As we celebrate the feast of the Ascension today, we are reminded that the task of Christians is to preserve the dynamic, enriching, and salvific memory of Jesus.  Mission permeates the entire New Testament; some important mission texts are simply listed here: Matthew 28:16-20 (today’s Gospel); Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:45-48, 10:1-16; John 20:19-23, 13:12-15; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:2-5.  All these passages contain Jesus’ “mission commands.”

Jesus’ Ten Mission Commandments.  Mission is for all of Jesus’ disciples—all baptized Christians.  Jesus gives us clear and specific instructions: (1) Missionary evangelization begins with God’s initiative, with Jesus’ choice.  Recall Jesus’ words: “You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16).  (2) Mission is not a personal or individual project.  Jesus sends his messengers out in pairs.  We understand that mission is a community endeavor of the Church; as followers of Jesus “we’re in this together” for a more effective witnessing.  (3) Recall that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”  This was true in Jesus’ time and remains true today.  We turn to the Lord in prayer, asking for additional harvesters.

(4) Next, Jesus gives a brief, yet direct instruction: “Be on your way.”  Do not delay!  Don’t wait to start until all the details are in place and the perfect mission plan has been formulated.  Go, and go now!  (5) Remember that you will face many challenges; you will be like lambs in the midst of wolves.  Recognize that some people will welcome your message, while others will reject both you and your very mission.  Persecution for the faith is nothing new in Christianity.  (6) Jesus advises his missionaries to “travel light.”  Don’t let material “stuff” weigh you down and get in the way of your ministry of preaching Jesus’ Good News.

(7) The missioner is to extend Christ’s “mercy and compassion” to all (theme of Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the Philippines).  Find like-minded people of peace; work closely with them.  (8) Be humble and accept what is offered in terms of food and accommodations.  Be content with the hospitality extended to you.  (9) Reach out to the sick and needy you encounter.  Recall Pope Francis’ advice to go to the margins, the peripheries, to the excluded in society.  (10) Make the announcement of Jesus’ Kingdom message your central emphasis; proclaim that “the reign of God near.”

Concluding Reflection.  As Christians we carry on the mission ministry that Jesus gave us.  We can be inspired by the well-known saying of Saint Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours.  Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ looks out to the world.  Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good.  Yours are the hands with which he is to bless others now.”

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Ascension Sunday

Glory to Your resurrection, Lord Jesus,

that calls us to rise to new life in you.

Like the Apostles who stared up

into the sky when you ascended,

help us to wait patiently for your return

by doing good works of mercy

and forgiveness here on Earth.

We stand on your word, Lord Jesus Christ,

risen and ascended into heaven,

that you will not leave us orphaned here

but will remain with us in Spirit and in the

breaking of Bread in Your Name.

Until you return in glory, Lord,

may we never turn to other gods

to fill our now empty hearts

that long for your presence in our world,

but may we seek and find you in each tabernacle

no less than each person.

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M.M.

Today’s Scripture readings all speak of God’s continuing and abiding presence with us.  The first reading narrates how God remains with the people of Samaria as they receive the Holy Spirit.  Next, the Apostle Peter speaks of Christ’s presence in people’s hearts.  In the Gospel Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, assuring his followers: “I will not leave you orphans” (Jn 14:18).  God’s loving presence has been shown to us in numerous ways.  Personally, since today is Mother’s Day, I think of how we have experienced genuine love from our dear parents.

Two Saintly Parents.  Since this year is the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-2023), I recall how her parents filled her with overflowing love.  Saints Louis and Zélie Martin were the first married couple canonized together in the history of the Church.  This took place on October 19, 2015, which is the same date that their daughter Thérèse was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II on October 19, 1997.

There are many interesting facts about the lives of Saints Louis and Zélie.  Originally, both attempted to enter religious life, but both were rejected.  Louis became a watchmaker and Zélie learned the trade of lacemaking.  They would eventually meet and be married on July 13, 1858 in Alenḉon, France.  They would have nine children, four of whom died as infants or small children.  The five who survived to adulthood would all enter religious life.

Numerous Challenges.  At the age of 45, when Thérèse was only four years old, Zélie died from breast cancer.  The family then moved to Lisieux, France to be near Zélie’s family.  After suffering from strokes and cerebral arteriosclerosis, Louis was placed in a mental hospital for three years.  When he was able to return home, his daughter Céline (the only one to have not yet entered the convent) cared for him until he died at the age of 70.

Wonderful Lessons.  These saints have much to teach us.  First, God is to have priority of place in all things.  Both Sunday and frequent daily Mass, as well as other religious practices, were essential parts of the Martin household.  Louis and Zélie shared these religious values with their daughters; they put God first and chose to rely on God’s loving providence.

Secondly, this married couple exemplified that trusting in God and patiently enduring tragedies are not mutually exclusive.  As mentioned earlier, four of their nine children died very young.  Yet, they did not lose their profound faith.  Thirdly, Saints Louis and Zélie created a home environment that was open to vocation, whether marriage, religious life, or priesthood.  They lived their faith together as husband and wife and shared it with their children.

Our Prayer.  Lord, on this Mother’s Day we pray for all mothers, fathers, and families.  Thank you for our own families and your love and presence we have experienced through them.  Saints Louis and Zélie, pray for us!

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Mother’s Day

Bless our families with your Presence,

Lord God, source of all grace and good.

You, who call all Christians to be

living witnesses to your love,

may our children find in our homes

sanctuaries of peace, happiness and love.

Through the intercession of Saints

Louis and Zélie Martin, parents of

St. Therese of Lisieux, let our families

nurture our children to answer

Your call to prayer and holiness.

Help parents to be examples of mercy,

children to be seekers of truth,

Brothers and sisters to find in each other

a source of help and mutual respect

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M.M.

In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus saying: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10).  Reflecting on this passage about the “fullness of life,” I am reminded of a special anniversary the Church is celebrating this year: the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-2023).  This “little flower” has helped many appreciate what “fullness of life” can mean.

Brief Life.  Marie Franҫoise Thérèse Martin was born in Alenҫon, France on January 2, 1873.  When she was fifteen years old and too young to enter the Carmelite Monastery, she pleaded her case before Pope Leo XIII; eventually permission was granted.  Two of her sisters had preceded her in Carmel.  Her exemplary parents Zélie and Louis Martin, the first couple ever canonized together in the Church’s history, were declared saints by Pope Francis on Mission Sunday, October 18, 2015.  The final years of Thérèse’s short life were spent within the cloister of an obscure convent.  She died of tuberculosis on September 30, 1897, at the tender age of twenty-four.

Inspiring Autobiography.  Thérèse would have probably attracted little notice, except for her posthumously published autobiographical manuscript, The Story of a Soul.  This work, written out of obedience to her superior, describes her experience and deep insights into the spiritual life.  Essentially, the work is about the path to holiness in everyday life, to true “fullness of life.”  Thérèse was canonized on May 17, 1925, only twenty-eight years after her death.  On December 14, 1927, Pope Pius XI proclaimed her the principal patroness, equal to Saint Francis Xavier, of all mission endeavors. 

Saint Thérèse did not found a religious order and never went to the missions.  However, she understood that what is important in the Christian life is great love and not great deeds. Thérèse, the saint of the “little way,” developed a spirituality of ordinariness, in which one offers each moment and every deed simply and lovingly to God.  Her famous title, the “Little Flower,” derives from her self-image as only one among millions of ordinary, little flowers on the hillside, each giving its all in joy and praise to God.  Thérèse is a source of deep hope to millions; they find in Thérèse their own spirituality, their “doable” and “livable” pathway of daily sanctification. 

Inspiring Wisdom.  We listen to brief excerpts from Thérèse’s profound insights.  “We can never have too much hope in God.  He gives in the measure we ask.”  “I love my littleness and my poverty; it is my blind hope in His mercy; this is my only treasure.”  “Merit is not to be found in doing much or in giving much, but rather in receiving and in loving much.”  “I have always wanted to become a saint….  In spite of my littleness, I can aim at being a saint.”  Indeed, Thérèse’s “little way” is a pathway for all of us desiring the “fullness of life.”

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Lord, through the example, inspiration and

intercession of St. Therese of Lisieux

show me the Little Way that leads to

holiness, simplicity, heaven and you.

Help me rejoice in the everyday and 

ordinary events of life, knowing your love and grace

meet me here and everywhere.

You, who fashioned distant galaxies

as well as lilies and hummingbirds,

open my eyes to appreciate your

power and handiwork all around me.

Help me to pray in silence and sound,

in thoughts, prayers and even in nothingness.

Raise my mind to heavenly realms

even as my feet are firmly on the ground

that your reign spread over all the earth.

May each breath I draw me ever

closer to you by drawing me ever closer

to my friends, family and all people

who seek to walk in your ways and

live your love and truth .

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M

Photo: Maryknoll Sisters at Selma, March 7, 1965. (Photo courtesy of Maryknoll Mission Archives)

The narrative from Luke’s Gospel of the journey of two disciples to Emmaus is well known and loved (Lk 24:13-35).  We can imagine the scene: two men are walking; they are dejected, sad, and overwhelmed by recent events.  Jesus, their dear friend and presumed messiah, met with a terrible end: an ignoble death by crucifixion on Calvary.  There is nothing else to do: leave Jerusalem; return home to Emmaus; begin life all over again.  That chapter of life has been permanently closed!

As the two dejected pilgrims walk in sadness, a stranger joins them and asks the subject of their conversation.  They are in disbelief, and Cleophas wonders how the man could not possibly know about recent events in Jerusalem, in particular, the death of Jesus.  The disciples express their profound disappointment, noting that they had hoped that Jesus would liberate Israel.  Yes, they had hoped, but all such messianic expectations are now a thing of the past, gone forever.

Jesus’ “Pastoral” Approach.  We observe that Jesus seeks out his grieving disciples; he walks with them, listening to their story.  Then, he assists them by shedding light on their experience, drawing on the insights of Scripture—from Moses and all the prophets.  Although they had heard these biblical narratives frequently, they were still slow to believe.  Jesus even upbraids them, calling them “foolish men” who are “so slow to believe the full message of the prophets.”

By now they have reached Emmaus.  When Jesus shows his intention of going on further, the disciples press him to stay with them for the night.  Then, at the evening meal Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and shares it with them.   Finally, their eyes are opened; they recognize that this friendly stranger is none other than Jesus himself!  What a stupendous discovery!

Reactions of the Disciples.  Their “blind” eyes are opened.  They admit to each other that their hearts were on fire as they listened to Jesus on the road.  They knew it was Jesus though the Eucharistic action of taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing.  Surprisingly, they retrace their steps and return to Jerusalem to share their “Jesus-alive” experience.  Significantly, they undertake this perilous seven-mile journey in the dead of night!  Two difficult Jerusalem-Emmaus journeys on the same day!  No waiting until the next day to share this astounding news!

Sharing the Emmaus Experience.  Admittedly, we often seem to blindly walk without hope, burdened by our problems and disappointments, failing to recognize that Jesus is actually journeying with us.  We need the proclamation of Scripture and the celebration of the Eucharist (the two parts of the Mass) to open our eyes to recognize Jesus’ presence!  This “Jesus-experience” will lead us to proclaim Him to others—even in the night darkness of our contemporary world.  We seek to enflame others’ hearts with the good news that Jesus lives! 

Succinctly stated, the disciples’ Emmaus experience is truly our own experience as missionary disciples!

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

Emmaus

Forgive us for fleeing, Lord Jesus,

when your death on the cross robbed

our souls of hope, our minds of peace.

We had so wanted to believe you were

the one to restore God’s reign in

our sad and broken world.

Forgive our blindness, Lord Jesus,

when we refused to recognize you

in the fellow pilgrim on the way.

Yet oh, how our hearts burned within us

when our mysterious companion

opened the scriptures to us and showed

it was not all some terrible, tragic mistake.

As darkness descended and evening fell,

we invited you to abide with us.

And then at table you blessed and

broke the bread and opened our eyes

to the earth-shattering truth:

Jesus Christ Crucified and buried

is risen from the dead as he said.

Overflowing with irrepressible joy

and heedless of the danger

we run back to our friends still fearful

announcing the Dawn of a new day.

Alleluia! Amen!

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M

Photo: Maryknoll Sisters at Selma, March 7, 1965. (Photo courtesy of Maryknoll Mission Archives)

With deep faith and courageous hope, Saint Maximilian Kolbe endured the extreme horrors of Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp in Poland.  He proved that self-giving love and compassion can thrive even in extreme darkness and cruelty.  His heroic life inspired other prisoners, giving them hope that kindness and self-sacrifice were possible—even in Auschwitz.  This “factory of death” functioned from 1940 until 1945; studies demonstrate that between 1.1 and 1.5 million people perished there.

Heroic Love of Neighbor.  Maximilian’s final act of Christian service came on July 30, 1941.  Auschwitz had the rule that if anyone escaped from a cell-block, ten men would be consigned to an underground bunker and starved to death.  One man from Kolbe’s Cell-block 14A went missing (later it was discovered that he had drowned).  The commandant selected ten men to die.  One of them, Franciszek Gajowniczek, cried out: “My poor wife and children!  I will never see them again.”  Father Kolbe volunteered to take his place.  The commandant asked who he was.  Kolbe replied: “I am a Catholic priest.”  Kolbe’s offer was accepted. 

All ten were thrown into the starvation bunker.  To console them and ease their suffering, Kolbe led songs and prayers each day.  After two weeks four remained alive.  Needing the cell for more victims, the four were put to death by an injection of carbolic acid on August 14, 1941.  Franciszek Gajowniczek survived and returned to his wife; he lived to be 95 years old, though his children had perished during the war.  Pope John Paul II canonized Kolbe on October 10, 1982 in Saint Peter’s Square.  Along with other Auschwitz survivors, Franciszek Gajowniczek, wearing his striped prison uniform, was present at the moving ceremony (as was this writer who was in Rome for studies).    

Bearing Paschal Witness.  Today, when one visits the Auschwitz concentration camp and goes to the underground starvation bunker, one sees the paschal candle prominently displayed in the middle of the cell.  What a moving sight!  The Easter candle, symbol of Christ’s own death and resurrection, touches the core of Christian faith—your faith, my faith, the faith of Father Kolbe.  To pray (as did this writer in 2007) at the very site of the death chamber of Cell 18 where Kolbe manifested such profound self-giving inspires deep hope.  The “Saint of Auschwitz” genuinely lived the Gospel: “A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13).    

As already noted, the scene at the Auschwitz concentration camp places the paschal candle at the heart of life—with all its ugliness and yet with all its heroic Christian witness.  Jesus’ missionary-disciples place the crucified-risen Jesus at the center of life—with all its joys and sorrows.  Today on “Divine Mercy Sunday” and always, be a “paschal candle,” radiating the light of the risen Christ!  Serve the needy poor and those in distress, giving without counting the cost.      

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

Mercy Sunday

Burn brightly in the darkest corners

of my heart, O Pascal Candle of new life!

shine with the glow and glory of sacrifice

that transforms wounds into healing,

sorrow into heavenly joy and

death into eternal peace and mercy!

O happy fault! O necessary sin of Adam

that drew down from highest heaven

so great a savior, redeemer and friend!

God grant me the courage to offer myself

for the happiness, healing and faith of all,

that the name of Jesus be praised and

the holy Gospel proclaimed in every

land by every tongue.

O Lord, enkindle in my repentant heart

the flame of devotion to your Reign

that the gates of hell collapse before

Your Word and peace and justice

Spring up where once evil, sin and darkness

ruled and ruined many souls.

May your mercy draw all the world

to your Sacred Heart now and evermore.

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M

Photo: Maryknoll Sisters at Selma, March 7, 1965. (Photo courtesy of Maryknoll Mission Archives)

Allow me to tell you about a unique celebration of Easter from the Philippines, where I happily served as a missionary for over five decades.  Filipinos celebrate a ritual, known locally as the “meeting” (encuentro); it dramatizes the encounter of the risen Lord and his mother Mary on Easter morning. 

Popular Pageantry.  Here is how this country-wide popular ritual unfolds.  In the early morning darkness, two processions proceed through the town streets.  An all-male group follows the statue of the risen Christ; the women follow the sorrowful mother (mater dolorosa).  The sober, sad mood of Good Friday dominates the two processions.  Both groups, praying and singing, emerge into the town square where additional crowds are waiting.  They approach the arch of “meeting.”  The first light of dawn is breaking.

A white-clad angel is lowered ever so carefully from the arch.  She intones the Regina Caeli Laetare, Alleluia (Queen of Heaven Rejoice, Alleluia).  As the angel choirs break into their Easter chants, the lead angel removes the black veil and reveals Mary’s joyous face.  Mary meets her risen Son—to the wild, yet prayerful, enthusiasm of the expectant crowd.  Then the Eucharist is celebrated; the faithful hear the Gospel proclamation to become, like the first disciples, witnesses of the risen Lord.

Easter Experience.  The foregoing description of the Easter pageantry in the Philippines is, in fact, eminently faithful to the Gospel narratives; it follows a common five-point pattern that describes the “experience” of meeting the risen Lord.

(1)  There is a mood of sadness, fear, and despondency.  For example, Mary Magdalene weeping; the Emmaus disciples are returning home disappointed.

(2)  The initiative for the encounter comes from Jesus; he comes to Mary, but she thinks he is only the gardener; Jesus “the stranger” walks with the Emmaus disciples.

(3)  There is a greeting of peace and reconciliation.  Jesus says to his disciples: “Peace be with you.”  He personally calls Mary Magdalene by her name.

(4)  The high point comes in the moment of recognition.  The Emmaus disciples recognize Christ in the breaking of the bread; Mary addresses Jesus as “Rabbuni” (Teacher); John exclaims to Peter: “It is the Lord.”

(5)  A mission command from Jesus follows: “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.”  “Go, make disciples of all nations.”

Our Experience.  This five-point biblical pattern, found in the Filipino celebration, is a paradigm of our own Christian experience.  We often walk in darkness, failing to recognize Christ’s presence among us; he calls us by name to acknowledge his living presence; we need Word and Sacrament (the Eucharist) to heal our blindness; when we recognize that he is risen and alive, we are impelled into mission to announce the Good News to all.

Easter Greeting.  Indeed, Easter is all about meeting the crucified-risen Lord and keeping his personal presence alive in our lives.  May you continue to have a deep “encounter” with the risen Lord!

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

Easter Sunday

My tears of sadness and broken heart

echo throughout the ages from Jerusalem

to my sorrowful home where the absence

of loved ones and departed friends

overshadows any hope of joy returning.

As the first rays of the new day break

through the darkness of endless night

an Angel in dazzling white asks:

“Why seek the living among the dead?”

Mary Magdalene’s mournful plea

resounds and echoes in my empty heart:

“Have you taken the body of my Lord?”

and then, against all hope or reason,

I hear a stranger call my name

pronouncing it full of love as no one else.

“My Lord! My Savior! My God!”

I would cling to you forever if I could.

But you, O Risen Jesus, have a mission

for me, your most humble and unworthy

disciple and servant: “go to my brothers

and sisters and share the Good News.”

Make me then your witness Lord,

to the ends of the earth no less than

to my family and friends.

Let my life be my proclamation:

“Jesus is risen! Jesus is with us!”

come, let us encounter him in our service

to others and in the Breaking of Bread.”

Alleluia! Amen!

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M

Photo: Maryknoll Sisters at Selma, March 7, 1965. (Photo courtesy of Maryknoll Mission Archives)