I recently heard someone ask the question, “What is the central mystery of the Catholic faith?” The answer, of course, is the Holy Trinity. Today we celebrate and contemplate that mystery. Let us enter in to the readings and commentary in the spirit of mystery and faith, and find the treasures God intends for us this day.

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Happy Birthday! Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the Church. It is the day when the Holy Spirit came, and Jesus Himself has left us gifts for our birthday! Let’s hear about them in today’s readings.

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

When Jesus ascended in to heaven, He gave the Apostles a job. This is sometimes referred to as the “Great Commission”, where Jesus commissions us to spread His Word. But He also refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit, to give them and us the power to do this work. He continues to strengthen us with the Sacraments. Let’s hear how this all fits together in today’s readings.

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Throughout salvation history, God has been revealing Himself to us. First God the Father in the Old Testament, then Jesus Christ, God the Son, in the New Testament, then the Holy Spirit in the Church itself. How is that manifest? Where do we see or hear the Holy Spirit these days? And how will it be in heaven?

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Jesus gave us everything on the Cross. He loved us that much. Do we love Him that much? If we give Him everything, what do we get in return? In the readings today, we hear about the New Jerusalem. What exactly is that, where does it come from, and what does that mean for us? Listen now to the readings and commentary for the answers to these and other questions!

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

How do love and suffering connect? Do we have to suffer if we love? How do we reconcile Jesus’ love and His suffering? In today’s Scriptures, we hear how the Apostle Paul and his companions suffered, and how they were then filled with joy as a result. How does that happen? We know Jesus suffered and loved, and so then the Apostles did as well. What does that mean for us? 

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today’s readings continue the post-Resurrection story of “what now?”. Jesus has risen from the dead, and the Apostles are still confused about what to do. One view of today’s Gospel is that Peter says “I’m going fishing” as a way to say he doesn’t know what else to do, so he’ll go back to what he’s always done. Another way to look at it is that he was feeling unworthy of Jesus’ call and Ministry. Jesus said “Follow Me”, and Peter says, “I’m going fishing”. And the others with him follow. Whichever way you look at it, today’s readings are sure to challenge.

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Last week, we celebrated the culmination of Salvation history, the Resurrection of Jesus. What happens now? What’s next? Is it all downhill from there? Hardly. While Jesus is the fullness of revelation, He continues to work through us, and in the case of the readings for this week, through the Apostles, even when they doubt.

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

He is Risen! Alleluia! Today is the Holiest of all the Holy Days of the Liturgical Year, and today we can once again use the “A” word, Alleluia, which we do not use during Lent. Let the joy of the Resurrection fill your heart today and throughout the Easter Season!

Today we continue the Sacred Triduum with the liturgy of Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion. Let us continue to be prayerful as we walk with Jesus.