April saw my having successful cataract surgery [the left eye on the 3rd and the right on the 17th]. There was the prior surgical consult, the days of surgery, the next day check-up to remove the shield, the daily drops, the week later follow-up for each eye with the regular eye doctor, and the appointment for the new prescription for reading glasses. Add to that a regularly scheduled appointment with the retina specialist, and I can say that I have seen enough of those that help you to see better. Then there were the regular "other" doctors to be seen. It not only keeps you moving, but it tests your memory skills. But, thank God, I am blessed.
As I mentioned yesterday, I hope to share some of my reflections prepared for my "lectio divina" on WAOB FM radio. One of the twelve from this past Sunday was a reflection of the 19th chapter of Saint John's Gospel regarding Mary. I share it for your edification.
Pope Francis this year declared a new Universal feast honoring Mary, to be celebrated on this Monday after Pentecost. The feast is of Mary, Mother of the Church. While new in its official status, this recognition of Mary, as Mother of the Church, has long been a part of our faith life.
Its origins lie in verses 26 & 27 of this 19th chapter of John: "When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home."
The beloved disciple is John. And he stands for the entire community of the beloved, the Church. When Jesus entrusted Mary to John and John to Mary, he established a bond of deep love and affection that sustains life.
Mary was at the cross ... she quietly rejoiced in the empty tomb ... she waited in prayer for the Paraclete ... and she was there on Pentecost. She is our mother and companion on the journey of faith. Let us rejoice in her love.
As I mentioned yesterday, I hope to share some of my reflections prepared for my "lectio divina" on WAOB FM radio. One of the twelve from this past Sunday was a reflection of the 19th chapter of Saint John's Gospel regarding Mary. I share it for your edification.
Pope Francis this year declared a new Universal feast honoring Mary, to be celebrated on this Monday after Pentecost. The feast is of Mary, Mother of the Church. While new in its official status, this recognition of Mary, as Mother of the Church, has long been a part of our faith life.
Its origins lie in verses 26 & 27 of this 19th chapter of John: "When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home."
The beloved disciple is John. And he stands for the entire community of the beloved, the Church. When Jesus entrusted Mary to John and John to Mary, he established a bond of deep love and affection that sustains life.
Mary was at the cross ... she quietly rejoiced in the empty tomb ... she waited in prayer for the Paraclete ... and she was there on Pentecost. She is our mother and companion on the journey of faith. Let us rejoice in her love.
Yesterday, our Holy Father announced that there would be six new saints acclaimed and canonized this coming October 14th. Included among them is the first Pope that I was ever in the presence of, Pope Paul VI ... and Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, whose witness to the poor is well known. These join a great company of witnesses who stand as examples to us of faith, hope and love.
Today the Church honors Saint Rita of Cascia.
Saints of God, come to our aid!
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