The last week of May has a set of Celebrations. On Monday 27th we commemorate Memorial Day. The day which we all remember for soldiers who died for our nation while serving the armed forces.
Happy Memorial Day. To all who serve in the Military, Thank you! May the Lord bless you and your family. And, may those who laid down their lives in that call to service rest in peace.
On Wednesday 29th our school celebrates Kindergarten graduation. We congratulate our little ones on their well-deserved success, and give them prayerful best wishes for their next adventure!
Friday 31st is 8th Grade Graduation. So happy to share the excitement of our school as they prepare to send forth another class in to the world to make a difference. We congratulate the students and the staff and assure them of our prayerful support.
Friday 31st May, Mother Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is celebrated. Month of May is dedicated for the devotion to Mother Mary; therefore, it is fitting conclusion that she goes to visit each of her children.
This is a fairly late feast, going back only to the 13th or 14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity. The present date of celebration was set in 1969, in order to follow the Annunciation of the Lord and precede the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.
Like most feasts of Mary, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. One of the invocations in Mary’s litany is “Ark of the Covenant.” Like the Ark of the Covenant of old, Mary brings God’s presence into the lives of other people. As David danced before the Ark, John the Baptist leaps for joy. As the Ark helped to unite the 12 tribes of Israel by being placed in David’s capital, so Mary has the power to unite all Christians in her son. At times, devotion to Mary may have occasioned some divisiveness, but we can hope that authentic devotion will lead all to Christ and therefore, to one another.
This weekend’s first reading recounts for us the first great debate in the Church. After listening to all the parties and praying, the apostles and elders respond: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us …” The Apostles depended on the Holy Spirit they had received from Jesus. The Holy Spirit sent by the Father in Jesus’ name will teach them everything and remind them of all that Jesus had told them. The Spirit did just that.
Through the centuries, the Church has followed the same path with new debates: listening, praying, and responding with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Along with the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives us the gift of his peace – a peace that is more profound than any peace the world might offer. Jesus’ peace brings us the assurance that nothing can separate us from his love. Jesus’ peace strengthens our faith and trust that we will be victorious over trials and suffering as Jesus was. Jesus’ peace enables us to live with optimism and grace.
Jesus tells us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” If we choose to abide in Jesus’ peace and seek opportunities to share that peace with one another, we will have no reason to be troubled or afraid.
Every breath we take is a reminder of the Holy Spirit within us and the gift of Jesus’ peace in our hearts.
Let us breathe deeply today – and be at peace.
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