THE FEAST OF ST BERNADINE OF SIENA, OFM.
FEAST OF ST BERNADINE OF SIENA, OFM
MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU.
THE GOODNEWS:
"Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
"Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
"You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.
"I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me." (John 14: 27 - 31).
Tuesday May 20th, 2025 in the 5th Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St Bernardine of Siena, OFM.
(1380 - 1444). Italian Franciscan Priest. St Bernardine had a great charism for preaching. During his relatively short life, he was able to evangelize all Italy. Below is a snippet from his biography.
"When other priests consulted him for advice, Bernardine gave them a simple rule: “In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory. Direct all you do purely to his honor. Persevere in brotherly charity, and practice first all that you desire to teach others.”
Bernardine came down to us in history for his special love for the holy name of Jesus.
Here is a great quote from St Bernardine on the name of Jesus:
“The name of Jesus, is in fact,
the great foundation of the faith
that turns people into children of God.
The Catholic Faith indeed,
consists in the news of Jesus Christ, as light of the soul, gate of life and foundation of eternal salvation.”
Our key Scripture for today proclaims:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."
Jesus gives a special peace, the Shalom to His disciples and to us the present day disciples. This is the Peace of Christ. It is radically different from the peace of the world. The world claims peace when there is no war, when the stock market and the economy are good. When the family is not at each other's throat. Everyone is in good health. This like Pax Romana, the imposed peace of the Roman empire on conquered people. Peace through strength.
What is the peace that Jesus Christ gives us? What is His special type of peace? In one word, it is opposite the Pax Romana, the peace of this world.
Examples of the Peace of Christ:
The martyrs felt immense joy and peace at the moment of their execution. Christians rejoice in suffering.
Paul and Barnabas in the first Reading of today strengthened the spirits of the disciples [at Derbe] and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Cf Acts 14: 19 - 28).
Peace is a special gift of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit takes residence in your heart, He brings the peace of Christ.
The Holy Spirit brings also love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness and other sweet gifts.
The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.
"The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."
- (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)
Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.
For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:
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