Seeing with New Eyes: Lessons from Paul and Ananias

The election of a new pope, specifically Pope Leo XIV, . . .

. . . is seen as a profound new beginning for the Church. Not because the Church had stopped functioning, but because such moments renew the sense of unity and purpose among believers. The joy of his election is contrasted with the heavy burden of leadership he assumes, modeled on the cross of Christ.

The homily reflects on how God’s choices often seem surprising . . . like Paul’s conversion from persecutor to apostle. This transformation shows how divine calling changes one’s vision and mission.

Likewise, Ananias’s initial fear of Paul reminds us that we all need ongoing conversion, especially to overcome fear, prejudice, and reluctance to welcome others. Ultimately, we are invited to be one with Christ, particularly through the Eucharist, and to embrace both leadership and community with a renewed heart.

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Seeing with New Eyes: Lessons from Paul and Ananias

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image:

The Conversion Of Saint Paul: French Painter: Nicolas Bernard Lépicié: late 1700s

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Gospel Reading: John 6: 52-59

First Reading: Acts 9:1-20

The Real Miracle of the Sun: Hearing and Doing the Word

This conference centers on the events of Fatima, . . .

. . . emphasizing the spiritual significance of the Virgin Mary’s appearances to the three shepherd children in 1917. It explores the contrast and connection between seeing and hearing . . . highlighting that although many witnessed the Miracle of the Sun, only three children saw Our Lady, and only two heard her speak.

The homily illustrates how the true purpose of these apparitions was not the miraculous visuals, but the message conveyed . . . calling for prayer, penance, and intercession for sinners. The different reactions and missions of Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco demonstrate how divine encounters can shape lives differently yet purposefully.

Ultimately, it may be argued that Mary appears not to be seen, but to be heard, and that the real miracle is the lived response to her message . . . one that brings the light of Christ into the world through personal holiness and compassionate concern for others.

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The Real Miracle of the Sun: Hearing and Doing the Word

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image:

The crowd at Cova da Iria looking towards the Sun on 13 October 1917

Source Wikipedia

The Apostles’ Witness: Our Questions, Christ’s Answer

This Homily reflects on the deep significance of the apostles’ witness . . .

. . . not merely as conveyors of Jesus’ teachings, but as those who voiced the questions all hearts ask, receiving direct answers from Christ for the benefit of all future believers. It centers around a Gospel reading from the Last Supper where Jesus emphasizes his oneness with the Father, asserting that to know him is to truly know God.

Praying “in Jesus’ Name”

Jesus prepares his apostles for their mission after his resurrection, entrusting them to act and speak in his name. The homily clarifies that praying “in Jesus’ name” is not a formula for guaranteed results but a call to be united in faith, to pray in his spirit, and to live in alignment with his will.

Only then does prayer truly become effective. The homily also encourages the faithful to embrace the apostolic mission: to be Christ’s presence in the world through unity, witness, and authentic prayer.

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The Apostles’ Witness: Our Questions, Christ’s Answer

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Image:

The Exhortation to the Apostles: French Painter: James Tissot: 1886

Part of the online collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

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Gospel Reading: John 14: 6-14

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-8

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One of the things that is important to take into account with regard to the witness of the apostles is not simply that their preaching goes out to the entire world and that they heard things from Jesus that they pass on to us, but that they had the privilege and very important position of asking the questions that our hearts naturally have.

Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship

This Homily reflects on the spiritual growth of the apostles, . . .

. . . especially Peter, after the resurrection of Jesus. The message begins by highlighting the disciples’ joy in suffering “for the Name,” signifying their deep identification with God through Christ. The first Christian preachers boldly proclaimed Jesus as the crucified and risen Messiah, calling listeners to acknowledge their role in His rejection.

The homily then transitions to the Gospel story of Peter returning to fishing . . . an act of seeking clarity and reconciliation with his past after the tumultuous events of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

This return to the beginning becomes a metaphor for the spiritual life: casting nets in the dark, yearning for God, and finally encountering Christ at dawn. Peter’s recognition of Jesus and his eagerness to reach Him illustrates a heart moved by love.

Jesus Draws Out Peter’s Deepest Love and Commitment

The Homily culminates in the intimate dialogue between Jesus and Peter, where Jesus asks three times, “Do you love me?” . . . drawing out Peter’s deepest love and commitment. This transformative encounter reveals that true discipleship involves persistent self-examination, openness to Christ’s probing love, and a renewed call to follow Him with depth and authenticity.

Listen more about this Journey. Listen to

Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship

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Image:

Christ Appears on the Shore of Lake Tiberias: French painter: James Tissot: 1886

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Gospel Reading: John 21: 1-19

First Reading: Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41

Second Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14

The Bread of Life in a Time of Struggle

The Homily highlights the mysterious growth of the Church and Christian faith, . . .

. . . especially through suffering and persecution. It begins by recalling how the Sanhedrin believed killing Jesus would end His movement, unaware that His resurrection would spark the beginning of Christianity. Similarly, early Christians, even when persecuted, chose to remain faithful, leading to the spread of the gospel.

The message emphasizes that challenges and suffering, when seen through the lens of faith, can deepen belief and spread hope. Citing the example of saints like Stephen and the teachings of Jesus, particularly His identity as the “Bread of Life,” the Homily concludes with a call to trust in God’s plan during trials, affirming that God is always in control and working through our struggles for a greater purpose.

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The Bread of Life in a Time of Struggle

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The Last Supper – The First Eucharist: Spanish Painter: Vicente Juan Masip: 1562

The image is a cropped image focusing on The Bread of Life.

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Gospel Reading: John 6: 35-40

First Reading Acts 8: 1-8

From Bread to Belief: Seeing Jesus as the Giver Behind the Gift

This Homily on John Chapter 6 explores the deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ miracles, . . .

. . . particularly the multiplication of loaves and fishes and his walking on water. The commentary contrasts the emptiness of worldly provisions, symbolized by the Roman emperor Tiberius, with the true sustenance that comes from Christ.

It emphasizes that the miracles are not ends in themselves but signs pointing to Jesus’ divine identity. The people, however, focus on the physical benefits and miss the deeper spiritual reality.

The Lord challenges them . . . and us . . . not to seek God merely for material blessings, but to move from appreciating the gifts to knowing and loving the Giver. The ultimate “work of God” is not action, sacrifice, or ritual, but faith in Jesus Christ . . . the one sent by God. This belief is the cornerstone of spiritual life and the foundation upon which everything else is built.

Hear more within the Homily.

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The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes: Italian painter: Giovanni Lanfranco: 1620

The painting was commissioned for and may be found in the Blessed Sacrament chapel in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

Judas and Mary (of Bethany): Two Hearts Before the Mystery of Christ

The Readings and Homily reflect on the profound spiritual themes leading up to Holy Week, . . .

. . . beginning with the “Suffering Servant” songs from the Book of Isaiah. It emphasizes the divine calling and mission of the servant, who acts with God’s authority yet reveals God’s power through humility and suffering . . . not through miracles or displays of strength. This foreshadowing prepares believers for the mystery of Good Friday, where Jesus . . . God in the flesh . . . embraces suffering to redeem the world.

An Act of Love and Devotion

The Homily then shifts to the Gospel scene in Bethany, where Mary (of Bethany) anoints Jesus with costly perfume. Her act is one of love, devotion, and prophetic insight into Jesus’ coming Passion. Judas objects, claiming the perfume should’ve been sold to help the poor, but his motives are exposed as self-serving. The Homily warns that words can hide wicked intentions and calls out the tendency to misuse faith for personal gain—something Judas exemplifies.

Contrasting Judas with Mary , the Homily encourages believers to adopt Mary’s posture of heartfelt reverence and presence with Christ, especially during Holy Week and the Eucharist. The faithful are urged not to be distracted by lesser concerns when Christ is present but to attend to Him with gratitude, love, and worship.

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Judas and Mary (of Bethany): Two Hearts Before the Mystery of Christ

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image

The Anointing of Jesus’ Feet: French Painter: James Tissot: 1900

This painting resides at The Brooklyn Museum. Other Tissot paintings appear on this site here and here.

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Gospel Reading: John 12: 1-11

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-7

Je Vous Salue, Marie: In Honor of Feast Day of St. Louis de Montfort

At the end of the most recent Feast Day of St. Lous de Montfort, . . .

. . . the Queen of All Hearts Music Minstry surprised the priests by singing this song n French. The words may be displayed by selecting the description below. Join in the celebration of the founder of the Company of Mary.

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Je Vous Salue, Marie: In Honor of Feast Day of St. Louis de Montfort

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Madonna at Prayer: Italian Painter: Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato : 1609-1685

The painting now resides in Florence, Italy.

The Queen of All Hearts: Mary’s Role in Building the Body of Christ

This conference emphasizes the deeply communal and celebratory nature . . .

. . . of Christian spirituality, rooted in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. It highlights that this victory is not merely individual but shared among all believers, particularly through their connection with Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Montfort underscores that Christian salvation cannot be isolated; to belong to Christ is to belong to His Church—His body—and by extension, to Mary, who is inseparably united with Jesus and His mission.

Through the lens of St. Louis de Montfort’s spirituality, especially the act of total consecration to Jesus through Mary, this belonging is not only personal but ecclesial and missional. It involves receiving Mary into one’s life as one’s “every good,” allowing her to guide and order the heart, which leads to a deeper participation in the life and mission of the Church.

The creation of the Association of Mary Queen of All Hearts serves as a concrete expression of this spirituality, offering a communal structure where consecrated individuals can grow, pray, and serve together. The ultimate aim is the reign of Jesus through Mary in every heart, a vision that also inspired the foundation of the Marian shrine on Long Island.

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The Queen of All Hearts: Mary’s Role in Building the Body of Christ

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Something different, which is this radical act of belonging.

And it is this radical act of belonging to our Lord, to Our Lady, and therefore to His Church that we seek to grow in. And the mission that he would see for an organization like this is literally the propagation of this deeper belonging out into the world.

And that’s what he means by the reign of Jesus through Mary. The very first sentence in the text we have from his work that we call True Devotion is it is through the Virgin Mary that Jesus . . .

Peter’s Journey and Ours: Seeing, Believing, Following

Today the Church celebrates Easter . . .

. . . as the central feast of Christianity, highlighting the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of faith. Today’s Gospel explains how the Resurrection gives believers new spiritual vision, reveals the truth of life beyond death, and confirms the truth of Jesus’ teachings.

The Homily emphasizes transformation, particularly using Peter’s journey from denial to bold witness. A parable about a caged snake illustrates the idea that while evil has been defeated through Christ, it still poses a threat if people seek it out.

Ultimately, the Homily calls for followers to embrace the path Jesus laid out and let the power of the Resurrection shape their lives.

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Peter’s Journey and Ours: Seeing, Believing, Following

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Image:

The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre on the Morning of the Resurrection: Swiss Painter: Eugène Burnand: 1898

This painting is also known by its shorten name, The Disciples. Now residing in Paris, it was not well received when it was first presented. But look at the painting again. It is truly remarkable! Look at the hands of the younger disciple in anticipation. He holds his hands together anxiously. Look at Peter’s expression. He looks both terrified and hopeful. The artist captures the emotion and the movement of the disciples. How truly wonderful and appropriate for this Meditation piece.

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Gospel Reading: John 20: 1-9