“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me’” (Jn 14:23-24).
Communion Connection –
In these words, Jesus provides a startling revelation to His disciples then, and to us today. He is present in Christians and in the midst of the community right now. There is no need to wait for the future. The temple that welcomes Him is not so much one of bricks and mortar, but the very heart of the Christian, which becomes the new tabernacle, the living dwelling place of the Trinity. – adapted from the Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
Word of Life – http://www.focolare.org/en/news/2012/11/01/novembre-2012-3/
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/no-temple-in-the-new-jerusalem/999/
8 May Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God” (Lk 24:50-53).
Communion Connection –
He blessed them. The word “blessed” is used two times so that it is reinforced in our minds. Jesus loved His friends and wanted to communicate His profound affection to them. He does so by invoking His Father – their Father – our Father. He teaches us the means to express our love to another: by asking God to extend favor, tenderness, and mercy. Nothing less than great joy and continual praise is the resulting effect of such a gift.
Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron - http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-ascension-of-the-lord/624/
Order of Carmelites Lectio – http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-6th-sunday-easter-c
15 May Pentecost Sunday
“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’” (Jn 20:21-22).
Communion Connection –
To fulfill this mandate of the Lord, we have to act in such a way that He may live in us: by being living members of the Church, by being one with the word of God, and being evangelized ourselves first of all. The Gospel will be effective if we make our love concrete by giving and responding to those in need, offering friendship to those who are alone, and supporting those undergoing a time of trial. – adapted from the Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
Word of Life – http://www.focolare.org/en/news/2005/05/02/commento-di-chiara-lubich-alla-parola-di-vita-del-mese-di-maggio-2005/
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/pentecost-and-sinai/1000/
22 May The Most Holy Trinity
“Jesus said to his disciples, ’But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming’” (Jn 16:13).
Communion Connection –
To better understand the inner voice of the Spirit of truth, we are called to live in unity with each other. In so doing, we are able to learn to listen to His voice not only within us, but also to his voice present among us as Church. Time after time, He urges us to forgive, serve, and love. He instructs us on what is good and what is evil. He reminds us to live the Gospel each and every day. – adapted from the Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
Word of Life - http://www.focolare.org/en/news/2007/06/01/giugno-2007/
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/god-has-spoken/886/
29 May The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
“As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, ‘Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.’ He said to them, ‘Give them some food yourselves’” (Lk 9:12-13a).
Communion Connection –
Nice – nicer. The Twelve were being considerate: they didn’t want the people to be uncomfortable. But Jesus wanted more of them. Consideration of others is sometimes inconvenient enough, but sacrifice is really what God asks of us. Giving ourselves away is the true recipe for loving God’s way – the only way to eternal life.
Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-gift-of-the-eucharist/1001/
Order of Carmelites Lectio – http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-body-and-blood-christ-c