Gospel Reflections by Brendan Byrne, SJ ‘At Home’ with God

In last week’s Gospel Jesus reflected on two understandings of his ‘going away’ and ‘return’: first, his going away in death and his re-appearance three days later as the risen Lord; second, his more final departure to the Father, to return only at the end of time. The section from Jesus’ instruction that we hear in Sunday’s Gospel focuses upon that second, much longer period of absence.  

As far as the non-believing world is concerned, Jesus will simply have ceased to exist. Believers, however, will continue to ‘see’ him with the eyes of faith and experience his presence in this way…… In the face of the world’s hostility and doubt, the ‘Spirit of truth’ will offer reassurance that what they believe and seek to live by is the most profound truth. 

This Week Let us include in our prayers…..

• We pray for the children at The Eden Gardens Children’s Home in India, a place where 250 children from remote and disadvantaged backgrounds are given access to education, as well as a safe home that fulfils their physical and spiritual needs. This work is one of many for Catholic Mission, perhaps, if you are able, you might consider supporting those in crisis, like Nathaniel and hundreds of other vulnerable children. [The good works of Catholic Mission can be found in the link provided]
• We pray for our fragile earth, may this time of quiet in the skies and industry, provide her the means and the space to begin to heal; may we use this time to reflect more deeply on how we can take greater care of our Common Home.

• We pray for families, 

National Families Week

Friday the 15th of May is the international day for families. This is a time to celebrate with family, make contact with our extended family and friends and simply share in the enjoyment of family activities. The one benefit we have had during this time is how it has provided families opportunities to spend time together that we wouldn’t have had otherwise due to the busyness of our lives. So let's take time this week to reflect and celebrate the meaning of family and to make the most of the family time. Perhaps this weekend we could have a picnic with our family, zoom or skype our extended family and reach out to 

Families are society’s most important building block. Strong families equate to strong communities because they embody caring for others, connectedness with people, and providing hope, support and comfort.

– Dr Brian Babington, Chief Executive Officer

May – the Month of Mary

The month of May is a traditional time in the Catholic Calendar to honor Mary in special ways. This year, in this current climate in particular we can look to Mary as a model for facing uncertain times. When faced with the news from the angel that she would be the Mother of God, Mary had lots of questions, but the most important thing is that she accepted God’s plan for her with complete trust. 

What are some ways that we can re-engage with prayer to Mary this month? As a child I remember my grandmother would religiously say a decade of the rosary every night before going to bed. It was a very spiritual and hypnotic experience. For some, this form of prayer could even be considered a meditative experience, a chance to switch off devices and be present in the moment. Saying the Rosary uses the technique of repeating a familiar prayer- the Hail Mary- while also focusing on the spirituality of the significant moments in the life of Jesus or his mother, Mary. These moments are known as mysteries, and are gathered into four sets: the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous mysteries. A link to the mysteries is here with an explanation, (mysteries link), as you begin each decade (ten Hail Marys) of the Rosary, you can imagine and contemplate one of the mysteries. A great way to bring the Rosary to life for your children- as you pray each of the mysteries, have them act out the scene being described. You could work through one decade at a time, almost a re-meeting with Mary. 

May St Joseph smile on you, 

Meg Newell