 2



WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 2

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Acts 1: 8-9: "Imminent Coming of the Holy Spirit": "But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [Please read Acts 1: 1-14 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1: 6), is a question the disciples asked Jesus just before His Ascension. The question implies that in believing Jesus to be the Christ, they had expected Him to be a political leader who would restore self-rule to Israel during His historical ministry. When this had not taken place, they ask if it is to take place at this time, the period of the church. Just as Jerusalem was the city of destiny in the Gospel of Luke, the place where salvation was accomplished, so here at the beginning of Acts, Jerusalem occupies a central position. It is the starting point for the mission of the disciples of Jesus, to begin in Jerusalem and go to the ends of the earth, which for Luke meant Rome. The establishment and expansion of the true kingdom of Christ was to happen in the power of the Holy Spirit. Through His power, the disciples would become able and enthusiastic witnesses. And they prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit through prayer in the Upper Room and Mary, the mother of Jesus was with them (Acts 1: 13-14).

"But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses", Jesus creates expectation with His disciples, His witness to truth is now reality to them.  Everything He said would happen has, they "will be" witnesses when the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon them.  Mary, the Mother of Jesus has entered their discipleship.  She has already received the power of the Holy Spirit and her task is to help the followers of her Son, the Son of God.  Mary's role has changed, she is now part of their training, helping prepare them for their witness.  

What is God saying to you?  I have prepared the way and it is My power that gives witness to the truth of My Son through you, accept My teachings and be a student of My holy will.  

Dear Father, You create expectation within our lives and give us reason for hope.  You fill us with Your Holy Spirit that transforms the world and gives foot to Your word.  In a world that denies Your existence may Your presence penetrate the darkness and speak truth.  Prayers for our priests and the faithful who are daily following Your will.  Thank You Father for giving us the Mother of Jesus who sits with us to help us understand the power of Your Holy Spirit.  Without her witness Jesus would not be, You created this expectation within her just as You do with us.  Thank You Father for plans and events coming together that brings about Your Kingdom, set hearts a fire with Your love.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Lover of Poverty, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Ml62Bc9kH9U

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 1



WEEK TWENTY ONE: THE ASCENSION AND PENTECOST - DAY 1

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit Prayer

Acts 1: 8-9: Jesus' Ascension: "But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight." [Please read Acts 1: 6-12 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Along with Mark who has a brief account of the Ascension of Jesus in the longer ending, there are two accounts of the Ascension in Luke's writings, his Gospel account and the Acts of the Apostles which has the more detailed account. In pondering the Ascension accounts, the reader receives some powerful insights into God's plan of salvation for us. The first fruit of the Risen Christ's Ascension is the gift of the Holy Spirit: "But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1: 8) Secondly, while Jesus will return to His Father, He will continue to be Emmanuel, God among us in the Eucharist and through His Holy Spirit. With Jesus dwelling in His covenant family, and in our hearts, we will witness to the world about the saving deeds of God. Thirdly, an astonishing change takes place in the disciples at Jesus' Ascension. They are no longer afraid or feel orphaned. They are out in the marketplace and worship publicly in the temple, engaging in constant prayer and praise of God: "They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God." (Luke 24: 52-53)

The apostles have been transformed from a group of cowering men afraid of the world around them and staying hidden to being filled with the knowledge and insight of the Risen Christ.  Death no longer has a grip upon them nor their own sin because of the love received from the Risen Christ.  This transformation happened naturally, along with their deliberate actions.  Their doubt was removed, their yearning for the Messiah has been answered in Jesus.  We have the same opportunity to make the same intentional actions trusting in the Triune God for the same results in our own lives.  Might will not get it done, only a willing and trusting spirit with an ear to listen and respond to the voice of the Risen Lord.  

What is God saying to you?  Your life is transformed in the presence of My risen Son, the disciples did nothing other than follow My divine will for their lives, the transformation happened naturally as they journeyed with Me. 

Dear Father, I thank You for this transformation that is occurring within my life and the lives around us.  The power of Your Holy Spirit transforms our thinking, our understanding and helps us see the world in a different light.  Wash over us this day with Your living presence and transform us into Your disciples.  Thank You Father for Your guidance and Your help, for the graces that You are revealing each day that draws us into Discipleship.  Bless this day and all it has to offer, in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pattern of Patience, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/2U1MuOCHon4

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 7



 WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 7

MORNING PRAYER: Act of Faith; Act of Hope; Act of Charity; Daily Offering

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

APPLICATION OF THE SENSES: #121-126

Apply your senses to those points in the two repetitions where you experienced consolation or desolation, or greater spiritual appreciation. Ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221).

#121 tells us that this method of prayer "will consist in applying the five senses to the matter" at hand.

#122 asks you to see in imagination the persons, contemplating in detail their circumstances and then drawing some fruit from what has been seen.

#123 asks you to hear what they are saying or might say, and by reflecting on oneself to draw some profit.

#124 asks you to smell the infinite fragrance, and taste the infinite sweetness of the divinity present in the mystery being contemplated.

#125 asks you to apply the sense of touch, for example, by embracing and kissing the place where the persons stand or are seated.

#126 asks you to end with a colloquy.

Tasting the Divine sweetness in the situations of life.  In the repetition of days three and six, the presence of God abounds in these bible verses.  He brings with Him peace and answers to prayers, there is a yearning within to taste and see the goodness of God.  Each day these same stories plays out in our lives and that same Divine sweetness is present, do we recognize Him bringing peace into the room?  Do we recognize our own hearts desiring a deeper understanding.  In trusting in the Divine sweetness and faithfully witnessing the presence of God in our own lives, He changes who we are and the daily situations of our own stories.  

What is God saying to you?  Just be in My presence.  

Dear Father, You know I am trusting in You and faithfully making the effort.  Your Son Jesus was born as man, the new Adam and lived as we did with the same choices that we have.  In our own daily lives, be stronger within, may Your Divine sweetness be ever present in our choices each day.  Prayers for friends sick with Covid and in a battle, help them overcome the infirmities of this disease so they can live to fight another day.  Thank You Father for another great start to another day with You within.  Amen 

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Faithful, Pray for us. 

St Stephen, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/9F2VxxP1JR8

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 6



WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 6



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

REPETITION OF DAYS FOUR AND FIVE:
Ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days Four and Five of this week. In a repetition
St. Ignatius says that "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation." (# 62) If you wish, you can do a triple colloquy: refer to #63 of the Third Exercise of the First Week.

Day 4 - Prayer on John 20: 27-29: The Doubting Thomas "Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." [Please read John 20: 24-29 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Day 5 - John 21: 18-19: Peter the Shepherd "Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me." [Please read John 21: 15-19 for a better appreciation of the passage].

In the repetition of day 4 and day 5, there is a common thread as you contemplate both scriptures and the journey you are in.   

What is God saying to you?  Obedience even if the flesh is weak, it is My spirit that gives you strength.  My words have purpose for your life.  

Dear Father God, there is much to be thankful for this morning.  In the quiet of the morning You whisper waiting for our response and our obedience.  The insights You give us are there to guide us into a greater tomorrow.  You see the struggle and You also see the victory, I will follow whether I see it or not.  Use me today in Your Kingdom so in time there is fruit on the vine, prune what needs to be pruned so we can be come stronger.  Prayers for all on this journey home. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Hope, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Obedient, Pray for us 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/ue6a3LERJW8

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 5



WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 5

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

John 21: 18-19: Peter the Shepherd "Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me." [Please read John 21: 15-19 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

This account gives us a deep insight into Jesus as Master, and Peter as disciple. After breakfast, Jesus takes Peter aside and they have a memorable face to face, heart to heart encounter. Jesus has very high standards for His covenant relationship with Peter and us. However, given our feet of clay, the transformation will take place in stages through the empowerment of His Holy Spirit! Twice, Jesus asks Peter: "Do you love me more than these?" In both instances, Jesus is asking if Peter is willing to love Him to the point of laying down his life for him: 'Agapas me' in the Greek. Peter's response is sober and honest. He replies that he loves Jesus as a friend would: 'filo se' in the Greek. While Peter does not meet Jesus' standards of loving to the point of laying down one's life, He still trusts Peter, and incrementally asks him first to feed His lambs and then to tend His sheep. When Jesus asks Peter for the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me," Peter is hurt. From the Greek it becomes obvious why. Jesus asked him if he was willing to love Him even as a friend: 'fileis me' in the Greek. Peter feels convicted. Jesus is exposing his inner dispositions, and does not yet trust Peter's assessment of his love for Him. Once again, Peter's response is sober and honest: 'filo se' in the Greek. Oddly enough, Jesus gives him even greater responsibility and asks him to feed His sheep and be their good shepherd. Jesus then makes a prediction, suggesting His total confidence in the power of His Holy Spirit to transform Peter's life and ministry: "... but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God" (21: 18-19). It needs to be observed that throughout this encounter Jesus addressed Peter as Simon, his name before he was brought into a covenant relationship with Jesus who gave him the name, Peter. This ardent, generous, and flawed disciple is slowly transformed by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

It is an interesting exchange between Peter and Jesus, they have been together and experienced much together.  They know each other, especially Jesus knowing Peter.  Will you lay down your life for Jesus?  Peter denied Him three times even after witnessing Him as God.  We may or may not to be asked to lay down our lives to die for Christ.  If you know Him as friend then you will, if you do not know Him, why would you?  It is in the daily experiences of conversations that we develop friendship with God.  It is in experiencing each other in everyday life where the love grows within with our Triune God.  "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." ‭‭John‬ ‭15:13‬  Relationship is an important part of discipleship.  

What is God saying to you? Do you love me?

Dear Father, I pray I have Your strength if ever asked to lay down my life.  Each day in small ways I lay it down and also realize there is more to be done within.  Thank You for the cool of the morning and the time to visit.  I trust in You for all things, bless this day and all it has to offer, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Martyrs, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Courageous, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Elyfzuteb9Q

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 4



 WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 4

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on John 20: 27-29: The Doubting Thomas "Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." [Please read John 20: 24-29 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord.

Probably the most significant story of disillusionment and hopelessness is that of Doubting Thomas. Thomas was not willing to believe the eyewitness accounts of his colleagues with whom he had spent three years of intense formation in discipleship with Jesus. He did not witness the Risen Lord as the others did because he chose to absent himself from their company when Jesus appeared to them. His response to his colleagues was both stubborn and disbelieving: "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail-marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." (verse 25) A week later, Jesus appeared to the group. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus invited Thomas to do what he said he needed to do in order to believe, namely, to probe the nail prints and marks with his hand. Instead Thomas exclaimed in astonished belief: "My Lord and my God!" Jesus then gave Thomas some salutary advice which we need to take to heart: "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Thomas gave voice to his unbelief, his friends have spoken truth to him but he is hard of heart.  What areas in your own life does unbelief have a hold off?  I was struck by Jesus not being present when Thomas denied his friends and clearly stated what it would take for him to believe.   Upon Jesus entering the room next time, Jesus answered Thomas's prayer/request.  Who told Jesus exactly what Thomas said?  No one!  He is the head and we are the body, He knows every hair on your head, do you think He doesn't know your heart.   I have journeyed with Didymus and watched as his unbelief has turned into belief and understanding.  How he as well, like St Thomas is evangelizing the unbelieving.  God knows your heart, hiding it will not make it go away, trust and believe in the Risen Lord.  Happy Easter Thomas.  

What is God saying to you?  Do you see the greatness of the word, even though I Am in plain sight you still have to look beyond the eyes where I can be revealed.  It is not hidden for those who seek to know truth, Thomas gave voice to his unbelief and I responded.  Go in peace today with Love in your heart.  

Dear Father, we are all connected through the body of Christ, seeking to know you more and more each day.  In my unbelief shed light into the truth You give us in Your Holy Word.  I thank You for a blessed weekend to enjoy the gift of life and the great outdoors.  I pray for the healing of the unbelieving, increase their faith and cast out the demons that plague them.  The body needs to grow stronger and You are our strength.  Thank You Father for the blessing of this day and all it has to offer, May we praise You in actions, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Prudent, Pray for us. 

St Thomas, Pray for us.

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/Fouqn5Xg5-E

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 2





 WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 2

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Luke 24: 36-47: The Appearance in Jerusalem:"...He stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost...."Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have."...While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them...Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem."

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

The hallmark of the Risen Lord's appearances is the replacement of fear with His peace! The first reaction of the disciples to Jesus' Presence is fear and terror. They think they are seeing a ghost. They had a similar reaction to Jesus when he came to them on the water. They reacted in the same way on numerous occasions when they were overwhelmed by Jesus' authority over demons and the elements. In the Resurrection appearances, Jesus offers peace to His disciples. Eirene is the Greek word for peace, used some 90 times in the New Testament. Jesus' peace is the unassailable assurance that has been given to us by Jesus who has overcome Satan, sin, and permanent death, and has restored us to covenant union with our Triune God! This assurance is the solid foundation on which our relationship with God has been firmly established. No power on earth can overcome Jesus' peace, because "in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily, and you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power." (Colossians 2: 9-10) In this appearance, Jesus also allays whatever doubts his disciples might have had about His resurrection and the resurrected state. Jesus makes it clear that He still has a body even when He was raised from the dead. To prove this point, He asked for and ate food given to Him. He opens their minds to understand the scriptures, as He did with the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. Most importantly, Jesus commissions His disciples for their future ministry. Imagine you are with the disciples and are witnessing the presence and peace of your Risen Lord!

Love has entered the room, you are there and see Jesus standing in the flesh.  Your mind can not comprehend what is going on, you recall your own actions as Jesus was being crucified for your sins.  You feel like turning away because of your sinfulness but you are drawn to Him.  His words bring peace to your heart, you know he died for you and is now sharing His will, the will of the Father.  When standing before the burning bush God sees all and you see all but you receive forgiveness for your unfaithfulness.  The natural reaction is repentance, not wanting to hurt the One who loves you so much.  You turn towards God in daily life, you share the message of forgiveness and repentance in actions more than words.  Encounter Christ in your daily prayer, receive the gift of healing and become a disciple in a world that denies Him, show what repentance looks like.  

What is God saying to you? 

Dear Lord, I love You with all my heart, all my soul and all my mind.  I am sorry for my sinful ways, for my actions that do not share the joy of Christ with others.  I ThankYou for loving me anyway, for sitting with me each day and revealing truth, for unpacking scripture in many different ways.  Prayers for the gift of grace that is in motion, for plans that are coming together.  Fortify these actions Lord and may my actions be those of Yours, I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Just, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/1aDs4R2lqMk

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 1



WEEK TWENTY: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD - DAY 1

"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Luke 24: 21-23; 31: The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus
"But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel ... Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive ... With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight." [Please read Luke 24: 13-35 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Only Luke has this account in his gospel. These two disciples have heard the good news that an angel of the Lord had appeared to the two women and told them that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Yet, they did not believe. Maybe because they were still caught up in the discarded notion that Jesus would be a political Messiah: "But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel." Not until they had traveled with the Risen Lord in person did they come to believe. And as He had done on a few occasions during His earthly ministry, Jesus led His two disciples to full faith in Him as their Risen Lord in gradual steps. Jesus shows them that it was necessary that the Messiah "should suffer these things and enter into his glory." (verse 26). He then opened the scriptures to them, beginning with Moses and all the prophets. The conversation and presence of this stranger stirs their hearts deeply: "Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?" (verse 32) When they arrived at their destination, Jesus gave them the impression that He was going on farther. They persuaded Him to stay and have supper with them. "While he was at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight." (verses 30-31) In their first Eucharist with the Risen Lord, the disciples recognized Jesus and were given new life abundantly!" By Dr Michael Fonseca with God's Embrace Ministries.

They were going on "their" way, I found it fascinating that even though they had heard of Christ not being in the tomb, angels appearing to two women and something special going on, they were leaving the epicenter of Christendom.  It hadn't  met with "their" standards of who God was.   Funny how our human thinking gets in the way of God.  God always tells us what He is going to do, He meets us where we are at and doesn't try to change our minds, He just lays out the truth, then we are free to make our own decisions.  At what point do we accept God at His word, when do we see what He is doing in our lives and if we are going on "my" way and not His, when do I turn around and go back to the truth?  When do I go back to the epicenter?

What is God saying to you?  Meet people where they are at and walk with them, the world has ways of chewing us up and clouding you're thinking.  In the still and quiet of the day can I be heard.  

Dear Father, You set my heart ablaze when we sit together, You reveal truth to me and share Your heart with me.  I thank You for walking with me and giving of Yourself so I can better understand the mysteries of Heaven.  Prayers for those going "their" own way, sometimes that is where they find You as You see them approaching ready to receive the truth.  Prayers for another day filled with Your Holy Spirit, continue to give us direction and bring us home with You.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of Holy Church, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/N_lrrq_opng



Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 7

WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 7

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

APPLICATION OF THE SENSES: #121-126
Apply your senses to those points in the two repetitions where you experienced consolation or desolation, or greater spiritual appreciation. Ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

#121 tells us that this method of prayer "will consist in applying the five senses to the matter" at hand.

#122 asks you to see in imagination the persons, contemplating in detail their circumstances and then drawing some fruit from what has been seen.

#123 asks you to hear what they are saying or might say, and by reflecting on oneself to draw some profit.

#124 asks you to smell the infinite fragrance, and taste the infinite sweetness of the divinity present in the mystery being contemplated.

#125 asks you to apply the sense of touch, for example, by embracing and kissing the place where the persons stand or are seated.

#126 asks you to end with a colloquy.

Journeying into the heart of God, sitting at His feet and watching what brings Him Joy, seeing the pain that He deals with and experiencing these emotions draws fruit into your own life. Jesus after Easter Sunday, after the great tribulation did not rest, He didn't relax and soak up the sun so to speak. His heart was of God, it was God and He went about preparing God's people for their mission. We strive for that peace and happiness but it isn't a destination it is actions of love. The clarity that God gives in the morning in the freshness of the day without all the distractions and noise of the world is a good place to be. The joy that you seek isn't a destination it is giving away what has already been received. After the transfiguration Jesus came down off the mountain, after the resurrection Jesus does the same, it makes me wonder about Heaven, a place without sin and God who loves us so deeply.

What is God saying to you? You are loved, I have prepared a place for you and your family, continue on and make me part of your day. A mind free of clutter can see the true reality.

Dear Father, my heart is lifted up this morning as we journeyed thru time to be in those places. You always have us in the forefront of Your thoughts and actions, ensuring we are being prepared for what tomorrow has in store for each of us. I pray for understanding and clarity in a situation that brings pain to You, I don't know why this has been but I see the truth in it, it is written in plain site for all to see but they allow prejudices to get in the way which circumvents Your will. Even in this, You are making crooked paths straight. Bless this day and all its actions, help us see with clarity the path that leads to You and beyond. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Zealous Defender of Christ, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey

WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 5



WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 5



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

REPETITION OF DAYS FOUR AND FIVE:
Ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days Four and Five of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation." (# 62) If you wish, you can do a triple colloquy: refer to #63 of the Third Exercise of the First Week.

Day 4 - Mark 16: 9-11: The Appearance to Mary Magdalene:"When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe."

Day 5 - Prayer on John 20: 19-23: Appearance to the Disciples: "Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. [Jesus] said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whole sins you retain are retained."

From disbelief to belief, it is a journey even the disciples had to take so they could better understand the journey we each must go through.  Mary Magadalene full of zeal and enthusiasm has met the risen Christ and no one believes her even the Apostles whom Jesus told them he would rise from the dead.  How many times have we told someone of the joys of Christ only to be met with unbelief, happens all the time.  We want to see for ourselves before we believe, the Apostles were no different.  But once they did encounter the risen Christ they were also transformed into ardent disciples.  In following Jesus there is both joy and suffering for what you know others will not always believe.  They will have to experience it for themselves so like Mary Magadalene, Pray for their conversion, Pray they also encounter Jesus, the Risen Lord.  

Dear Father, I thank You for the unbelief that engages us to seek You out, to verify what another tells us is true.  I thank You for the first disciples experiencing both the joy and the suffering of unbelief.  I pray for all those that do not take another's encounter with Christ at face value but I also know it is part of the journey.  Watch over us this day, transforms our lives so we each may become ardent disciples spreading the good news as only each of us can.  I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Risen Lord, Amen. 

Mary, Mother of Hope, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/RZx35DP0WHc

What is God saying to you?

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 5



WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 5



MORNING PRAYER: Act of Faith; Act of Hope; Act of Charity; Daily Offering

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on John 20: 19-23: Appearance to the Disciples: "Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. [Jesus] said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whole sins you retain are retained."

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

In John, the Resurrection, Ascension, and Imparting of the Holy Spirit are seen as different aspects of the same divine mystery. The disciples are transformed by the gift of the Holy Spirit being given to them by the Risen Jesus. Two points are worthy of note in this resurrection event. Jesus, the Risen Lord, breathes the Holy Spirit into his apostles. He breathes into them His own divine life through His Holy Spirit. Secondly, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives his apostles the power to forgive and retain sin. God took an amazing risk, to allow humans to exercise this power in His name. Twenty centuries of chosen humans, our bishops and priests, exercising this power in Jesus' name, has turned out to be an immense grace. God always knows best.  

As with Jesus, so with us, we will live and serve in the power and overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. This is what St. Cyril of Alexandria, circa 435, had to say about Genesis 2:7 (the Lord God...blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being) and John 20: 21-22: "Christ's act (of redemption) was a renewal of that primal gift and of the inbreathing bestowed on us, bringing us back to the form of the initial holiness and carrying man's nature up, as a kind of first fruits among the holy apostles, into the holiness bestowed on us initially at the first creation." The breathing of the Holy Spirit upon us by Jesus is our re-creation. We are begotten of the Spirit who will guide us to all truth and in doing so will give glory to Jesus!

The Prince of Peace enters the room, you are there contemplating the world outside and His words of comfort are; "Peace be with you."  The disciples have watched their world go from a sense of normal to something completely different, in a sense the outside world is foreign.  Jesus breaths on them and gives them the breath of Life, His Holy Spirit.  In our own lives, every breath you take is from above, every situation is there for a purpose and Jesus is the answer.  As you breath in and out you are receiving life, it can be His life if you so chose.  The disciples learned this lesson and went forth with a deeper knowledge of what God was calling them too and empowering them to not go alone.  

What is God saying to you?

Dear Lord God, I am thankful for the Breath of Your Holy Spirit that empowers my action.  Help me navigate the world around, May I see what You see, may I hear what You hear and may I respond as You do through me.  Thank You Father for the blessings of loved ones who are with us to be part of the journey.  Continue to bless this day and all You gave for each of us.  Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit, Come, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us

St Joesph, Most Prudent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/fWpvknKuYrg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 4



WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 4

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit.  

Mark 16: 9-11: The Appearance to Mary Magdalene:"When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe."

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

An amazing transformation took place in Mary Magdalene as a result of Jesus' ministrations. Mark 16:9 notes that "Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven demons." We know from various references in the New Testament, demons were fallen angels ruled by Satan. They knew who Jesus was. They were in fear of him and there was no reconciliation possible between them and Jesus. If Mary had seven demons possessing her, the poor woman was wretched and overpowered by the worst possible evil influences! In the eyes of society she would have been seen and despised as a sinner and lost sheep of Israel, thus causing unimaginable shame and anguish to her and her family. Through Jesus, Mary was transformed. She has become his devoted disciple. Only Jesus could recognize in Mary, God's own image and likeness, snatch her out of the hands of Satan, and claim her as his own. Mary is very special to Jesus, and the Risen Lord gives her the exquisite privilege of appearing to her. The apparition to Mary is the first one recorded in the Gospels.

It was Mary Magdalene that prepared Jesus for His burial by anointing His head with oil and washing His feet.   She was going back to the tomb to complete her task.  Her encounter with Christ was intense, Jesus removed the burden of seven demons and forgave her sins.  That encounter changed her world, her purpose had been revealed.  Her monies and resources were being used for good from that point forward.  Why is this the first appearance account in the resurrection?  Why did she prepare Jesus for His burial before being forgiven of her sins?  I will ponder these questions today and ask God to help me understand their purposes.  

What is God saying to you?  Not everything is revealed, it requires effort and your intellect.  After all, You are made in My image and likeness, You have the heart of God, it will come in time, don't force it.  

Dear Father, we have a tendency to force things and to make things happen, help me be patient and allow Your will to come to fruition.  Prayers for the growth of Your ministry here on earth, prayers for help so tomorrow brings about the light of Christ.  Thankful Father for the help that has already been provided, they are each amazing individuals that are being prepared.  Thankful for the journey.  Bless this day and the joy of You living within.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen Mother, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/OqjGT9BSyJA

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 2



WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 2

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Matthew 28: 1-6: The Resurrection of Jesus. "After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." [Please read Matthew 28: 1-15 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb of Jesus to complete His burial rites. They were not anticipating Jesus' resurrection. They were in the throes of intense sorrow and grief over the passing of their beloved Rabbi. In an instant their frame of mind is obliterated and replaced by earth-shattering Good News! Matthew begins his account by stating that there was an earthquake. Heaven has descended upon earth in the form of an angel of the Lord, whose appearance is described in a similar way as the transfigured Jesus on Mount Tabor. The Resurrection of Jesus signals the turning of the ages! A paradigmatic change in the world has occurred. No longer will it be the same. Immediately, the Resurrection of Jesus puts its stamp on everything around, bringing it all into subjection. The guards are shaken with fear and become like dead men. And the women are freed from their fear, and are filled with exceeding joy at knowing that Jesus has been raised from the dead. And then the angel gives them incontrovertible proof by showing them that the tomb is empty: "He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." In subsequent appearances, the disciples will experience first-hand how the world has been transformed by the resurrection of Jesus!

God always offers us an invitation, He knows that our souls are drawn to Him, it is part of being made in His image and likeness.  It is our own choice, that free will to decide for yourself.  But we need evidence so He gives it.  "He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:6‬.  I have been to the tomb, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where the tomb resides.  We celebrated mass there and witnessed Jesus come out of the tomb.  Sitting there and experiencing the supernatural presence of God is an overwhelming experience, you come away changed, your senses do not deceive you.  

What is God saying to you? You have to experience Jesus, only then is ones life transformed.  You become the free among the dead, for you, who were chosen have chose the Lamb of God as the Risen Lord.  Come and see, the goodness of My Son.   

Dear Father, You give Your children experiences that are to be shared.  You give us Holy places that are not to be defiled to worship you.  May we each accept the invitation that You offer each of us, may I not stand in the way of another coming to know You.  Create within me a clean heart, strength to share Your love and courage to accept the challenges that will come.  Prayers of thanksgiving for Your graces and blessings in each of our lives, You are the Giver of the greatest gift, life eternal.  Draw us within the sheep gate under Your mantle of protection.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Son of David, Pray for us.  
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Odh4cCVEp3s

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 1



WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 1

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Jesus appears to Mary, his Mother: #218-225; 299 (at the end of this email).  Read the Reflection; then pray from #218-225: ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)

We do not have a separate account of the Risen Lord appearing to his mother in the gospels. However, we do know that Mary was with the community of apostles after the resurrection, as we are told in Acts 1: 14: "All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers." It can be assumed, therefore, that she was with the first community of disciples when Jesus appeared to them. Besides, she was in the care of John the Beloved. There is a tradition in the Church that Jesus appeared to his mother, Mary. This tradition has been strongly cultivated by some of the saints, like Francis of Assisi and Ignatius of Loyola. In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius proposes the appearance of the Risen Lord to his mother as one of the resurrection apparitions. The Method of Contemplation would be the most appropriate way of entering into this apparition. You would put yourself in the scene and witness at close quarters the encounter between Jesus and his mother. You could see and hear them speak to each other; you can speak to them separately or together. You could hear them speak to you, etc.

What is God saying to you? Live within the Divinity of Christ, this is where true joy resides.  (You can not have a family without a mother)

Witnessing Mary and Jesus coming together for the first time.  Mary has always known of her son's Divnity, been given to her by God because of her yes but now His divinity has been revealed in flesh and blood.  It is no longer hidden.  Mary experienced the desolation, pain and suffering that Jesus endured but now the joy of what has been accomplished has been revealed.  Jesus out of love for His Mother, the same love He has for His Father goes to His Mother.  Their sacred hearts are united in mission, Jesus gives His mother full understanding of what is next and asks for her yes once again.  She becomes the spiritual influence in the disciples until they encounter the Divinity of Christ in Pentecost Sunday.  "Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home." John‬ ‭19:27‬  We are never left alone on our spiritual journey through life, Jesus sees to that, it is your yes that makes it possible to the Divinity of Christ.  

Dear Father, there is much to be gleamed when we close our eyes and witness to Your love for us.  This is a place I would like to stay at but I must open my eyes with the knowledge that You give and respond with Yes Lord, send me.  I thank You for this day and what it has to offer, I thank You for the insights into Your Divinity and how You make Yourself known to us.  Watch over us Lord, protect what You have placed upon our hearts and give us strength as You gave Your Son.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Church, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/G2Ejipe3rVE

Fourth Week

(218)

First Contemplation

The apparition of Christ our Lord to our Lady. # 299

Prayer

The usual preparatory prayer.

(219)

First Prelude

This is the history. Here it is how after Christ expired on the cross His body remained separated from the soul, but always united with the divinity. His soul, likewise united with the divinity, descended into hell. There he sets free the souls of the just, then comes to the sepulcher, and rising, appears in body and soul to His Blessed Mother.

(220)

Second Prelude

This is a mental representation of the place. Here it will be to see the arrangement of the holy sepulcher and the place or house of our Lady. I will note its different parts, and also her room, her oratory, etc.

(221)

Third Prelude

This will be to ask for what I desire. Here it will be to ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord.

(222)

The First, Second, and Third Points

These will be the usual ones as presented in the contemplation on the Last Supper.

(223)

Fourth Point

This will be to consider the divinity, which seemed to hide itself during the passion, now appearing and manifesting itself so miraculously in the most holy Resurrection in its true and most sacred effects.

(224)

Fifth Point

Consider the office of consoler that Christ our Lord exercises, and compare it with the way in which friends are wont to console each other.

(225)

Colloquy

Close with a colloquy, or colloquies, as the circumstances suggest, and at the end say the Our Father.

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b