CALENDARIO / Calendario Cinquepani EN

01 apr 2026

04 April 2026

English translation: Aprile 2026

1/4 HOLY WEDNESDAY [II]

Is 50:4-9; Ps 68; Mt 26:14-25

It is the Lord who helps me Is 50:9

This statement is from the prophet, but the prophet said it for Jesus. It is He who has complete trust in the Father, even in the moment when he is betrayed. This is why he can love the traitor, and love him to the end. I too learn from Jesus to abandon myself with total trust into the hands of our Father.

2/4 HOLY THURSDAY [P]

Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps 115; 1 Cor 11:23-26;

Jn 13:1-15 (Mass of the Lord’s Supper)

You also ought to wash one another's feet Jn 13:14

This is the new commandment that Jesus gives us. He is the first to live it, so we know it is possible. Washing another's feet is what a mother does: with joy, she washes the feet of her children. Maternal love will characterize the disciples of Jesus: each one with humility, will bow before the other, and each will accept that the other bows down before himself.

3/4 GOOD FRIDAY [P]

Is 52:13 - 53:12; Ps 30; Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Jn 18:1 - 19:42

You say that I am a king Jn 18:37

Jesus, you are responding to Pilate, who cannot understand you. For him, being a king means to command, but for you, it means to serve and give your life, even on the cross. Your kingdom is a kingdom of brothers and friends, not of subjects and officials.

You are my king, Jesus: welcome me into your kingdom to serve your brothers.

4/4 HOLY SATURDAY [P]

He has struck down, and He will bind us up Hos 6:1

At this morning's praises, we hear this cry of hope. Jesus has offered His life, but He is assured of the hands that have received it. He will receive a hundredfold: the hands of the Father will raise Him to a life like His own, along with an innumerable crowd of brothers!

5/4 EASTER SUNDAY of the RESURRECTION Year A [P]

Acts 10:34, 37-43; Ps 117; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6-8; Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10

He saw and believed Jn 20:8

Today we share in the joy of the faith of the apostles who went to the tomb and found it empty. Or rather, they found only the linen cloth in which the body of Jesus had been placed. That body is no longer there, but why? They do not yet know. I know, but I cannot express it. I too rejoice, singing: Alleluia!

6/4 MONDAY of the ANGEL [P]

Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 15; Mt 28:8-15

This Jesus, God raised up Acts 2:32

These are the words with which Peter announced to the inhabitants of Jerusalem the mystery we are celebrating. God the Father did not leave Jesus in death, He wishes for him to continue to fill the world with hope and new life through His love and humility. He also makes use of us, who believe in his resurrection.

7/4 TUESDAY of EASTER [P]

Acts 2:36-41; Ps 32; Jn 20:11-18

Jesus said to her, "Mary"!

Jn 20:16

Mary was weeping. She believed that by weeping she was expressing great love. But those tears were a testament to death, while Jesus was, and indeed is, alive. His life is far more beautiful than the one for which she mourned the end. He himself reveals Himself to her by calling her name.

He also calls me by name, to awaken me from my death.

8/4 WEDNESDAY of EASTER [P]

Acts 3:1-10; Ps 104; Lk 24:13-35

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk Acts 3:6

How can you ask this obedience of someone who has never walked? Peter, recalling the fish caught during the day by trusting in the Word of Jesus, commands this obedience to that man. And what does he do? He obeys! Jesus Himself is present here with His power of love: He makes this obedience possible.

9/4 THURSDAY of EASTER [P]

Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8; Lk 24:35-48

Look at my hands: see that it is I myself! Lk 24:39

They were only capable of doubting. They did not trust their own eyes. It is Jesus, and He does not tell them to look at his face. They would have thought it was a hallucination. The hands, however, pierced by nails, could not deceive.

When I experience concrete suffering, then you can believe in my faith in the risen Jesus

10/4 FRIDAY of EASTER [P]

Acts 4:1-12; Ps 117; Jn 21:1-14

It is the Lord Jn 21:7

How can the disciple be so sure? Has he seen something more than what the others saw? No, it is enough for him to see the fish in the net, the result of their obedience to that stranger. It can only be the Lord: He is the one who “commands and it is done.”

11/4 SATURDAY of EASTER [P]

Acts 4:13-21; Ps 117; Mk 16:9-15

We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen Acts 4:20

They saw a crippled man leap for joy just from having heard the name of Jesus. I have seen things too! I have seen enemies reconcile in the name of Jesus. I've seen men and women live to lovingly serve ungrateful sick people for Jesus. I have seen you when you accepted humiliation for the love of Jesus, when you rose again with His forgiveness. I've seen things! I cannot help but tell you that Jesus is truly risen!

12/4 SUN “of Divine Mercy” 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A [P]

Acts 4:42-47; Ps 117; 1 Pt 1:3-9; Jn 20:19-31

As the Father has sent me, so I send you Jn 20:21

Jesus makes His presence known to the apostles eight days later. This time He patiently welcomes Thomas, because he too is 'sent' into the world to live the love of the Father, bringing everywhere the name of Jesus, in whom there is salvation and peace. In this way the mercy of the Father is manifested, which changes the hearts of men, even those as hard as that of Thomas.

13/4 MON 2nd Week of Easter [II]

(memorial optional: St. Martin I, pope and martyr, † 655)

Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2; Jn 3:1-8

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 4:31

Who are they? Those who had prayed when Peter and John were released. In prayer, they do not complain because the apostles had been imprisoned, but recognize God's plans even in this event, and ask Him to reveal Himself again, so that others may know Him and convert.14/4 TUE 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 4:32-37; Ps 92; Jn 3:7-15

The Son of Man must be lifted up Jn 3:14

Jesus knows God's will concerning Him. He understands that it is necessary for Him to be lifted up on the cross, so that men can be healed from the bites of the serpent, that is, from sin and its consequences. Moses' prophecy will be fulfilled: then, whoever looked at the bronze serpent on the pole was healed. Now whoever relies on the crucified Jesus receives life, and eternal life!

15/4 WED 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 5:17-26; Ps 33; Jn 3:16-21

The light has come into the world Jn 3:19

The world is in darkness. Indeed, men do not see the love of the Father. A new light is necessary. This light has come, and it is already illuminating and opening eyes: it is Jesus, who is still speaking to Nicodemus. However, not all men appreciate the light: those who love evil want to remain in the dark to avoid being reproached. I want the light so that I do not remain blind.

16/4 THU 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 5:27-33; Ps 33; Jn 3:31-36

The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus Acts 5:30

Peter is responding to the high priest of the temple. What can he say to him? It's simple: you commanded me to be silent, to not speak of Jesus, but we cannot lie. We have seen Jesus risen, and this is a work of God that benefits everyone, including you!

17/4 FRI 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 5:34-42; Ps 26; Jn 6:1-15

Make the people sit down Jn 6:10

Jesus gives this command to the disciples. The people are hungry and have no food. What to do? First of all, an act of humble and trusting obedience: sit on the grass and wait. He then thanks the Father, acknowledging that it is from Him that everything comes, our life and sustenance. Without His love, we would be dead. The Father answers the Son's thanksgiving, and everyone eats to their fill.

18/4 SAT 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 6:1-7; Ps 32; Jn 6:16-21

It is I; do not be afraid! Jn 6:20

It is Jesus who makes himself known in the night to the frightened disciples. They are in the boat because they have obeyed him: they are going to the other side of the troubled lake. And him? He is walking on the water. Is it possible? Certainly: He does not abandon those who obey Him, and to help them, He walks on the troubled waters. In this way, the disciples learn never to be afraid!

19/4 SUN 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A [III]

Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16; 1 Pt 1:17-21;

Lk 24:13-35

Jesus himself came near and went with them Lk 24:15

We are on the road that leads down to Emmaus. Two disciples of Jesus, disappointed and sad, are happy to have company on the journey. They realize that their traveling companion is special: He knows the Scriptures, and takes them more seriously than they do. Are the Scriptures really that important?

20/4 MON 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 6:8-15; Ps 118; Jn 6:22-29

On Him that God the Father, has set his seal Jn 6:27

They asked Him a pointless question: 'When did you come here?' He does not answer this curiosity, but tells them what is important, what will help them change their lives: Work for what is needed for eternal life! This is where I can help you, because God, the Father, has shown you that I am His, when yesterday I gave you bread for all.

21/4 TUE 3rd Week of Easter [III]

(optional memorial: St. Anselm, bishop and doctor, †1109)

Acts 7:51 - 8:1; Ps 30; Jn 6:30-35

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit

Acts 7:59

Stephen, the servant of the community, is dying under the blows of the stones with which they kill him. He does not cry out against them; he does not curse them: they too must be saved by Jesus! He surrenders himself to Him, who gives him the joy and strength to ask for forgiveness for them.

22/4 WED 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 8:1-8; Ps 65; Jn 6:35-40

All that the Father gives me will come to me Jn 6:37

Jesus continues to reveal Himself to those who have been seeking Him. After using the image of bread to say that it is necessary to be nourished by His life and wisdom, He now reveals His unity with the Father. He is the gift of God, because everything He has, He receives from the Father. If you belong to Jesus, He considers you a gift He has received from God and He will not leave you!

23/4 THU 3rd Week of Easter [III]

(optional memorial: St. George, martyr, † around 303; St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr, † 997)

Acts 8:26-40; Ps 65; Jn 6:44-51

Philip... proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus Acts 8:35

We are on the road going down from Jerusalem to Gaza. An official of the queen of Ethiopia is reading from the book of Isaiah, but he does not understand. He needs explanations. Philip points out to him that those prophecies concern Jesus himself. That man comes to faith, and thus to the joy of asking for baptism.

24/4 FRI 3rd Week of Easter [III]

(optional memorial: St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, † 1622)

Acts 9:1-20; Ps 116; Jn 6:52-59

I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting Acts 9:5

We hear about the transformation of Saul. From a faith that commands him to hate and kill, he comes to let himself be hated and killed in the name of that Jesus, who makes him hear his voice with a simple question: 'Why are you persecuting me?'. Saul will spend three days in darkness, like Jonah: he will open his eyes again when he is baptized, and he will never stop talking about Jesus and suffering for Him.

25/4 SAT ST. MARK, Evangelist [P]

1 Pt 5:5-14; Ps 88; Mk 16:15-20

After you have suffered a little while, He will restore you to health 1 Pt 5:10

Peter tells us these words before conveying the greetings of Mark, whom he calls 'my son'. Today we celebrate precisely for this Mark, who offered his life to Jesus to announce, by writing, his Gospel. Why does Peter speak of suffering? Those who follow Jesus will always have the joy of carrying a cross, just as He carried it.

26/4 SUN 4th Sunday of Easter, Year A [IV]

Acts 2:14,36-41; Ps 22; 1 Pt 2:20-25;

Jn 10:1-10

The sheep hear his voice Jn 10:3

It is the voice of the shepherd. The sheep know his voice. And we know the voice of Jesus: we know how to distinguish if what is being told to us comes from Him or from another source. We will listen only to what comes from the Shepherd. Only his Word gives us life.

27/4 MON 4th Week of Easter [IV]

Acts 11:1-18; Ps 41-42; Jn 10:11-18

The Father loves me Jn 10:17

Jesus reveals the Father to us. Who is He? He is the One who loves Him, because he lives the same life as God. He is the One who gives all of Himself to the Son, so much so that He calls Himself his Father. Father and Son are one, and for this reason, Jesus is certain of the Father's love.

28/4 TUE 4th Week of Easter [IV]

(optional memorial: St. Louis Marie de Montfort, priest, † 1716; St. Peter Chanel, priest and martyr, † 1841; St. Gianna Beretta Molla, † 1962)

Acts 11:19-26; Psalm 86; John 10:22-30

Jesus is Lord Acts 11:20

Everyone must know this. Even the pagans can know this mystery, and from that moment they are no longer pagans! The disciples, having fled from Jerusalem because they were persecuted, do not hesitate. Jesus came for everyone: He had welcomed the Canaanite woman and the centurion, pagans: seeing their faith in Him, He gave them His love. And He had sent the apostles into the whole world to all people!

29/4 WED ST. CATHERINE of Siena, († 1380), Patroness of Italy and Europe [P]

1 Jn 1:5 - 2:2; Ps 102; Mt 11:25-30

All things have been handed over to me by my Father Mt 11:27

Jesus knows the love of his Father. He knows He has received everything from Him, and therefore He is always grateful. He also knows that the Father has entrusted Him with all people to love, and thus he offers Himself to the Father for them. This is what the Saints have learned. Among them, we thank Catherine of Siena today, who offered herself with true love for the good of the Church and the cities of Italy. Her obedience to God benefits all the peoples of Europe.

30/4 THU 4th Week of Easter [IV]

(optional memorial: St. Pius V, pope, † 1572; Proper of the Diocese of Trento: Memorial:

St. Massenza)

Acts 13:13-25; Ps 88; Jn 13:16-20

You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen Acts 13:16

St. Paul draws the attention of listeners in the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia. He is about to announce to them the mystery of God: the life, death, and resurrection of the Son. This mystery truly deserves full attention: it is not enough to understand it; it is necessary to accept it and love it.

1/4 MONDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER [P]

Acts 2:14.22-33; Ps 16; Mt 28:8-15

Do not be afraid; go and announce... Mt 28:10

The courageous women have arrived at the tomb. Now they obey the angel who instructs them to tell the apostles that Jesus is risen and goes ahead of them to Galilee. And behold, Jesus himself meets them and repeats the same invitation as the angel. They will seek to stay united with the apostles and together with them they will be witnesses of His resurrection. Those who love Jesus do nothing alone.

2/4 TUESDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER [P]

Acts 2:36-41; Ps 32; Jn 20:11-18

Woman, why are you weeping? Jn 20:13

"Woman," a significant title. This is how Scripture calls Eve when Adam encounters her as God's gift that completes his life. The risen Jesus first encounters Mary Magdalene: she is a gift from God to him. But why is she weeping? Does she not know that she is precious in the eyes of her God?

3/4 WEDNESDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER [P]

Acts 3:1-10; Ps 104; Lk 24:13-35

Foolish ones, slow of heart to believe Lk 24:25

The risen Jesus has no intention of offending the two disciples who are sad and disappointed. But they truly show foolishness, because they do not take into account the Scriptures or what He himself had said many times. How foolish am I too! In fact, I live as if Jesus had not conquered death.

4/4 THURSDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER [P]

Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8; LK 24:35-48

Look at my hands... it is really Me Lk 24:39

Jesus, your hands are the ones that touched the dead girl and the coffin of the young man from Nain. They are the hands that broke the loaves for the five thousand, and with them, you gave your body and the cup of your blood to the apostles. You show them: the wounds of the nails are evident. The disciples understand that their lives will always be accompanied by your death and resurrection.

5/4 FRIDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER [P]

Acts 4:1-12; Ps 117; Jn 21:1-14

There is no salvation in anyone else Acts 4:12

Peter, uneducated, fisherman, and sinner, is speaking to the leaders of the families of the high priests. Now there is no one capable of giving words of truth, except those who believe in Jesus and speak of Him. Do you really want to save your life? You have only one option: fully adhere to Jesus Christ, who died and rose again.

6/4 SATURDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER [P]

Acts 4:13-21; Ps 117; Mk 16:9-15

He rebuked them for their unbelief Mk 16:14

Those who claim that the resurrection of Jesus is an invention do not take into account these words. Even the apostles did not expect to see Jesus again, and when they saw Him, they thought they were hallucinating. Before coming to faith, we all go through unbelief. Faith is a gift, a gift that I cannot boast about. It is a gift to ask for.

7/4 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

2nd Sunday of Easter Year B [P]

Acts 4:32-35; Ps 117; 1 Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed Jn 20:29

Those who trust in the words of the apostles are "blessed," meaning close to God. Thomas did not do this. He relied on his own eyes and fingers rather than the testimony of his brothers. Jesus showed mercy to Thomas and He has much mercy for me, who am no better than him. Thank you, Jesus!

8/4 MON ANNUNCIATION of the LORD [P]

Is 7:10-14; 8:10c; Ps 39; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38

Do not be afraid, Mary Lk 1:30

Mary obeyed. Even though she did not understand, she decided to trust in the Lord. She overcame the fear that often overcomes us: the fear of entrusting ourselves to grace, that is, to God's free love, in order to rely on our apparent securities.

Thank you, Mary, for fearlessly saying your yes, the beginning of the salvation of all mankind.

9/4 TUE 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 4:32-37; Ps 92; Jn 3:7-15

So must the Son of Man be lifted up Jn 3:14

It is night. Secretly, a character, Nicodemus, arrives. He wants to hear Jesus, and Jesus reveals himself to him not as one who performs miracles, but as the one who dies to save those who are in sin, heirs of Adam's sin. Whoever loves him when he is lifted up on the cross will be saved from the destructive power of sin, freed from the world's power, and resurrected to a new life.

10/4 WED 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 5:17-26; Ps 33; Jn 3:16-21

An angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison Acts 5:19

What a surprise! Who would have ever imagined it? They didn't even expect it themselves, and they didn't even ask their God for it. Angels sure know how to act! I will never despair because God still has angels at his disposal, and if he wants, he will send them.

11/4 THU 2nd Week of Easter [II]

(Memorial: St. Stanislaus, bishop and martyr, † 1079)

Acts 5:27-33; Ps 33; Jn 3:31-36

Without measure, he gives the Spirit Jn 3:34

Jesus, you are still speaking to Nicodemus, to reveal yourself. In this way, we can also know you: it is you who immerses us in the light and love of the Father! You do this with the words you draw from his heart. I am listening.

12/4 FRI 2nd Week of Easter [II]

Acts 5:34-42; Ps 26; Jn 6:1-15

He withdrew again to the mountain Jn 6:15

When Jesus realizes that the people did not understand the sign of the loaves, neither the ones they ate to their fill nor the leftovers, he hides. They wanted to make him king. He does not accept to be made king by men, but only by God the Father. The king created by men imposes himself, the one made by God humbles himself. All that's left is to pray!

13/4 SAT 2nd Week of Easter [II]

(mf: St. Martin I, pope and martyr, † 655)

Acts 6:1-7; Ps 32; Jn 6:16-21

It is I; do not be afraid! Jn 6:20

Why were they afraid? They had never seen anyone walk on water before. From Jesus, we can expect even this, that He can do what no one has ever done. When He is with us, no matter what, fear no longer belongs to us.

14/4 SUN 3rd Sunday of Easter Year B [III]

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Ps 4; 1 Jn 2:1-5; Lk 24:35-48

They gave him a piece of broiled fish. Lk 24:42

They see him again, with great surprise. They do not know what to think. How is it possible to see Him if even Pilate's soldiers saw him dead? The surprise remains, even greater, when they see him eating their fish. I can only humble myself and believe. Nothing is impossible for God, and I cannot confine Him within my understanding abilities.

15/4 MON 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 6:8-15; Ps 118; Jn 6:22-29

Work for the food that endures for eternal life. Jn 6:27

The people had been looking for Jesus, eager to eat the bread of the miracle again. But it was still only bread. They had not understood that it was a sign to recognize Him as the sent one from God, the true shepherd. They must not seek the leftovers from the previous day, but a new food that nourishes a new life, the one that God sows in us with the arrival of Jesus.

16/4 TUE 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 7:51 - 8:1; Ps 30; Jn 6:30-35

It was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven

Jn 6:32

Jesus responds. The manna of Moses' time came every day, punctually, for free. But it was a food that did not prevent anyone from dying or sinning. The true food from God will prevent us from sinning because it will unite us to Him, and from dying because those who are one with the Father are already in eternal life.

17/4 WED 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 8:1-8; Ps 65; Jn 6:35-40

I will raise him up on the last day Jn 6:40

The concept of the "last day" has always been a mystery to me due to my lack of understanding. It will be the day of resurrection, the one accomplished for me by Jesus. It is the day when I will see my God and will no longer hunger or thirst. Do I have to wait for this day or has it already begun? In fact, Jesus already satisfies and quenches me, and already allows me to enjoy the love of the Father and the peace of surrendering myself to Him.

18/4 THU 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 8:26-40; Ps 65; Jn 6:44-51

The bread that I will give is my flesh Jn 6:51

"… my flesh for the life of the world": without this "flesh," the world only knows death and the anticipation of death. I am blessed because I can eat the Bread that is "the flesh" that gives true life, a life that knows no death, because it unites me with the God of love, the eternal God.

19/4 FRI 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 9:1-20; Ps 116; Jn 6:52-59

Whoever eats this bread will live forever Jn 6:58

Truly mysterious are the words of Jesus! They introduce us to a new, different world; a world free from the fear of death. I desire to enter this new world, not known or built by men. I eat the bread that comes from the hands of Jesus, and I allow myself to be transformed into an instrument of His love.

20/4 SAT 3rd Week of Easter [III]

Acts 9:31-42; Ps 115; Jn 6:60-69

It is the Spirit that gives life

Jn 6:63

Jesus teaches us to distinguish and discern between biological life and spiritual life. The first is the 'place' of the second. And it is the spiritual life that fills the biological life with joy, gives it meaning with love, and sustains it with hope. I will stay close to Jesus, who offers me the Spirit, so as not to render useless the passing days and those to come.

21/4 SUN 4th Sunday of Easter Year B [IV]

Acts 4:8-12; Ps 117; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18

I am the good shepherd

Jn 10:14

How many images Jesus uses to make himself known! Today he uses the one that prophets and psalms have already used to bring us closer to the love of our Father. He is the shepherd who takes care of the sheep, nourishes them, defends them, and keeps them united. Today Jesus reveals that God loves us through him. Jesus, I will stay close to you!

22/4 MON 4th Week of Easter [IV]

Acts 11:1-18; Ps 41-42; Jn 10:1-10

Whoever does not enter... through the gate... is a thief... Jn 10:3

It is important to know that not only the shepherd approaches the sheep, but thieves and robbers also come close. How can we distinguish them? I will look at which way they enter the sheepfold. If they pass through the gate, they are trustworthy. If they come through Jesus, I listen to them. If someone does not refer to Jesus, it is not for me: I ignore them and leave.

23/4 TUE 4th Week of Easter [IV]

(mf. St. George, martyr, † ca. 303; St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr, † 997)

Acts 11:19-26; Ps 86; Jn 10:22-30

I know them and they follow me Jn 10:27

Jesus, in the temple, continues speaking about the sheep to respond to the Jews. He tells them that his sheep listen to Him and follow Him, while the others do not accept Him. He cannot concern himself with them. Have they understood? I understand that I will have life only from Jesus.

24/4 WED 4th Week of Easter [IV]

(mf. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, † 1622)

Acts 12:24 - 13:5; Ps 66; Jn 12:44-50

The things that I say, I say as the Father has told me Jn 12:50

Jesus, you know that not everyone who hears your words listens to them. There are also those who despise you. However, you want to be obedient to the Father and reveal his love to us. Even at the risk of being despised, I will listen to you and ask for the strength to be a faithful friend to you.

25/4 THU FEAST OF ST. MARK, Evangelist [P]

1 Peter 5:5-14; Ps 88; Mk 16:15-20

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved Mk 16:16

Saint Mark, you give us these formidable words of Jesus. When we look at you, raised on the cross, and declare our faith before all, entering the water of baptism, God saves us from the evil of the world and eternal emptiness. Mark lived out these words: today we honor and thank him.

26/4 FRI 4th Week of Easter [IV]

Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2; Jn 14:1-6

In my Father's house there are many dwelling places Jn 14:2

What does Jesus want to reveal to us? The Father doesn't need a house made of bricks. Is His house perhaps the place where He welcomes us to love us? Certainly. The dwelling place is not for one person alone, but for a community. In the various "dwelling places" Jesus prepares a place for each one. Each of us will be active in a community or in a fraternity of Jesus' disciples.

27/4 SAT 4th Week of Easter [IV]

Acts 13:44-52; Ps 97; Jn 14:7-14

Whatever you ask in my name, I will do Jn 14:13

Jesus repeats this promise twice. It is not important to know what to ask for, but rather how to ask "in my Name". When am I 'in his Name'? When I let myself be saved by him, when my interests are no longer worldly or earthly, then I am in His Name. What will I then ask the Father? Only what is necessary to fulfill his Kingdom.

 

28/4 SUN 5th Sunday of Easter Year B [I]

Acts 9:26-31; Ps 21; 1 Jn 3:18-24; Jn 15:1-8

I am the vine, you are the branches Jn 15:5

hen I see a vine, I think of these words. Who am I? I can only answer by referring to Jesus. I belong to Him. There is no other place for me on earth, but in the Body of Christ. His fruit is mine and mine is His. A mystery of joy and consolation!

 

29/4 MON ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA, († 1380), Patroness of Italy and Europe [P]

1 Jn 1:5 – 2:2; Ps 102; Mt 11:25-30

Take my yoke upon you

Mt 11:29

Saint Catherine of Siena, in her short life, is an example for us. She took upon herself the yoke of Jesus. She lived with Him, with joy, but also with toil and risk. Jesus' desires were hers, His will was hers, His hardships were on her shoulders, whether she was writing reprimands to princes and popes or helping the condemned at the moment of death: all with the same courage and the same love.

 

30/4 TUE 5th Week of Easter [I]

(mf: St. Pius V, Pope, † 1572)

Acts 14:19-28; Ps 144; Jn 14:27-31

I give you my peace Jn 14:27

This promise of Jesus has remained imprinted in our hearts, so much so that it is always present in our celebrations. We hear it every time we prepare to receive the Body of Christ. His peace is the richness of life and love that He has received from the Father! Thank you, Jesus!