Quote of the Day "It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls. Suffering, more than anything else makes present in the history of humanity the powers of the Redemption." Pope St. John Paul II Today's Meditation "The divine activity permeates the whole universe, it pervades every creature; wherever they are it is there; it goes before them, with them, and it follows them; all they have to do is to let the waves bear them on. Would to God that … all men could know how very easy it would be for them to arrive at a high degree of sanctity. They would only have to fulfill the simple duties of Christianity and of their state in life; to embrace with submission the crosses belonging to that state, and to submit with faith and love to the designs of Providence in all those things that have to be done or suffered without going out of their way to seek occasions for themselves. … This is the spirituality of all ages and of every state. No state of life can, assuredly, be sanctified in a more exalted manner, nor in a more wonderful and easy way than by the simple use of the means that God, the sovereign director of souls, gives them to do or to suffer at each moment."
—Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, p. 8
Cover image from the book, Abandonment to Divine Providence
An Excerpt From Abandonment to Divine Providence Daily Verse "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." Matthew 7:13-14 | Saint of the Day St. Philip Neri (1515–1595) was born in Florence, Italy, to the noble class. He was a dutiful child with a cheerful disposition, making him popular with all who knew him. At the age of 18 he was to begin an apprenticeship for a career in business. However, after having a mystical experience, his life was radically changed. He traveled to Rome and entrusted himself completely to God's providence. He found living accommodations with a fellow Florentine in exchange for tutoring his sons, which Philip did with great skill. He then enrolled in philosophy and theology classes at a local monastery in order to become a priest. Although he excelled in his studies, he suddenly quit in order to spiritually serve the people of Rome. At that time, indifference, luxury, and corruption were widespread characteristics of the Roman clergy. Churches were neglected, flocks were abandoned, and the loss of faith was widespread. St. Philip Neri, with his commitment to a life of asceticism, was a contradiction to all of this malaise. With his characteristic good-naturedness, he lead many to a life of virtue and love for God as he traveled through the streets of Rome. He began an oratory for laymen to gather together and practice greater spiritual discipline, which grew and became famous. In obedience to his spiritual director he finally became a priest at the age of 34. He also started a religious order known simply as "The Oratory." St. Philip Neri is known as the "Apostle of Rome." He is the patron of Rome and the U.S. Army Special Forces. His feast day is May 26. | Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest Lectionary: 291
Reading 1
Acts 16:11-15 We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace,
and on the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi,
a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony.
We spent some time in that city.
On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river
where we thought there would be a place of prayer.
We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there.
One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth,
from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened,
and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention
to what Paul was saying.
After she and her household had been baptized,
she offered us an invitation,
"If you consider me a believer in the Lord,
come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us. Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia John 15:26b, 27a
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel John 15:26—16:4a Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning. "I have told you this so that you may not fall away.
They will expel you from the synagogues;
in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you
will think he is offering worship to God.
They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.
I have told you this so that when their hour comes
you may remember that I told you." | Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! | Daily Meditation: Acts 16:11-15 The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. (Acts 16:14) Luke's Acts of the Apostles is filled with stories about the Holy Spirit's work among the first believers. What we may overlook, however, are all the ways in which the Spirit was also active in the hearts of those who heard the apostles preach and who responded to the Spirit's movements. Today's first reading offers us one such story: the conversion of Lydia. Along with being a successful businesswoman, Lydia was also a "worshiper of God" (Acts 16:14). That term means that although she was a Gentile, Lydia believed in the one true God of Israel and sought to live out the Ten Commandments and other parts of the Jewish law. She had also committed herself to pondering and praying through the Hebrew Scriptures. But it took the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul to help her not only to hear his words, but to accept the truth of the good news he proclaimed (Acts 16:15). You probably know people like Lydia—maybe even someone dear to you—who have yet to embrace the "life" in the life-giving message of the gospel. It could be a family member or friend who was raised Catholic but who doesn't attend Mass regularly because they don't feel a connection to God or the Church. This can cause you to feel deep pain or even guilt. You may wonder what you can do to help this person. You may even wonder if you've somehow failed as a witness to the Lord. Some of this guilt may come from the mistaken idea that it's all up to you. That's just not true! As much as you love someone, as much as you want that person to encounter the Lord, know that Jesus' love, and his desire for them to encounter him, far exceeds yours! And so, too, does his power to work in their hearts far exceed the persuasive power of your words or example. He may already be working in hidden ways that you can't even imagine. So yes, play your part. Let your words and actions reflect the love of Christ. But remember Lydia, and leave room for the Spirit to play his part. Let him "open the heart" of that person in whatever way he wants (Acts 16:14)! "Lord, help me to surrender my loved ones to you!" Psalm 149:1-6, 9
John 15:26–16:4 | Reflections with Brother Adrian: |  Hear AI Read it for u | From today's Holy Gospel: "When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning..." | Holy Scripture is filled with the truth, and the truth is our Lord. Who is Lord? Jesus. Who is King? Jesus. Yet, He lets Himself be crucified for one "GREATER", who is the Father. And the Father decides to send the Holy Spirit. These are the days pointing then, to the Holy Spirit. It is funny, how, there are so many that believe in evil things, darkness, but not really believing in God. For if we believed Him, we would do His will. Rather, because people want their own will, they choose darkness, for vain power and glory, an inward implosion of self.
Many do it, because, it appears to be easier to get what you want, than from God Himself. It is all the story of the "Prodigal son", that prodigal child, that famous one that wanted nothing to do with his father, and wanted all the fame and riches. But it all runs out.
These are the stories of one's life and how we spend our lives.
And so, we must consider, that way of obedience to be life's supreme law and rule...obedience to our Lord, that shows us the way to the Father, the Father's heart. This is the only way and truth, the surest way and truth, the very life.
And by doing so, we will testify with the Holy Spirit, with our very lives.
May we learn to live life in the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of GOD Himself. |  audio | Random Bible Verse 1
Proverbs 3:3–4 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success1 in the sight of God and man. | If one day you don't receive these, just visit Going4th.com
God Bless You! Peace | | |
