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Online GivingThis Sunday is two weeks before Pentecost, but already the readings prepare us for that feast. The first reading from Acts shows us the conversion of the Samaritans, thanks to Philip’s preaching and curing the sick. He did this through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit makes Jesus present today, not just in the sacraments, but through us, his disciples.
The Gospel gives us a hint of this in Jesus’ words: “I am in my Father, and you are in me and I in you” (John 14:20). Jesus knew that after his Resurrection appearances, he would not be visible as a man. Instead, he would live in all his followers through the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s why he tells the disciples that the Spirit will be with them and in them. So, the Sacrament of Confirmation, the laying on of hands (Acts 8:17), reminds us that when God lives in us, we share in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the second reading, Peter gives us practical advice. First, he tells us to be ready to explain our hope in the Lord. That hope comes from our faith in the Resurrection. When you see someone curing the sick, you could be tempted to say, “I can’t do that.” But when you hear that people saw and talked to Jesus after he rose from the dead, then hear that anyone who follows Jesus will share in that resurrection, you begin to have real hope. When we share that hope, we do so gently and reverently. We are all sinners and Christ’s death brought us all forgiveness.
Next, Peter tells us to avoid sin, not because we won’t be forgiven again, but to show that we can live a life free from sin, selfishness, and hatred. Freedom from sin allows us to give a good example of how to live. Abandoning selfishness allows us to love others without counting the cost. When we are free from hatred, we can forgive others as we have been forgiven. As we live in Jesus and he in us, our happiness will attract people to God. -Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
OUR LADY OF FATIMA – May 13
Starting on May 13, 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared on the same date for six straight months to three shepherd children in Fátima, Portugal. Jesus sent his Mother to Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia, to ask them to pray the rosary for world peace, an end to World War I, for sinners and for the conversion of Russia. Our Lady also confided in them three secrets, which were revealed publicly at different times. These apparitions were approved by the local bishop in 1930, at which time they began celebrating her feast day in Portugal. It was added to the calendar of the Catholic Church worldwide in 2002. May Our Lady’s words continue to touch the hearts of God’s beloved children and motivate us to pray the rosary frequently, begging our Lord for world peace and the conversion of sinners. —Tami Urcia, Diocesan Publications
OUR LADY OF THE FORSAKEN
Our Lady of the Forsaken was originally the patron saint of a fifteenth-century society dedicated to the care of the homeless and mentally ill in Valencia, Spain. Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados eventually came to be the object of general veneration in Valencia, and she is now the patron saint of the city. Her feast day is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
Valencians affectionately call her “la Geperudeta” (“the Little Hunchback”) because of the slightly bowed posture of her image. At any time of the year, faithful of all ages come to the Basilica of Our Lady to offer their prayers, gratitude, and devotion. The Basilica presides over Plaza de la Virgen, one of the most photographed spots in Valencia. Inside, you will find the image of the Virgin in a chapel, a small room specially built for her behind the altar.
On Saturday, May 23, four men will be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of St. Augustine—each with a different story, each responding to the same call. Their journeys began in ordinary places, work, family life, moments of searching, but led them to something more. All are invited to witness this powerful moment in the life of the Church and pray for these men as they begin their ministry.