The BreadCast

O Holy Tabernacle, preeminent member and model of the Church to whom you gave birth… as you are Mother of the Head, so, too, Mother of the Body, of all those redeemed by the Blood of your Son, with whom you shared such intimate union – pray that we be made fruitful by your intercession, children of the Lord Most High and your children, conceived of the Spirit that overshadowed you and for whom you waited with the apostles in the upper room. Pray we make our home in you as in the Church born from the side of Jesus pierced upon the Cross beneath which you stood. Dear Mother, pray we follow you into glory.

(Acts 2:1-11; Ps.104:1,24,29-31,34; 1Cor.12:3b-7,12-13; Jn.20:19-23) "Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were." What our first reading captures in all its dramatic moment, David's psalm declares in clarity – "When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth" – and our gospel defines in Jesus' word and action with His apostles: "He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" The Spirit comes from heaven above, through the only Son, to redeem, renew, and strengthen all on the face of the earth. "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit," and they all spoke "of the mighty acts of God," and each one of those gathered there "from every nation… heard them speaking in his own language." For the language in which they spoke was the language of the Spirit, the language all understand. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body… and we are all given to drink of one Spirit," and what does this Spirit say but, "Jesus is Lord," the truth to which all are called, for which every heart yearns. And though all find life in "the same Spirit," though all declare as one that Jesus is Lord, for each of us "there are different kinds of spiritual gifts." As David exclaims, "How manifold are your works, O Lord!" And is not this call to "different forms of service" revealed in the fact that "there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each of them"? Each is thereby given his own "theme," his own song to sing to please the Lord, and our prayer should therefore always be, "May the Lord be glad in His works!" (And for those who deny that man has been given the gift of forgiving sins, do they not read the Lord's straightforward words to His disciples at this most decisive moment: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained"?) Praise God for the gifts He imparts to all His children. Praise Him for the peace He leaves us and the mission on which He sends us. But praise Him most especially for the breath of the Holy Spirit which animates our very beings, for "if [the Lord] take away [our] breath, [we] perish, and return to [our] dust," but with this Spirit we share in the very power of God. Fill this house, O Lord, with the power of your Spirit. Let the Church always proclaim your praise. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "There Is No End to Life" (final part) from Thoroughfare, seventh album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, let us be baptized in your Spirit, renewed for the proclamation of your love. YHWH, comes the driving wind from Heaven, the Spirit Jesus breathes upon His apostles, and so we are made your sons, dear Father, and declare your glory unto all. May your Church with one voice offer you due praise and teach the nations of your eternal call. We must leave our sins behind and accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit, living as one with the Son of God. If we keep His commandments, we shall dwell with you forever, O Father God. For He is with you and through Him you send the Spirit; all who desire to be your children you bless with purging fire this holy day. Now the promised gift of the Spirit falls upon our immortal souls and we are refreshed and made new creatures, formed in the image of Jesus, your Son. One you make us in Spirit and Body, free from all the works of the flesh. Your Son stands in our midst and offers us His peace; the Advocate now testifies to all Truth… Come and make your dwelling in us, O glorious LORD and God.

(Acts 28:16-20,30-31; Ps.11:4-5,7; Jn.21:20-25) "I wear these chains solely because I share the hope of Israel." The hope of Israel indeed wears chains. The Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior of the nation, is fixed to a cross. This is the call of all who follow Jesus – to die. But, Peter is prompted to ask as he walks with Jesus and the Lord explicates his dual call to serve as leader of the Church and to die for his faith, "What about him?" What about John, who follows them? The question pertains not simply to whether or not John also must suffer a martyr's death, but principally – as the principal call of Peter is to feed the Lord's flock – to why Jesus does not call John to serve as His first of priests, standing in His stead, for it is clear to all that John is "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Jesus responds, "Suppose I want him to stay until I come," suppose He does not want John to pour himself out as a libation on His holy altar… that should be of no concern to the Rock of the Church. Jesus calls whom He wills to what He wills for His blessed purpose. And John is not called to die, or to lead. John is, in fact, the only one of the Twelve who does not suffer a martyrdom of blood. He does remain until a very old age. His martyrdom is white, that of suffering a long life. And in several ways he remains ever with the Church on earth, in a sense, as the Christ's beloved Church. It is he to whom the Blessed Mother is entrusted, she who is with us always to nurture us here on our journey. And in our gospel today, the principal call of John is most evident: he is called to "witness to… the things that Jesus did" and to "record them." "It is he who wrote them down," he who is the great Evangelist – he whose words remain with us even today as we read his gospel throughout the most blessed season of Easter. And, of course, it is he who, in his old age, while exiled on the island of Patmos, will receive the great vision that has become the Book of Revelation, thus telling us so thoroughly not only of Jesus' life on earth, but also of His life in heaven. In our first reading, Paul is "allowed to take a lodging of his own." Though "a soldier was assigned to keep guard over him… with full assurance, and without any hindrance whatever, he preached the reign of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." What Paul does in earthly chains for two years – for soon he, too, shall be martyred for the faith – John does, in a sense, endlessly, or at least until its natural end. "The Lord is in His holy temple… His searching glance is on mankind." He calls all to the martyrdom He chooses. Let us each wear the chains He provides, each find the place in the kingdom to which He leads us, knowing always that "the upright shall see His face." ******* O LORD, however much we speak of you, there is more to tell; you far surpass our poor witness, O hope of Israel. YHWH, if we must stay here in rented lodgings, let us witness to you with our lives. If today we must die, let our blood be shed upon your altar of sacrifice. Whatever we do, whether we live or die, let it be done for you. We do not know how long we shall dwell upon this earth, O LORD. We do not know when we shall die and come with you to Paradise. But we know that your call is upon our souls, that while here we wear your chains and before us is set your Son's Cross. And we know the source of both the chains of this life and the death we must die is the hope we bear in our souls, the hope of entering into your reign. And we know that your reign is alive in us even this day. Peter is the first of priests, sacrificing himself in the place of your Son upon your holy altar. John, your beloved, witnesses to you with his love and in the words he speaks to us. If we must stay and write, O LORD (vision of you upon our souls), or if we must bleed and die, let all be done for you who dwell on high… and let us join you in your Temple.

O saint of the impossible whose union with Christ in His Passion and His glory serves to grant favors to those in great need, you whose great thirst to be one with our Bridegroom brought the help of the saints yourself – pray we poor souls shall fulfill our vocation, that through the din of this world we shall hear and answer the call of the Lord and give ourselves in His service in the manner He desires. Pray our hearts be so set on union with Him that no obstacle shall stand in our way, that all help we need to find our path to Him will be provided through your prayers. How shall we come to dwell in Heaven? Invoke God's blessing upon us.

(Acts 25:13-21; Ps.103:1-2,11-12,19-20; Jn.21:15-19) "When you are older you will stretch out your hands, and another will tie you fast and carry you off against your will." And so the Lord "indicate[s] the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God." And by his laying down of his life, this leader of the apostles shall indeed feed the Lord's sheep. After "they had eaten their meal," when there was nothing to distract them – as the apostles gazed at the wonder of the risen Christ before their eyes – the Lord quietly speaks to Peter in the hearing of all. Three times Jesus inquires of His blessed Rock, calling him by his earthly name to assume the name heaven has assigned him. Three times the risen Lord asks, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" and three times Peter must publicly declare his love for God above all things, three times negating his previous denials. It is a simple scene, but beautiful, and remarkably weighty. Not only does Jesus place the care of the Church into this poor apostle's hands, but He speaks clearly of the sacrifice His Rock must make, teaching him what love of God and care for His people entail… nothing less than death. And of Paul's death for the Lord we continue to read. Though the Apostle does not himself appear in our first reading, he is spoken of clearly. Two things we learn of him: first, he is a "prisoner" "kept in custody"; second, the reason for his arrest – he differed with the Jewish leaders "about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed is alive." In his imprisonment is Paul's death and in his profession of the risen Lord he shows his love for God and the people. Here he clearly follows in the steps of Jesus, fulfilling his call from the Lord. And, brothers and sisters, the call to death, the call to love of the Lord and care for all His children, is all our own. What the Lord speaks to Peter He speaks indeed to all the apostles seated there on the shore in Galilee; and He speaks the same in our hearing today, calling all who would follow Him in the same way. And follow Him we must. It is only by this same sort of death that any of us will come to life; it is only sharing in His cross that we will find the resurrection. We cannot see the risen Lord, nor rise ourselves, if we are not willing to die for Him and with Him. But do not fear: "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." Neither Festus nor Felix nor King Agrippa nor the Jewish elders can judge Paul, for he is only in God's hands. And so, though we be dragged to certain crucifixion, the world holds no sway over our souls – the life the Spirit provides and the strength He instills cannot be destroyed. Let us stretch out our hands freely to embrace our blessed Lord and "all His benefits" receive through our sharing in His sacrifice of love. ******* O LORD, may we declare our love for you by laying down our lives for you who are above all. YHWH, you rule over all from your throne in Heaven, and so, though brought before the rulers of this world, what need we fear? Though to death you call us all, we have your blessing to protect us and your Church to feed us along the way. With your Son's Body and Blood you feed us, and so, again, what need we fear? It is a blessing to witness to your Name and your Son's resurrection before the powers that be in this world, for then by your grace we serve to bring your kingdom forth to take its place amongst all. Thank you, O LORD, for this gift you give us, to share in the work of your Christ. And thank you, LORD, for your call to Peter and His obedience in laying down His life, His following in the path upon which Jesus leads us, that we might know the way we should travel and have the Church's protection, the food you give us at the hands of the apostles all through our earthly life.

O sacrificial sheep, priests of the Lord who offered your lives even as you offered Mass, in union with Christ and His Church for the sake of your homeland: you prayed for its peace even as violence was done to you; you celebrated the Mass and baptized your flock even when it became a crime, even when it cost your lives – such union with Christ pray all souls, and especially our priests, shall know to the depths of their heart; let none be afraid to shed their blood as one with His redemptive sacrifice. The Cross pray we follow where it leads, despite the world's persecution.

(Acts 22:30,23:6-11; Ps.16:1-2,5,7-11; Jn.17:20-26) "I set the Lord ever before me; with Him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed." Yes, "the Lord appeared at Paul's side" at night, in prison, after his testimony and the near riot it caused in Jerusalem. He comes to encourage him, to strengthen him for further trials; and through all Paul shall remain strong. "Keep me, O God, for in you, I take refuge," David prays, and sings of the confidence his heart and soul find in the Lord, his "allotted portion and cup… who hold[s] fast [his] lot." He knows deep in his spirit that the Lord "will not abandon [his] soul to the netherworld, nor will [He] suffer [His] faithful one to undergo corruption." And certainly, the same faith Paul exhibits; the same trust in the Lord, Paul holds in his own spirit. He, too, is not disturbed, though he finds himself "on trial now because of [his] hope in the resurrection of the dead." And whence comes such confidence? How can a man so attacked, a man so beaten and cursed, be so without fear? Does not Jesus answer this question in His prayer to the Father, which we are all blessed to hear? Here He prays that we be one in Him even as He is one with the Father. Here He asks that our "unity may be complete." And if our unity is complete with the Father and with the Son, as well as with one another, what, brothers and sisters, have we to fear? If the love of God which the Father "bore [the Son] before the world began" is in our hearts now, what can disturb them? "That your love for me may live in them, and I may live in them" is Jesus' prayer to the Father for us all – and do you think the Father does not listen, does not answer His Son? He would have us in His company where He is, gazing upon His glory – and this is where Paul dwells. And so he cannot be moved. "You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever." The Spirit brings us now that of which David sings, that which Paul knows, that all might know the glory of God, that all might be one in Him, and so, safe from all harm. As Jesus is resurrected from the dead, so shall we all be. What have we to fear? We must but set Him before us always. ******* O Lord, let your love live in us that we might make your Name known with faith and courage. YHWH, in you we take our refuge, and so we pray that you keep us ever close by – with you at our right hand we shall not be disturbed. Please answer your Son's prayer that we be in His company where He is, with you in eternal glory. You will not abandon our souls to the nether world, and so, encourage us as you have Paul, with your presence at our side. In your Spirit may we find confidence to bear witness before all. Jesus has been resurrected from the dead and with Himself He would bring us to your glorious presence. What need we fear with His power upon us? Why should we be afraid when His Spirit is with us, showering on us your love? In you we should but rejoice for the eternal protection you give us in your holy NAME. To life we shall come even this day, O LORD, for we have believed in your Son and so share in the glory of His resurrection.

O apostle of the holy name of Jesus who proclaimed God's loving mercy to those in darkness that the light of faith might save souls and make them children of the light of Christ, radiating His splendor, the splendor of truth, to the ends of the earth – where is such zeal today, where apostles with the preaching of Paul; and so, how shall souls be saved, how shall false beliefs flee, infidelity be consumed and the truth appear as a great candle lighting the whole world with its brilliant flame, if you do not intercede? Pray that we may not lack knowledge of and devotion to Jesus, that His name shall not be suppressed but preached without cease to waiting hearts.

(Acts 20:28-38; Ps.68:29-30,33-36; Jn.17:11-19) "O Father most holy, protect them with the name you have given me." In our gospel today Jesus prays to the Father, "who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens," to "guard [His disciples] from the evil one." And the parallels continue between His and Paul's parting words, as the Apostle warns his own disciples, "When I am gone, savage wolves will come among you who will not spare the flock," and therefore exhorts them to "be on guard." It is the Lord's earnest desire of the Father that we His disciples "be consecrated in truth." If truth be with us, if the Holy Spirit He promises to send be ours, the "careful watch" Jesus has kept "as long as [He] was with [us]" will continue. In fact, Paul's instruction to the elders of Ephesus to "shepherd the Church of God, which He has acquired at the price of His own blood" – blood the Lord is about to shed in our gospel – will be realized, and His apostles will become themselves those who care for the safety of the people of God. "I consecrate myself for their sakes now," Jesus says, offering Himself, His blood, as sacrifice for the Church; and Paul commends his disciples to this same Lord, "to that gracious word of His which can enlarge [them], and give [them] a share among all who are consecrated to Him." In His name all are saved. "Awesome in His sanctuary is God, the God of Israel; He gives power and strength to His people." David sings mightily of the majesty of God, whose "voice resounds, the voice of power," and calling all to "confess the power of God!" indicates how we share in that great power. In declaring of the Father, with Jesus and with Scripture, "Your word is truth," that truth in essence becomes our own; we are thereby consecrated to it. And so Paul can exhort those he has placed in positions of power: "Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has given you to guard," for he knows as long as (like Paul) they do not "set [their] hearts on anyone's silver or gold," as long as they work tirelessly to "help the weak," to serve the Church, they shall indeed be sharing in the power and authority of God. Brothers and sisters, we "do not belong to the world" but to God and to His truth. His Spirit is with us to guide us and protect us here on our journey through death to life. As we humble ourselves in prayer before Him, He hears and answers all our needs. Remain in Him this day. ******* O LORD, shepherd your flock in the truth; keep all falsehood from us. YHWH, let us be consecrated in your Word, in your Word of truth, that we might share in your might and power, that we might be protected by your Name. As your Son sends His apostles forth, so these apostles send others forth, all sharing in the power that comes from you by the Spirit upon your Church. May we all be one with your Son as He is one with you, and so may we all do your will despite the persecutions of this world. We do not belong to the world, O LORD, but to the One who has left this world to come to you in your kingdom. Help us to follow where He leads by your power from on high. Your Spirit fall upon us this day to give us strength to accomplish the work you set before us. From your sanctuary come to us and with us here remain, that we shall never turn from you along this narrow way. From generation to generation let your Word go forth till all your children are consecrated in your truth.

(Acts 20:17-27; Ps.68:10-11,20-21,33; Jn.17:1-11) "Father, the hour has come! Give glory to your Son that your Son may give glory to you." A day of departures. A day of final words and commendations. Paul bids farewell to the leaders of Ephesus, declaring his faithfulness to them; and Jesus prays to the Father in the hearing of the disciples, calling the Lord's blessing upon them. "The Holy Spirit has been warning me from city to city that chains and hardships await me," Paul confesses as he makes his way to Jerusalem; Jesus now has the cross directly before His eyes, having supped for the last time with His disciples. "Never did I shrink from telling you what was for your own good, or from teaching you in public or in private," Paul reminds his disciples; while Jesus states to His Father: "I have made your name known to those you gave me out of the world." "I have never shrunk from announcing to you God's design in its entirety," Paul declares; "I have given you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do," Jesus says to the Father. And as Paul hopes, "If only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus, bearing witness to the Gospel of God's grace" – not caring for his own life or any suffering ahead – Jesus' only concern as He moves toward His own death and His return to the "glory [He] had with [the Father] before the world began" is that the Father will bless His disciples, for, as He says, "It is in them that I have been glorified." These who remain in the world, as has Paul, are those who bring His glory forth, even as Jesus has revealed the glory of the Father. The hour of death has come but "God, who is our salvation… controls the passageways of death" because He "bears our burdens." The Lord Jesus Christ has borne, and will bear, all the temptations the devil can mount – the greatest of these illusions being death – and has conquered them all. And now His disciples follow in His footsteps, like Paul, who has "served the Lord in humility through the sorrows and trials that came [his] way." By this sacrifice the Lord "restored the land when it languished," and now all are called to "repentance before God and… faith in our Lord Jesus" to know that redemption. This life that comes from His death is the glory of the Lord that goes now forth. ******* O LORD, we must leave this world to come to you, but you control the passageways of death – let all be done in your Name. YHWH, what do you desire of us but sincere repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus? We glorify you by glorifying Him, by keeping faith in Him and witnessing His Gospel to all. May we ever preach the kingdom as has the Apostle Paul and so complete our mission here in union with your Son. O may we come to eternal life! May we truly know you and your Son. May we share in your glory as He has prayed. O LORD our God, may we make your Name known to all, never shrinking from your call upon our souls, and leave this place blessed by you. Keep us ever in your truth and love until the day we join you in Heaven. The hour has come, O LORD. Your Son has been glorified by you, returning to the glory He had from before time began. And now in us He seeks to be glorified, to continue the work of eternal life here on this earth. Death is not far from any of us; may we die in you and so be freed from all the chains of this world.