Two days in the latter half of May invite us to remember our beloved dead. On Thursday, May 22, our archdiocese remembers our seventh archbishop, The Most Rev. Cornelius Power, who died on that date in 1997. The following Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day.
BEND — “Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created and Thou shall renew the face of the earth.” The Solemnity of Pentecost, this year, coincided with the celebration of Mothers’ Day. This provides us with two very appropriate topics upon which to reflect.
The Most Holy Trinity
Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
John 3:16-18
Not too long ago a friend accused me of “thinking just like a Catholic.” Even though Catholics don’t think in a certain way, there is some truth in my friend’s words. My faith has formed me as much as my education and my values are as intrinsic to my Catholic beliefs as my temper is to my personality.
Among the many stories we read about the risen Jesus in the gospels, one of the most tender is shared in the gospel of St. John. The disciples had already seen the risen Lord but this wonderful experience didn’t seem to change their lives very much.
BEND — Over the past months I have commented both in sermons and in writing on Pope Benedict’s Encyclical on hope. I do continue to return to it for points of reflection and encouragement on a fairly regular basis. I have found in it very rich and even challenging material.
My earliest childhood memories of the month of May always include Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of the Church. We always had a May altar at home. Recitation of the rosary each day was highly recommended. It all culminated in the crowning of the Blessed Virgin, a major parish celebration which was, weather permitting, held outdoors because of the large crowds.
BEND — Spring is taking its own very sweet time in coming. I have started the irrigation system on the acreage at my home but the overnight result is huge ice fields. The daytime sunshine turns the solid into liquid but I am more than ready for spring.
BEND — The diversity of the Church was made very evident to me these past two weeks. From the small gatherings of the faithful at Saint Anne and Saint Katherine in Monument and Dale, I traveled to Washington, DC to participate in a Mass at Nationals Stadium for nearly 50,000 people with the Holy Father.
