St. Joan of Arc, Patron Saint of France

The Story of Joan of Arc, Patron Saint of France

A popular saint

Joan of Arc is one of the more popular saints in the Catholic Church. Her feast is celebrated every May 30th. She was born on January 6, 1412, at Domrémy, France, on the Feast of the Epiphany. Joan was the youngest of five children to Jacques d'Arc, a peasant farmer. The family lived in a poor village, only just within what is now politically "France". At the time, it was the last place from which one would expect help to come.

Supernatural visions at 13 years of age

As soon as she was able to work, Joan, like every other children, was set to help in the house, driving out the village cows to pasturage, and occasionally acting as shepherdess. A pious girl by nature, she experienced supernatural visions in the garden of her father's house one day. She was already an adolescent of about thirteen years of age. She describes these visions as voices coming from St. Michael, St. Catherine, St. Margaret, and others. Her heavenly visitants at first contented themselves with telling Joan to go on being a good girl and to say her prayers. It was only when Joan was about seventeen years of age that these voices revealed to Joan that her mission was to save France, by helping the Dauphin organize an army, and rightfully place him on the throne of France.

Her prophecies also proved her mission

Robert de Baudricourt, the French commander at Vaucouleurs, laughed at Joan of Arc. Joan previously prophesied that the reinforcements received by the English had won a decisive victory the previous day. When the news came in that this prophesy of Joan was true, and that the French were defeated at the Battle of Herrings, Baudricourt then believed. He could not even stand out against so evident a prophecy. Because of the truth of Joan's prophecy, she was permitted to tell her story and her message to the Dauphin.

Encounter with the Dauphin

To convince the Dauphin of her being sent by God, she went to the castle to seek audience with him. Charles, the Dauphin, had already heard stories of Joan. He was skeptical and decided to subject the peasant girl to a test: Joan was ushered into the crowded great hall where a nobody stood forth in magnificent dress while the Dauphin appeared as one more lowly in status. Nevertheless without hesitation Joan went up to the Dauphin in disguise and knelt to him in homage. Since Joan never saw nor met the Dauphin in person, it was a great amazement to all in the Dauphin's court when she was able to single him out and identify him despite the lowly disguise. As the Dauphin then consulted her confidentially, she then revealed to the Dauphin what God was asking her to do for France.

Her military success helped crown the Dauphin as king

After being cleared of all suspicions, Joan led an expedition to retake the city of Orléans, in a suit of white armor. Only seventeen years old at the time, St. Joan of Arc entered the city without opposition on the night of April 29th; nine days later the English, decisively beaten, withdrew from the ring of fortresses they had built around the city. Joan led well her forces to victory. She then also followed this victory with another one over the British on June 18, this time capturing Troyes. Finally on July 17, 1429 A.D., the Dauphin was crowned as King Charles VII at Rheims.

Captured by the British and burned at the stake


St. Joan of Arc continued in her military campaigns. She failed to take Paris and in one of the following military campaigns, she was captured on May 24 near Compiègne by the Burgundians, and sold to the British by John of Luxembourg on November 21. She was charged by the British church authorities with heresy and witchcraft (because of her stories about hearing voices). Tricked into signing a recantation, she was eventually condemned to be burned to death at the stake.

Martyr and patron saint of France

Her martyrdom occured on May 30, 1431 A.D. in Rouen, France. However, a court appointed by Pope Callistus II in 1456 A.D. found her innocent, especially with the initiative of Joan's mother working for her cause. Soon, four centuries later, she was canonized in 1920 A.D. She is the second patron saint of France and is known as the Maid of Orléans.

Related resources:

• "A History of the Church" by Franzen and Dolan


• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney


• "A Year with the Saints" by Don Bosco Press, Inc.


• "Passion of the Saints" by Discovery Channel

Memorial of Saints (May 29)

St. Cyril of Caesarea became a Christian early in life. Since his father was pagan, he was disowned by his father and put out of the house. He was then brought to the governor, who offered him pardon if he would renounce his Christian faith and sacrifice to the pagan gods. Cyril naturally refused to renounce his faith and stood steadfast in his belief in Christ. St. Cyril was beheaded and died a martyr for Christ (died ca. 251 A.D.).

St. Maximinus of Trier had a good education under the administration of bishop Agritius. Upon the death of Agritius, Maximinus succeeded to the episcopate in 333 A.D. He staunchly opposed the Arian heresy - supporting St. Athanasius, the leading figure against Arianism. St. Maximinus also gave refuge to Paul of Constantinople and others who were victims of the Arians. He convened the Synod of Cologne which also opposed the Arian heresy. Both St. Jerome and St. Athanasius regarded St. Maximinus of Trier as one of the most courageous bishops of his time (died ca. 347 A.D.).

Sts. Sisinnius, Martyrius and Alexander were three brothers coming from Cappadocia, who all migrated to Milan, Italy. Sisinnius was ordained a deacon, while Martirius was conferred the lectorate, both by Bishop Vigilius. The three brothers were sent to the Tyrol as missionaries. Because of the success of the three in their work of converting the pagans, they were attacked. Sisinnius was beaten to death, Martyrius was dragged to his death, and Alexander was burned to death. All three died as martyrs for Christ within the span of just several days (died ca. 397 A.D.).

St. Theodosia of Constantinople was a nun at the monastery of St. Anastasia. She led a group of nuns in resisting a band of soldiers who were ordered to enforce the iconoclastic orders of Emperor Leo III. The soldiers came to destroy the image of Christ over the monastery's main entrance. Because of their resistance, Theodosia was imprisoned and tortured to death - together with twelve other women (died ca. 745 A.D.).

Sts. William Arnaud, Stephen of Narbonne, and Raymond were martyrs along with others. They came to be known as the Martyrs of Toulouse. These three were commissioned by the Pope to combat Albigensianism. William and his companions were given shelter for a night by Count Raymond VII of Toulouse. Some men, probably allied with the Albigensians, entered the castle and killed William, Stephen, Raymond and their companions. Miracles were reported to have happened at their graves (died ca. 1242 A.D.).

Blessed Richard Thirkeld was educated in Oxford before he entered the priesthood at a very late age. As a priest, he performed his duties around the York area in England. When the authorities learned that he was a priest and that he was seen to be visiting a prisoner at night-time, he was arrested and was condemned to die. His execution was kept private as he was greatly venerated by the people (died ca. 1583 A.D.).

Pentecost Sunday (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) Years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

June 8, 2014
Liturgical readings
Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23

All were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost Sunday. A Solemnity to celebrate the birth of the Church. There is a Sequence for this solemn feast aside from the usual liturgical readings. It is recited in either prose or the poetic version. Both versions pray to the Holy Spirit - imploring Him to fill the hearts of the faithful. This Spirit is addressed by the faithful in many ways, as can be heard in the recitation of the Sequence: Father of the poor, giver of God's gifts, light of men's hearts, kindly Paraclete, source of all our store, the soul's most welcome guest, sweet refreshment here below, solace in the midst of woe...

The Holy Spirit is the giver of many charisms in the Church. One such charism is given to St. Louis-Marie de Montfort. Montfort was a French missionary priest who lived from 1673-1716 A.D. He wrote about the Holy Spirit in relation to the Blessed Mother. He says the Blessed Virgin Mary is like a spiritual magnet that attracts the Holy Spirit because of her manifold graces. This happened in the Incarnation; and it happened also at Pentecost. This is Montfort's intuition: in the Incarnation, Mary, attracted the Holy Spirit and the Word became flesh in her womb. Among the apostles in the Cenacle, she also attracted the Holy Spirit and the Church was conceived.

What is the Holy Spirit's role in this present generation? One role is the creation of Spirit-inspired charismatic movements - a very popular and spiritually magnetic arm of the Church. They were born at a time when rebirth and renewed attention to the Holy Spirit was ushered in by the Second Vatical Council in the early 1960s. This council brought the Church closer to the people through a renewed missionary force. The council made all the faithful aware that the present age is the age of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who guides and moves the Church, to a greater fervor in the faith, and a more ardent desire to know, love and serve God.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
"Tongues as of fire appeared which parted and came to rest on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit." (1 Peter)

Understanding the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles

Understanding the Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of Luke from the Perspective of a Journey

Backgrounder on Luke's gospel

The gospel of Luke is often referred to by post-Vatican II bible scholars as a two volume book known as Luke-Acts. The author of the gospel is also the author of the Acts of the Apostles. When reading both books, one can see the missionary works of Jesus continued by the missionary works of His followers. The apostles and St. Paul continue the mission of Jesus in the book of Acts.

The journey perspective in St. Luke's gospel

To understand the richness of Luke's gospel, one can focus on the journey narrative in the presentation of the gospel. Below is an outline of this journey:

• Jesus journeys in his ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem
• Galilean Ministry [Luke 4:14 - Luke 9:50]
• Journey to Jerusalem [Luke 9:51 - Luke 19:27]
• Jerusalem Ministry [Luke 19:28 - Luke 21:38]

The Passion and Death of Jesus [Luke 22:1ff]
The Resurrection [Luke 24:1ff]
The Ascension [Luke 24:50ff]
The Pentecost [Acts 2:1ff]


• The followers of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, journeys from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth
• Mission in Jerusalem [Acts 1:1 - Acts 5:42]
• Mission in Judea and Samaria [Acts 6:1 - Acts 12:25]
• Mission to the ends of the earth [Acts 13:1 - Acts 28:31]

note: outline from the Jerusalem Bible translation

The key passage of the gospel of Luke for this missionary program

After many post-Vatican II studies on the Scripture, Luke 4:16-30 was discovered as the key passage to understand the missionary program of Jesus in the gospel of Luke. These studies point out that key passage as a "programmatic text". It is a programmatic text, because it outlines the missionary program of Jesus ministry. One passage often highlighted as representative of the programmatic text is:


"The Spirit of the Lord has been given to Me, for He has anointed Me. He has sent Me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord's year of favour. [Luke 4:18-19]


This proclamation made by Jesus at the synagogue of Jerusalem outlines His whole mission. If placed in the context of the missionary program outlined above, it clearly shows in detail what Jesus has done in His missionary journeys in the gospel of Luke.

Emphasis of Luke's gospel in the mission to the poor, the proclamation of blessing, and the Lord's favour

The whole of Jesus' mission in Galilee and Jerusalem was a mission for people in Jewish society who were poor and marginalized. Especially of note are the sick, the blind, and those souls captive to evil spirits. Luke's Jesus is portrayed as a man with compassion for the suffering and who experience distress. This is clearly evidenced in [Luke 6:36] - "Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate."

As Jesus prophetic mission to the poor and the oppressed in Galilee and Jerusalem endeared Him to the people. It is this following of His Father's will that led to His arrest and death on the Cross. But, after three days, He rose again by the power of the Holy Spirit. He appeared to His disciples, ascended into heaven, and then at Pentecost, sent the Holy Spirit to commission all His followers to continue His mission - a mission He began at Galilee and Jerusalem. Before His ascent into heaven, He told His disciples in [Acts 1:8]

"...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth." This is the key verse that outlines the book of the Acts of the Apostles. The followers of Jesus continued the mission of building God's Kingdom: first in Jerusalem, then in Judaea and Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth.

Venerable Bede, Priest, Doctor of the Church & Benedictine Monk (May 25)

St. Bede, Priest and Doctor of the Church: c. 673-735 A.D.

Feast day, May 25

Birth and life as a monk

St. Bede or Venerable Bede, was born in the lands near St. Peter and St. Paul monastery at Wearmouth-Jarrow, England, in 673 A.D. Almost all that is known of Bede's life comes from the last chapter of his greatest work, Historia Ecclesiastica, an ecclesiastical history of England. This work he completed in 729 A.D. In contrast to St. Athanasius, who lived the most tumultuous life among all the Doctors of the Church, St. Bede lived the most peaceful life of all. He spent almost his entire life, from the age of seven years, in a Benedictine monastery on the River Tyne in northeastern England. His parents gave him to Abbot Benedict Biscop and Ceolfrid from whom Bede received an excellent education.

Priest, monk and scholar

At nineteen years of age, Bede was ordained a deacon. When he reached thirty years old, he was ordained a priest. Except for a few brief visits elsewhere, Bede spent his life mostly in the monastery, devoting himself to the study of Scripture, and to teaching and writing. He became an extraordinary scholar, well-versed in all the sciences of his times: natural philosophy, astronomy, arithmetic, grammar, the philosophy of Aristotle, the lives of saints, and history. He is considered one of the most learned men of his time and a major influence to English literature.

The "Venerable" saint

Bede was honoured as a saint even in his lifetime. In recognition for his saintliness and scholarship, he was entitled "the Venerable". This title was formalized at the Council of Aix-la-Chapelle (or Aachen) in 853 A.D., eighteen years after his death. Because of his holiness, Bede's advice and counsel were sought after by noblemen and even the pope. Although Bede was canonized a saint, "Venerable Bede" seems to remain a special designation and name for this holy Benedictine monk.

His numerous scholarly writings

Although Historia Ecclesiastica was Bede's greatest work, it was only one among many writings. All in all, St. Bede wrote forty-five books: thirty of which were commentaries on the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and sections of the Old and New Testaments. He also produced a scientific study based on the Roman writers Pliny the Younger and Suetonius, a biography of St. Cuthbert, and a history of the lives of the abbots of Wearmouth and Jarrow. In 1899 A.D., in recognition for his wisdom and learning, he was named a Doctor of the Church. He is the only English saint honored with this title.

Illness and death

St. Bede's last days began when he experienced an illness about ten days before Easter of 735 A.D. Though ill, he was still able to dictate two new books - one a translation of St. John's Gospel into Anglo-Saxon, and the other a collection of notes from St. Isidore of Seville. He died on Ascension Eve in 735 A.D. at the age of 62 years old. The Church celebrates his feast on May 25.


From a Letter on the Death of Bede, by Cuthbert:



When evening came, young Wilbert said to Bede, "Dear master, there is still one sentence that we have not written down."


Bede said: "Quick, write it down."


In a little while, Wilbert said: "There; now it is finished."


Bede said: "Good. You have spoken the truth; it is finished. Hold my head in your hands, for I really enjoy sitting opposite the holy place where I used to pray; I can call upon my Father as I sit there."


And so Bede, as he lay upon the floor of his cell, sang: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit." Then he breathed his last breath.

References of this article

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney


• Saints for Our Time, by Ed Ransom


• The Doctors of the Church vol 1, by John F. Fink


• A Year With the Saints, by Don Bosco Press, Inc.

Memorial of Saints (May 22)

Blessed Maria Domenica got married, but she experienced the tragic loss of her husband and son Lorenzo. As a widow, she consecrated herself to works of charity for the poor and the sick. Soon, with six others, she founded the Pious Union of Charity. In 1829 A.D., she also founded a congregation which was to be popularly known as the Camillian Sisters - all dedicated to assist the sick and the poor (died ca. 1868 A.D.).

St. Rita of Cascia lived through four states of life in her lifetime: as a virgin, a married woman and mother, a widow, and an Augustinian nun. She is the patron saint of desperate causes, like St. Jude Thaddaeus. After an unhappy marriage and the death of her husband and two sons, she entered the Augustinian convent in ca. 1407 A.D. at Cascia, Italy. It is popularly known that a wound appeared on her forehead because she meditated intensely on the Passion of Christ. Given the miserable marriage she endured, she became a role model and inspiration for others in desperate marital situations (died ca. 1457 A.D.).

St. Joachima of Vedruna was also known as Joaquina de Mas de Vedruna. She founded a religious community in Spain after her husband died and she finished all her obligations in raising up her children. The religious community follows the Carmelite spirituality and came to be known as the Carmelites of Charity (died ca. 1854 A.D.).

Sts. Aemilius and Castus were African Christians. When they werearrested during the persecution of Christians under the reign of Emperor Decius, they were ordered to be tortured. Under torture, the two recanted. But after they recanted, they retracted from their recantation. So they were both burned to death as martyrs for Christ (died ca. 250 A.D.).

St. Quiteria was the daughter of a Galician prince. When her father wanted her to get married and give up her Christian faith, she fled to escape this situation. St. Quiteria's father had her tracked down through his followers. When they found her in Aire, Gascony, she was beheaded on orders from her own father (died 5th century).

St. Romanus was a monk at Monte Subiaco monastery. He was the one who brought food to St. Benedict while the latter lived as a hermit for three years in a cave. When the Vandals invaded Italy, St. Romanus went to France. It was in France where he founded the Abbey of Fontrouge near Auxerre. He spent the last years of his life in this Abbey (died ca. 550 A.D.).

St. Julia is the patron saint of Corsica. According to Catholic tradition, she was a North African of noble heritage, but was sold as a slave to a Syrian merchant. It was a period in history when Carthage was invaded in 439 A.D. On the voyage by ship to Corsica, she did not want to debark when the ship came to shore, because her master wanted her to participate in a pagan ritual ceremony. Learning then of her Christian faith, she was tortured and then crucified (died 5th century).

St. Aigulf became a hermit at Bourges, France, after the death of his parents. Because of his reputation for sanctity, he was chosen to become bishop of Bourges in 811 A.D. He attended the Council of Toulouse in 829 A.D. When three bishops joined in a revolt of Louis the Debonaire's sons against their father, St. Aigulf was chosen to decide the fate of these three bishops (died ca. 1130 A.D.).

St. Humility is really named Rosana and was married to an Italian nobleman. Her husband got sick and almost died. After this incident in their life, both she and her husband decided to enter the double monastery near Faenza. It was here that Rosana took the religious name Humility. St. Humility lived as a recluse for twelve years before the abbot general of the Vallombrosans suggested that she found an abbey. Humility obeyed and the first Vallambrosan convent for nuns was founded near Faenza. A second house was founded at Florence, Italy. This was where she spent her last years (died ca. 1310 A.D.).

Ascension Sunday (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) Years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

June 1, 2014
Liturgical readings
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47
Ephesians 1:17-23
Matthew 28:16-20

Know that the Lord is with us always, until the end of the world.

At the very end of Matthew's gospel, God in His word consoles all the faithful: "Know that I am with you always until the end of the world". These are words of encouragement not only for the apostles, but for all the members of Christ's Body, the Church. The Lord promises His presence to all the baptized, that His responsibility of building the kingdom may be continued and extended. God has given, is giving, and will give all that is needed for each baptized individual to fulfill his respective responsibility in life. Most of all, He has encouraged each one now to make known the gospel message - in word and by deed.

The Catechism (cf #669) establishes the basic truth that Christ is the head of the Church, and we are members of His Body. We are members of His Body who will continue to accomplish the mission He began in His earthly life. It is by virtue of our baptismal consecration that we are called to share in the Church's mission to extend God's Kingdom to those who are in most need of it. God's kingdom is a kingdom of peace, of joy, of charity, and of bringing all men and women to the fullness of life with Christ.

As many seasoned Catholics know, to extend this Kingdom of God takes much of life. To extend God's Kingdom is to live the gospel values first, before that life can be a credible witness to the life-giving power of God. The Scripture (in the Acts of the Apostles) describes the difficulties of Jesus' followers in building God's kingdom. But they were not alone in this; and so are we now. The Lord is with us always, until the end of the world. We can live evangelically anywhere we reside, or go - even in the heart of the city. Each one can witness to life of Christ by being a positive influence to others. God continues to believe in us. And so should we, that others too may believe in Him.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
God mounts his throne amidst shouts of joy; the Lord amid trumpet blasts (Psalm 47)

Memorial of Saints (May 15)

St. Isidore was employed as a laborer in a farm outside of Madrid, Spain. He married, and had a son who died at an early age. After the death of his son, he and his wife decided to practice the virtue of chastity and continence. Isidore continued to work in the fields, but spent the mornings in prayer at church - causing him to be late at work. When the master of the land in which he worked, tried to find out why he was late, the master saw from a distance saw St. Isidore arriving late but with angels by his side. Many more miracles were attributed to St. Isidore the Farmer (died ca. 1130 A.D.).

St. Torquatus was one of the seven missionaries sent out by Sts. Peter and Paul to evangelize Spain. His six companions were: Caecilius, Ctesiphon, Euphrasius, Hesychius, Indaletius, and Secundius. Each of these seven evangelized each a region in Spain, with Torquatus having great success at Guadix, Granada. All seven died as martyrs in the 1st century.

St. Isidore of Chios was an officer in the army of Emperor Decius, and was with the fleet that went to Chios, in Greece. The commander of the fleet, Numerius, learned of Isidore's Christian faith. Isidore was arrested, tortured and then beheaded when he refused to renounce his faith. His body was thrown into a well at Chios - a well which became famous for its miracles of healing (died ca. 251 A.D.).

St. Hilary of Galatea was attracted to religious life at the young age of 12. Years past and he decided to leave home to build a hermitage. This hermitage grew to become the Galatea Monastery. He became its abbot. When the Goths invaded their land, Hilary convinced Theodoric (leader of the Goths) not to destroy his monastery. Hilary also convinced Theodoric to grant him additional land for his mission (died ca. 558 A.D.).

St. Dympna fled home upon the death of her mother, and went to Antwerp together with her confessor St. Gerebernus. With two other companions, they built an oratory at Gheel, near Amsterdam, where they lived as hermits. Since Dympna's father was a pagan Celtic chieftain, he had his daughter tracked down. When her father found them, he had her companions killed and Dympna was beheaded by her own father. During the 13th century, discovery of their tombs led to reports of healing miracles - most of which were the healing of epileptics and those mentally ill (died ca. 650 A.D.).

St. Bertha owned extensive properties along the Rhine. After her husband was killed in battle, she devoted to raising her son Rupert as a Christian. With her wealth and political influence, she founded several hospices for the poor. St. Bertha then gave their possessions to the poor and together with her son Rupert, became hermits near Bingen, Germany. St. Rupert died at 20 years of age, while St. Bertha spent the remaining years of her life there (died ca. 840 A.D.).

St. Hallvard was a Norwegian trader in the Baltic islands. A woman, who was accused of theft, sought sanctuary in Hallvard's ship. Hallvard tried to defend the woman, but he was killed together with the woman, with arrows from her accusers. The accusers attached a stone to his body and threw it into the sea. Miraculously, St. Hallvard's body floated to the surface. This story became widespread, and Hallvard had since then been revered as a martyr and a patron saint of Oslo, Norway (died ca. 1043 A.D.).

St. Isaias of Rostov became a monk at the Monastery of the Caves near Kiev, Ukraine. In 1062 A.D., he was named abbot of St. Demetrius in Kiev. In 1077 A.D., he became bishop of Rostov. He then started the extensive work of converting the pagans of his diocese. St. Isaias is well known for his preaching ability and for working miracles (died ca. 1090 A.D.).

St. Peter of Lampsacus was arrested during Emperor Decius' persecution of the Christians. When he was ordered to sacrifice to the pagan goddess Venus, St. Peter refused. For this refusal, he was tortured and beheaded at Troas, Cyzigus. Also arrested with Peter were Andrew, Niomachus and Paul. Sts. Andrew and Paul were tortured and then stoned to death. Niomachus on the other hand apostasized under torture. 16 year old St. Dionysia saw how Niomachus apostasized and denounced him. The authorities got hold of this 16 year old girl and had her beheaded also (died ca. 251 A.D.).

6th Sunday of Easter (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) Years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

May 25, 2014

Liturgical readings

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

Psalm 66

1 Peter 3:15-18

John 14:15-21

The Lord will not leave us orphaned.

Christ's death in the eyes of His followers made all the apostles and disciples feel discouraged and orphaned. They have experienced the loss of a leader responsible for what they have learned. However, the Resurrection event and the ensuing resurrection appearances gradually brought their courage and faith back. Christ Jesus performed many Risen appearances before ascending into heaven. With His earthly ministry completed, it was now time for His followers to go forth and continue His mission. Since Christ Jesus wanted the apostles to continue building the Kingdom, He did not leave them on their own. He promised the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of truth who will unite all His followers into one Body, the Church.

God has sent his Son Jesus that all may be one community in His name. Jesus is the bond of unity that gathers into one all who believe in Him. This truth is well expressed by St. Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 A.D.), in one of his commentaries for the Easter season (as can be found in the Breviary - Office of Readings, Non-Biblical Readings):

Christ is the bond of unity. If, in Christ, all of us, both ourselves

and he who is within us by his own flesh, are members of the same body,

is it not clear that we are one, both with one another and with Christ?

He is the bond that unites us, because he is at once both God and man.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem refers to Christ as the bond of unity in the Church, and through her Sacraments and mission. It is especially in the Eucharist where Jesus is "within us by his own flesh" and makes us "one, both with one another and with him".

Christ Jesus has not left orphaned all those who followed Him since the time of the apostles, and as the early Church was formed and grew in numbers. He continues to be with the Church in the present times. Christ lives in us as His will is done in every corner of the world. When His faithful members receive His body and blood, He truly becomes God-with-us until the end of time. The faithful become bonded to one another by His body and blood. It is the task now of every Christian to share the Lord and His gospel to all who experienced abandonment in its many forms. By His presence in every speech and work, many will know that God is always near and never ceases to provide for all.

Scripture quote from the Readings:

"Venerate the Lord, that is, Christ, in your hearts." (1 Peter)

5th Sunday of Easter (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

May 18, 2014
Liturgical readings
Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33
1 Peter 2:4-9
John 14:1-12

The Lord said to His disciples: "You know the way that leads where I go."

Christ Jesus teaches in the gospel last Sunday (Good Shepherd Sunday) that He is the Gate of the Sheepfold. This Sunday, He now teaches that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Also, in one of the weekday gospels this Easter season, the Lord teaches how He is the Bread of Life. Gate, Way, Truth, Life, Bread. These are all imagery that the world are familiar with in the level of the physical senses. But Christ is pointing to something beyond just that worldly perception. He transforms that worldly imagery to point to his own Person and Divinity. Christ refers to these realities on both a deeper and higher level - to his Person and Divinity as a path to eternal union with God.

This theme of eternal union was reflected upon by St. John Paul II in the book, "Go in Peace" - authored by Joseph Durepos. Durepos quotes the late pope to have said:

The way of Christ is the peaceful life we are called to love...
The truth of Christ is the eternal truth of God...
the life of Christ is the life he shares with us - enabling us to live
forever in his love."

In the book, the pope encourages the faithful to get to know Christ in one's spiritual readings, meditation and prayer. He says that knowledge of the gospel leads to an encounter with Christ. And an encounter with Christ can show well the spiritual path towards eternal union with God.

Modern living sometimes distracts one's attention to what is essential in life. This has been a reality since ancient times with the people Israel. So, nothing has really changed along the years. What was a temptation before, is also a temptation now. The idols that tempted Israel, also distracts and tempts us now: materialism, power or unjust acts. Desire for more material resources and power are worldly paths not evil in themselves. They become sinful only when they become ends in themselves or the center of all we work and live for. Christians need to remember not to remain only in the temporal order, but to rise above all worldly paths to follow a higher, a nobler way of work and life in Christ. As Christ becomes the center of one's work and life, His light can illumine one's path to Him and the greater good.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
"The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him...to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine." (Psalm 33)

Mary in the New Testament

A Collaborative Assessment by Protestant and Roman Catholic Scholars

When Protestant and Roman Catholic scholars work together to study how Mary is perceived in the context of the New Testament, the resulting work is a good scriptural understanding of Mary - one that many Christians of different denominations can definitely agree upon.

Mary: Introduction

In the Catholic Church, Mary is often linked to a tradition of devotion and spirituality. This tradition goes way back to early Christianity and was handed down along the centuries to present times. When Martin Luther (a former Augustinian) led a movement that understood the Christian faith as "sola scriptura" [scriptures alone], his followers believed from then on that what is only in the Bible is what should be believed. This direction led to the final rift of understanding between how Mary is seen by Catholics and by Protestants. However, if Mary is understood in a scholarly manner by the study of her role as presented by scriptures, a common understanding of who Mary is in the context of the New Testament can be arrived at.

Mary in the New Testament

Such a study was made with the book "Mary in the New Testament". This book is a product of a team of Protestant, Anglican, and Roman Catholic scholars. All the scholars have reached an agreement as to how Mary was seen by the Christians of the first two centuries. They arrived at an understanding by studying the very text of the scriptures and the socio-historical factors of those first two centuries. This analysis and socio-historical examination is an excellent ecumenical achievement for a modern age where facts are given more emphasis.

Who can benefit from this book

Although the book is written by scholars, it is not meant only for scholars. The authors have presented this work in a manner that is intelligible to students, clergy, and the laity of Christian Churches who have done some of study in scripture. What is amazing to note is that the book has a sensitive respect for both readers of a more devotional temperament and those who are more scientifically-minded.

Chapters in the book

There are ten chapters in the book. These chapters are subdivided further into several specific topics. There is also an Index in the back part of the book which gives meaning to specific words or phrases related to the person of Mary:

• Chapter One: Origins of the Study
• Chapter Two: Presuppositions of the Study
• Chapter Three: The Birth of Jesus in the Pauline Writings
• Chapter Four: Mary in the Gospel of Mark
• Chapter Five: Mary in the Gospel of Matthew
• Chapter Six: Mary in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles
• Chapter Seven: The Mother of Jesus in the Gospel of John
• Chapter Eight: The Woman in Revelation 12
• Chapter Nine: Mary in the Literature of the Second Century
• Chapter Ten: Conclusions from the Study