For those of us who celebrated Thursday as
the Solemnity of the Accession, we get an additional set of readings in the
lectionary. Actually we get the
appropriate set of readings. It’s those
who have their Ascension oddly displaced that lose out on a set of
readings. And how appropriate that today
Christ prays for us! Think about
this. Thursday Christ ascended. The disciples locked themselves in the upper
room in fear and prayed. They prayed for
nine days, the very first novena, until Pentecost Sunday when the Holy Spirit
came down upon them. And so, today,
while we are locked in prayer, Jesus prays along with us.
Lifting up his eyes to heaven,
Jesus prayed saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your
name that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we
are one.
When I was with them I protected
them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of
them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might
be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy
completely.
I gave them your word, and the
world hated them,
because they do not belong to the
world
any more than I belong to the
world.
I do not ask that you take them
out of the world
but that you keep them from the
evil one.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the
world.
Consecrate them in the truth. Your
word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be
consecrated in truth.”
~Jn 17:11-19
What Jesus prayed for
was unity and Truth. Jeff Cavins
explains the passage.
I also thought highly
of Fr. Ebuka Immanuel Polycarp’s reflection.
Have you started your
Pentecost Novena? You know, I forgot to
start on Thursday, but I will start now.
I think one can make up the days of a Novena if you start late or
miss. I do it all the time.
Sunday Meditation: “I consecrate
myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
Today happens to also be Mother’s Day, at
least in the United States, if not elsewhere.
There is a classic Italian song simply called, Mama, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamma_(song)
which is so appropriate for today. Here
is Luciano Pavarotti’s rendition.
Here is a rough English translation which
doesn’t do the song any justice.
Mamma (English translation)
Mamma
Mamma I am very happy
because I am returning to you
my song is telling you
that it is the most beautiful day for me
Mamma I am very happy
why should we live apart?
Mamma, only for you
my song flies
Mamma, you will stay with me
you'll not be alone anymore
how much I love you
these words of love
that my heart is whispering to you
maybe are not longer used
Mamma, but my most beautiful song is you
you are my life
and for the rest of my life I'll never leave you again
I can feel your tired hand
looking for my golden curls
I can hear, and your voice is a whisper
the lullaby of back then
today, your white head
I want to hold tight to my heart.
To all the Mothers who may read this, Happy
Mother’s Day!
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