One of Jesus’ closest followers relates the account. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, yes, even to the ends of the earth” (Acts. 1:8). This we believed with our whole being.

We gathered in the spacious and furnished Upper Room that Peter and John found just as the Master directed them. The smell of roasted lamb increased the hunger of the disciples and a few other invited guests. Earlier I heard my Son say, “I have greatly desired to eat this

Mary, the mother of Jesus relates the event: John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, rushed to my home. How I enjoyed seeing John, the youngest follower of my Son. Full of life and enthusiasm, ready in a moment to do whatever Jesus suggested, he came breathless and excited. “Mary, you’ll

Mary at home after the Passover meal. The room had been prepared well, the lamb delicious, the ritual prayers and ancient story held solemn remembrance of God’s faithfulness. But then the original words over cup and bread by the Host seemed to foreshadow both anxious uncertainty and trust in the

Related by Joseph, Mary’s husband Everyone was on the move. Caesar Augustus had ordered a census, and Mary and I had to go to Bethlehem. Our neighbors in Galilee argued how long the trip would take. Those without family to attend along the way thought they could manage eight hours

Along the way to Calvary, several women were in the “great crowd of people [who] followed him” (Lk. 23:27). Turning to them Jesus instructed them not to weep for him but for their children. Mary understood their grief. Dry-eyed, the mother of Jesus walked near her Son, her presence the

Visualizing or empathizing with Jesus’ Scourging at the Pillar is difficult, so far is it beyond our experience. Other mysteries of the rosary also lie beyond our imagination, so joyful, so sorrowful, so glorious or full of light. This is one reason why I have been suggesting that we  meditate

We begin the Luminous Mysteries with the Baptism of Jesus. It’s his coming out party enjoyed with his cousin John who declared Jesus the Lamb of God. Ready for ministry, trusting his heavenly Father’s backing, but perhaps feeling some emotional reluctance— “My hour has not yet come”—Jesus decides to perform

From Mary’s point of view Every year Joseph and I would travel to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. We had been doing this for about twelve years traveling with our baby and later with our growing child. This year Jesus was twelve and we trusted Jesus with increased responsibility

Scripture shares several appearances of the Risen Lord: the women at the tomb, Mary Magdalene and other women who brought perfumed oil to anoint the body, the Eleven, the two on the road to Emmaus, and perhaps others not named. But Scripture does not mention an appearance to his mother