Part 1: After Completing 5 Weeks of Lent: Preparing for the Actual Mystery of Holy Week

The Apostles’ Witness: Our Questions, Christ’s Answer This Homily reflects on the deep significance of the apostles’ witness . . . . . . not merely as conveyors of Jesus’ teachings, but as those who voiced the questions all hearts ask, receiving direct answers from Christ for the benefit of all future believers. It centers around a Gospel reading from the Last Supper where Jesus emphasizes his oneness with the Father, asserting that to know him is to truly know God. Praying “in Jesus’ Name” Jesus prepares his apostles for their mission after his resurrection, entrusting them to act and speak in his name. The homily clarifies that praying “in Jesus’ name” is not a formula for guaranteed results but a call to be united in faith, to pray in his spirit, and to live in alignment with his will. Only then does prayer truly become effective. The homily also encourages the faithful to embrace the apostolic mission: to be Christ’s presence in the world through unity, witness, and authentic prayer. Listen more to: The Apostles’ Witness: Our Questions, Christ’s Answer ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Image: The Exhortation to the Apostles: French Painter: James Tissot: 1886 Part of the online collection of the Brooklyn Museum. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 14: 6-14 First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the things that is important to take into account with regard to the witness of the apostles is not simply that their preaching goes out to the entire world and that they heard things from Jesus that they pass on to us, but that they had the privilege and very important position of asking the questions that our hearts naturally have.

9 Maj 17min

Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship This Homily reflects on the spiritual growth of the apostles, . . . . . . especially Peter, after the resurrection of Jesus. The message begins by highlighting the disciples’ joy in suffering “for the Name,” signifying their deep identification with God through Christ. The first Christian preachers boldly proclaimed Jesus as the crucified and risen Messiah, calling listeners to acknowledge their role in His rejection. The homily then transitions to the Gospel story of Peter returning to fishing . . . an act of seeking clarity and reconciliation with his past after the tumultuous events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This return to the beginning becomes a metaphor for the spiritual life: casting nets in the dark, yearning for God, and finally encountering Christ at dawn. Peter’s recognition of Jesus and his eagerness to reach Him illustrates a heart moved by love. Jesus Draws Out Peter’s Deepest Love and Commitment The Homily culminates in the intimate dialogue between Jesus and Peter, where Jesus asks three times, “Do you love me?” . . . drawing out Peter’s deepest love and commitment. This transformative encounter reveals that true discipleship involves persistent self-examination, openness to Christ’s probing love, and a renewed call to follow Him with depth and authenticity. Listen more about this Journey. Listen to Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship --------------------------------------------------------------- Image: Christ Appears on the Shore of Lake Tiberias: French painter: James Tissot: 1886 --------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 21: 1-19 First Reading: Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41 Second Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14

8 Maj 26min

The Bread of Life in a Time of Struggle The Homily highlights the mysterious growth of the Church and Christian faith, . . . . . . especially through suffering and persecution. It begins by recalling how the Sanhedrin believed killing Jesus would end His movement, unaware that His resurrection would spark the beginning of Christianity. Similarly, early Christians, even when persecuted, chose to remain faithful, leading to the spread of the gospel. The message emphasizes that challenges and suffering, when seen through the lens of faith, can deepen belief and spread hope. Citing the example of saints like Stephen and the teachings of Jesus, particularly His identity as the “Bread of Life,” the Homily concludes with a call to trust in God’s plan during trials, affirming that God is always in control and working through our struggles for a greater purpose. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: The Bread of Life in a Time of Struggle ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image The Last Supper – The First Eucharist: Spanish Painter: Vicente Juan Masip: 1562 The image is a cropped image focusing on The Bread of Life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 6: 35-40 First Reading Acts 8: 1-8

8 Maj 9min

From Bread to Belief: Seeing Jesus as the Giver Behind the Gift This Homily on John Chapter 6 explores the deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ miracles, . . . . . . particularly the multiplication of loaves and fishes and his walking on water. The commentary contrasts the emptiness of worldly provisions, symbolized by the Roman emperor Tiberius, with the true sustenance that comes from Christ. It emphasizes that the miracles are not ends in themselves but signs pointing to Jesus’ divine identity. The people, however, focus on the physical benefits and miss the deeper spiritual reality. The Lord challenges them . . . and us . . . not to seek God merely for material blessings, but to move from appreciating the gifts to knowing and loving the Giver. The ultimate “work of God” is not action, sacrifice, or ritual, but faith in Jesus Christ . . . the one sent by God. This belief is the cornerstone of spiritual life and the foundation upon which everything else is built. Hear more within the Homily. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Image The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes: Italian painter: Giovanni Lanfranco: 1620 The painting was commissioned for and may be found in the Blessed Sacrament chapel in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

8 Maj 14min

Judas and Mary (of Bethany): Two Hearts Before the Mystery of Christ The Readings and Homily reflect on the profound spiritual themes leading up to Holy Week, . . . . . . beginning with the “Suffering Servant” songs from the Book of Isaiah. It emphasizes the divine calling and mission of the servant, who acts with God’s authority yet reveals God’s power through humility and suffering . . . not through miracles or displays of strength. This foreshadowing prepares believers for the mystery of Good Friday, where Jesus . . . God in the flesh . . . embraces suffering to redeem the world. An Act of Love and Devotion The Homily then shifts to the Gospel scene in Bethany, where Mary (of Bethany) anoints Jesus with costly perfume. Her act is one of love, devotion, and prophetic insight into Jesus’ coming Passion. Judas objects, claiming the perfume should’ve been sold to help the poor, but his motives are exposed as self-serving. The Homily warns that words can hide wicked intentions and calls out the tendency to misuse faith for personal gain—something Judas exemplifies. Contrasting Judas with Mary , the Homily encourages believers to adopt Mary’s posture of heartfelt reverence and presence with Christ, especially during Holy Week and the Eucharist. The faithful are urged not to be distracted by lesser concerns when Christ is present but to attend to Him with gratitude, love, and worship. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Judas and Mary (of Bethany): Two Hearts Before the Mystery of Christ ----------------------------------- image The Anointing of Jesus’ Feet: French Painter: James Tissot: 1900 This painting resides at The Brooklyn Museum. Other Tissot paintings appear on this site here and here. ----------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 12: 1-11 First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-7

3 Maj 26min

Je Vous Salue, Marie: In Honor of Feast Day of St. Louis de Montfort At the end of the most recent Feast Day of St. Lous de Montfort, . . . . . . the Queen of All Hearts Music Minstry surprised the priests by singing this song n French. The words may be displayed by selecting the description below. Join in the celebration of the founder of the Company of Mary. Listen to: Je Vous Salue, Marie: In Honor of Feast Day of St. Louis de Montfort --------------------------------------------------------------- Madonna at Prayer: Italian Painter: Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato : 1609-1685 The painting now resides in Florence, Italy.

29 Apr 58s

The Queen of All Hearts: Mary’s Role in Building the Body of Christ This conference emphasizes the deeply communal and celebratory nature . . . . . . of Christian spirituality, rooted in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. It highlights that this victory is not merely individual but shared among all believers, particularly through their connection with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Montfort underscores that Christian salvation cannot be isolated; to belong to Christ is to belong to His Church—His body—and by extension, to Mary, who is inseparably united with Jesus and His mission. Through the lens of St. Louis de Montfort’s spirituality, especially the act of total consecration to Jesus through Mary, this belonging is not only personal but ecclesial and missional. It involves receiving Mary into one’s life as one’s “every good,” allowing her to guide and order the heart, which leads to a deeper participation in the life and mission of the Church. The creation of the Association of Mary Queen of All Hearts serves as a concrete expression of this spirituality, offering a communal structure where consecrated individuals can grow, pray, and serve together. The ultimate aim is the reign of Jesus through Mary in every heart, a vision that also inspired the foundation of the Marian shrine on Long Island. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: The Queen of All Hearts: Mary’s Role in Building the Body of Christ -------------------------------------------------------------- Something different, which is this radical act of belonging. And it is this radical act of belonging to our Lord, to Our Lady, and therefore to His Church that we seek to grow in. And the mission that he would see for an organization like this is literally the propagation of this deeper belonging out into the world. And that’s what he means by the reign of Jesus through Mary. The very first sentence in the text we have from his work that we call True Devotion is it is through the Virgin Mary that Jesus . . .

27 Apr 37min

Peter’s Journey and Ours: Seeing, Believing, Following Today the Church celebrates Easter . . . . . . as the central feast of Christianity, highlighting the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of faith. Today’s Gospel explains how the Resurrection gives believers new spiritual vision, reveals the truth of life beyond death, and confirms the truth of Jesus’ teachings. The Homily emphasizes transformation, particularly using Peter’s journey from denial to bold witness. A parable about a caged snake illustrates the idea that while evil has been defeated through Christ, it still poses a threat if people seek it out. Ultimately, the Homily calls for followers to embrace the path Jesus laid out and let the power of the Resurrection shape their lives. Listen to this Meditation Meda. Listen to: Peter’s Journey and Ours: Seeing, Believing, Following ---------------------------------------------- Image: The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre on the Morning of the Resurrection: Swiss Painter: Eugène Burnand: 1898 This painting is also known by its shorten name, The Disciples. Now residing in Paris, it was not well received when it was first presented. But look at the painting again. It is truly remarkable! Look at the hands of the younger disciple in anticipation. He holds his hands together anxiously. Look at Peter’s expression. He looks both terrified and hopeful. The artist captures the emotion and the movement of the disciples. How truly wonderful and appropriate for this Meditation piece. ---------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 20: 1-9

25 Apr 16min