Weekly Digest of the Regnum Christi Daily Meditations: May 17 – 24, 2026
WEEKLY DIGEST OF rc
DAILY MEDITATIONS
Week May 17 - 24, 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026 – I Am With You Always
Monday, May 18, 2026 – The Father Is with Me
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 – I Pray for Them
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – We Belong to Jesus
Thursday, May 21, 2026 – Who Is the Father?
Friday, May 22, 2026 – Feed My Sheep
May 17, 2026 – I Am With You Always
No Audio is Available at This Time
The Ascension of Our Lord (Seventh Sunday of Easter)
Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, help me to accept your invitation to climb the mountain; enable me to rise above my limitations, to rely on your power, and to share the gift of your redemption. Lord, I humbly ask for this grace: Help me to turn to you and trust in you.
Encountering Christ:
- “The Disciples Went to Galilee”: Jerusalem was a big city—noisy, crowded, and a bit overwhelming. The Apostles had just experienced the horror of Jesus’ Crucifixion, as well as their own abandonment of him. We could reasonably consider them post-traumatic. In this low point, Jesus entered and extended an invitation to them to meet him in Galilee. A two- to three-day journey on foot from Jerusalem, Galilee is peaceful and beautiful, and at that time of year, in full bloom. Perhaps Jesus was inviting his disciples to breathe, take in the beauty, unplug. Like the Apostles, we can be personally depleted by our circumstances. It may take some effort on our part (perhaps not three days of walking!); it may be a form of self-mastery to go and meet Jesus. But when we do go to him, in Adoration, for example, we find him, with his love and peace, ready to restore us.
- “They Worshiped, But They Doubted”: Another translation says, “And seeing him they adored; but some doubted.” We sometimes adore—and sometimes we doubt. We may feel a sense of holy envy that the disciples were able to see Although they accompanied Jesus, they were sometimes confused, self-centered, and weak, and did not fully realize the power and love of Jesus, even though he was right before their eyes. We can be so painfully similar to them, and so we pray that we may see—that we may recognize his power and humbly unite our weakness to his strength.
- “Go Out And Tell All the Nations… I Am With You Always”: What a pivotal moment; the Apostles were given their great commission! Jesus did not spend three years teaching and forming them to be spiritually “fat and happy.” No, he formed them to be his priests, his other selves, to share the Good News of his redeeming love with the entire world—and they did! How were they so effective? How they did it was so simple and clear that we might easily miss it: they prayed. They returned to Jerusalem, joined with Our Lady, and they prayed. We are called to follow their humble yet powerful example. We can feel too busy to pray, or take time from our meetings and commitments only because we “have to pray.” When we allow Jesus to fill us and be our strength, we can be true other Christs, true apostles, and true heralds of his Kingdom.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I try to imagine what happened after the Apostles lost sight of you. While angels were addressing them on earth, countless angels and redeemed souls, including Adam and Eve, Moses, the Prophets, John the Baptist, Joseph, and myriad others welcomed you as you ascended to the Father. No earthly experience can compare to the thunderous joy of that moment; wildly cheering fans in a stadium cannot compare to such an expression of all-encompassing happiness! Allow me to join that cacophony of praise for you one day in Paradise.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will slip into a church or chapel and spend a few moments alone with you, with a heart full of gratitude for your desire to accompany me, and with hopeful anticipation of meeting you face to face.
For Further Reflection: I will reflect on today’s psalm, Psalm 47, particularly on these words: “… shout to God with cries of gladness, for the LORD, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth.”
Mary Wolff has a unique understanding of “life in the trenches” from many years of motherhood and her years living in the Holy Land. She spends countless hours in Adoration, interceding especially for priests and for all on the front lines of life. She is crazy-in-love with the Trinity, Our Lady, and her son Mike; she loves to laugh, is a devoted fan of chocolate, and enjoys watching Navy beat Army. Mary can be reached at marybwolff@gmail.com.
May 18, 2026 – The Father Is with Me
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
John 16:29-33
The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, our understanding is sometimes so muddled, and when life assails us, we can be confused. I turn to you now, because you know my deep needs, and I ask that you fill me with your courage and peace.
Encountering Christ:
- “Now You Are Talking Plainly”: It must have been challenging to be a disciple. Jesus was unlike anyone the people had ever met. He turned their world and their thinking upside down and inside out. His message was extraordinary but, quite often, his listeners were confused by the things that he said and did. Some even left him because his teaching was “too much.” When we feel like we need more than anything to hear Jesus talk plainly, how well do we listen? Our Lord will sometimes speak while we reflect on Scripture, sometimes when we’re in prayer, and other times through the ordinary circumstances of our lives. St. Therese of Lisieux says, “I know and have experienced that ‘the Kingdom of God is within us,’ that our Master has no need of books or teacher to instruct a soul. The Teacher of teachers instructs without sound of words, and though I have never heard him speak, yet I know he is within me, always guiding and inspiring me; and just when I need them, lights, hitherto unseen, break in upon me. As a rule, it is not during prayer that this happens, but in the midst of my daily duties.”
- “You Will Leave Me Alone”: Jesus prophesied that his disciples would abandon him, and they did. We also abandon Jesus from time to time. One minute we are invigorated by deep spiritual consolations, and the next we feel depleted and too quickly leave Jesus alone. And when we feel alone, we stumble and fall. In those moments, Jesus shows us what to do. “I am not alone,” Jesus said, “because the Father is with me.” We are to remember that we are always children of God. We can flee from God but he never abandons us. Our loving Lord is patient with us and calls us to repent and return to his presence. “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard ‘delay,’ but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9).
- Take Courage: “In the world you will have trouble.” Jesus knows that all of us face seemingly insurmountable circumstances at times during our life. His recommendation? Take courage. As Christians, we draw courage from the sure knowledge that Jesus conquered “the world”—sin and death. We fix our eyes on eternity and live in the present moment with Jesus—whether we are suffering or joyful—and his peace pervades our soul.
Conversing with Christ: My Lord, talk plainly to me. Help me to see when my actions please you and when they don’t. Please send me your peace, give me the consolation of your presence, and strengthen me to persevere when I run into trouble.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will spend a few minutes praising God the Father and reflecting on my eternal destiny, heaven.
For Further Reflection: I will consider my own sonship, and ponder this entry from CCC 2781: “When we pray to the Father, we are in communion with him and with his Son, Jesus Christ. Then we know and recognize him with an ever new sense of wonder. The first phrase of the Our Father is a blessing of adoration before it is a supplication. For it is the glory of God that we should recognize him as ‘Father,’ the true God. We give him thanks for having revealed his name to us, for the gift of believing in it, and for the indwelling of his Presence in us.”
Mary Wolff has a unique understanding of “life in the trenches” from many years of motherhood and her years living in the Holy Land. She spends countless hours in Adoration, interceding especially for priests and for all on the front lines of life. She is crazy-in-love with the Trinity, Our Lady, and her son Mike; she loves to laugh, is a devoted fan of chocolate, and enjoys watching Navy beat Army. Mary can be reached at marybwolff@gmail.com.
May 19, 2026 – I Pray for Them
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
John 17:1-11a
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, allow me to participate spiritually in the Last Supper as you speak these intimate words to your closest disciples.
Encountering Christ:
- The Hour Has Come: The Last Supper meal had ended. Judas had left, and the eleven, still gathered around the table with Jesus, watched him “raise his eyes to heaven” and prayed, “Father, the hour has come.” The moment of his passion had arrived: the moment foreshadowed by the prophet Isaiah; anticipated by Simeon when Joseph and Mary presented Jesus in the temple; spoken of by Jesus when Mary invited him to work a miracle at Cana; perhaps imagined by Jesus every time he saw a soul in need of redemption. The penultimate moment of salvation history was at hand. Knowing every detail of the suffering he was to endure, Jesus called out, “Father…give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you…” By these first words of his priestly prayer, Jesus set an example for us. Facing our own difficult circumstances, we imitate Jesus when the first words on our lips are “Father, may I glorify you.”
- Those You Gave Me: What did Jesus name as the qualities of those who belonged to the Father? They knew and accepted Jesus’ word. They believed the Father sent Jesus. They were “in the world” but not of the world. Are we among those elect? How well do we know and accept the word of Jesus? Do we believe in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Are we other-worldly—living with an eye on eternity—or more often bogged down by cares and concerns of day-to-day life and forgetful of God? Let’s ask for an increase in faith so that we may comprehend more deeply our “belonging” to the Father.
- I Pray for Them: In the last few moments before Jesus’ passion began, his thoughts were with us. St. John captured for us in these sacred last words of Christ a prayer of petition to the Father for you and for me. He carried each of us in his heart at that moment and through the next painful hours as he was tortured, scourged, crowned, and crucified. We honor Our Lord and love him in return when we meditate on his Passion in the Scriptures or by saying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary with reverence and gratitude.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, in the hours before your passion, your actions and words teach me volumes about what’s truly important in life. You gathered your closest friends around you. You prayed aloud without reserve. You asked your Father to glorify you in your mission. And you asked the Father’s blessing on each one of us. May I do the same.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary for souls on their deathbed.
For Further Reflection: Meditating on Psalm 103 will deepen our love of the Father.
Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.
May 20, 2026 – We Belong to Jesus
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
John 17:11b-19
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, I quiet my heart to reflect on your final words to your disciples. Help me to draw from this time of prayer a deeper understanding of your love for me, as your disciple.
Encountering Christ:
- Lifting Up His Eyes to Heaven: For three consecutive days (yesterday, today, and tomorrow) the Gospel begins with, “Lifting up his eyes to heaven.” Jesus, who is also God, raised his eyes when he spoke to the Father. Jesus also raised his eyes as he prayed to the Father to raise Lazarus from the dead (cf. Jn 11:41). Perhaps Jesus is calling our attention to the transcendence of God the Father, of his power and might, of his “otherworldliness.” God the Father is infinitely deserving of our praise and we raise our eyes most naturally when we are lifting our hearts to him in humble prayer.“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth. My soul will glory in the Lord” (Ps 34:1-3).
- Keep Them From the Evil One: In his farewell discourse, Our Lord petitioned the Father for many graces on behalf of his disciples, and all of these graces belong also to us, his modern disciples. In these particular lines, we hear that Jesus protected and guarded his disciples while they accompanied him on his Father’s mission. And, as he prepared to die, Jesus asked the Father to “keep them from the evil one.” We need the Father’s protection to resist temptation. He asked for it aloud, and Jesus encouraged us to ask for it regularly every time we say the Our Father. “God wants to set us free from evil” (CCC 2846).
- Consecrate Them in the Truth: In this petition, Jesus asked the Father to consecrate his disciples in the truth. Since Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6), the Lord was asking the Father to make us holy, to sanctify us, to bring us to union with him. “Is he not himself the living Word of God, to which every other word refers? Sanctify them in the truth—this means, then, in the deepest sense: make them one with me, Christ. Bind them to me. Draw them into me” (Benedict XVI, April 9, 2009). Our Lord asked for this grace while the disciples were still alive. We can count on these graces as well, today—now—in this time of prayer. Come, Holy Spirit!
Conversing with Christ: It’s clear, Lord, that you desire my holiness. When I am holy, it pleases you and it also impacts those closest to me. Despite the frequency with which I fall, I believe that you have given me all the grace I need to come to union with you, and my heart is full of gratitude.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will prayerfully pray the “Our Father,” one line at a time
Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.
May 21, 2026 – Who Is the Father?
Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
John 17:20-26
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for praying for me to the Father. By your grace, may I draw from this time of prayer a more profound sense of your love for me.
Encountering Christ:
- That We May Be One: Jesus drew all of us very deliberately into the prayer he spoke to the Father, asking that we may be one, as the Trinity is one: “as we are one.” Jesus invited us to be “brought to perfection as one” into the love of the Trinity. Our Lord was about to lay down his life for us, but not before he explained what he hoped to accomplish—the unification of the Church as one body, participating eternally in the love of the Trinity. We are those believers. We are the Church.
- They Are Your Gift to Me: Our Lord loves and values each of us so much that he called us “gifts” from the Father. His love for us is an unfathomable, never-ending, unchanging truth. Jesus doesn’t just love us when we’re behaving ourselves. He loves us always. He never takes his eyes off of us. The more deeply we comprehend his love for us, the less likely we will be to offend Our Lord through sin.
- I Made Known to Them Your Name: Jesus’ only mission was to fulfill the will of his Father, and that included making known to us, in this present time, the reality of the Father. Jesus wants us to know his Father. He gave us the “Our Father,” and we hear in every Eucharistic Prayer at Mass an extended prayer to the Father. How often do we truly meditate on the nature of God Our Father and the love he has for us?
Conversing with Christ: Lord, the deep theological truths you present to us in your prayer to the Father feel beyond my grasp, yet I know that you desire union with my poor, humble soul. Please help me to “become as holy as I should” (Litany of Humility). Send your Spirit in a powerful way to me this coming Pentecost Sunday.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will read the first section of the Catechism to deepen my understanding of the Trinity.
Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.
May 22, 2026 – Feed My Sheep
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
John 21:15-19
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, Pentecost is just days away. Send your Spirit to me so that I can enter into this seaside conversation between Peter and Jesus and learn what lessons you have for me there.
Encountering Christ:
- “You Know That I Love You”: Three times Our Lord asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter, who had earlier denied Christ three times, replied with an enthusiastic “Yes, you know that I love you.” Peter’s love had failed him during Jesus’ Crucifixion, but he didn’t run away, attempt to isolate himself, or despair. Instead, Peter threw on some clothes and leapt into the water to be the first to greet Jesus on the seashore (cf. Jn 21:7). We can only receive Our Lord’s limitless mercy, and a chance to make amends, when we draw near to him. “Let no one doubt concerning the goodness of God; even if a person’s sins were as dark as night, God’s mercy is stronger than our misery. One thing alone is necessary; that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, to let in a ray of God’s merciful grace, and then God will do the rest” (Divine Mercy 1507).
- “Feed My Sheep”: Peter was to become the first Pope and Jesus’ command, “Feed my sheep,” is traditionally interpreted as an invitation to priestly ministry. To be certain, priests, bishops and popes have a serious pastoral responsibility, but all of our Lord’s disciples bear a share of “priestly ministry.” Just as a priest “fosters holiness, precisely in the measure that he serves as a bridge between God and human beings…” so too baptized believers “serve as a bridge between God and human beings,” according to Bishop Barron. “They affect this through their own intense devotion to prayer, the sacraments, and the Mass. In their cultivation of a real friendship with the living Christ, they act out their priestly identity and purpose. Then, they are sent out into families, communities, places of work, the political and cultural arenas, etc., in order to carry the integration they have found like a holy contagion.”
- “Stretch Out Your Hands”: Jesus predicted how Peter would die—with his arms outstretched, nailed to a cross. Jesus set the example when he voluntarily placed his outstretched arms on the crossbeam as they were nailed to the Cross. Jesus glorified God. Peter glorified God. May we also, when the time comes, stretch out our hands in humble submission to whatever it is the Holy Spirit asks of us.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, like your disciples did, I deny you sometimes. Yet, by my Baptism, you have called me to be priest, prophet, and king. Please help me to honor to the trust you have in me by living ever more virtuously. I stretch out my hands in supplication, begging for the grace to please you in everything I do.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will renew my Baptismal promises.
Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.
May 23, 2026 – Focus on the Mission
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
John 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for Peter. He teaches us so much about how you work with human nature. Help me to be open and honest in my prayer today.
Encountering Christ:
- Peter Turned…?: The Gospel opens with the phrase “Peter turned…” Jesus had just intimated that Peter would die on a cross, and commanded him to, “Follow me.” Instead of responding to Jesus with “fiat,” or even “I’m frightened,” Peter turned and inquired about John. Little children do this sometimes. They ignore a direct command as if they didn’t hear it, and they busy themselves with the nearest distraction. When God asks more of us than we are willing to give, we sometimes turn away too. Fortunately, we know that Peter, who seemed more interested in John’s fate than in following Jesus at that moment, went on to grow in grace enough to lead the Church and become a saint. We draw consolation from Peter’s example as we hope to become saints one day ourselves.
- What Concern Is It of Yours?: Our Lord rebuked Peter, reminding him (and us) to stay focused on the mission. “You, follow me,” Jesus said. Why did Peter ask, “What about him?” Was Peter envious of John? Concerned for John, that he might also face crucifixion? Overwhelmed by Jesus’ revelation and out of sorts? Regardless of his motive, Peter earned a reprimand. Considering the ugliness of sin, Our Lord’s reprimands can be exceedingly gentle. They can come in the form of a spouse’s well-intentioned criticism, a friends’ fraternal correction, a chiding by a spiritual guide with our best interests at heart, or an inspired confessor. Knowing, as we do, that these comments are grounded in the love of Christ, we humble ourselves, thank Our Lord for his wisdom, make the correction, and refocus on the mission.
- Jesus Did So Many Things: John tells us that all the books in the world could not have contained Our Lord’s actions. That was true in his lifetime, but even more true today, as Christ acts in a multitude of ways in everyone’s life every day, every hour. Among his most profound acts is the transubstantiation that happens at every Mass throughout the world around the clock. His presence through the sacraments sanctifies souls continually. And he acts among nonbelievers in the good they do and the love they share. Even in those spiritually dead, Jesus is entombed. “He remains in all those who are tempted: in those who are in mortal sin, he is in the tomb. We should never come to a sinner without the reverence we would take to the Holy Sepulchre.” — Caryll Houselander
Conversing with Christ: Lord, you seem to be reminding me to keep my eyes on you in these Gospel verses. I get frightened, overwhelmed, and easily distracted from my everyday mission— to love those you put in my path. Please let me know when I’ve stepped out of line. I want to do your will, but I’m weak. Come Holy Spirit!
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will do a thorough examination of conscience to see where I can reorient my thoughts and actions toward you.
For Further Reflection: “God abides in men,” The Flowering Tree, Caryll Houselander
“God abides in men,
These are men who are simple,
they are fields of corn…
Such men have minds
like wide grey skies,
they have the grandeur
that the fools call emptiness.
God abides in men.
Some men are not simple,
they live in cities
among the teeming buildings,
wrestling with forces
as strong as the sun and the rain.
Often they must forgo dream upon dream…
Christ walks in the wilderness
in such lives.
God abides in men,
because Christ has put on
the nature of man, like a garment, and worn it to his own shape.
He has put on everyone’s life…
to the workman’s clothes to the King’s red robes,
to the snowy loveliness of the wedding garment…
Christ has put on Man’s nature,
and given him back his humanness…
God abides in man.”
Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.
May 24, 2026 – You Promise Peace
No Audio is Available at This Time
Solemnity of Pentecost
John 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Opening Prayer: Lord, I have been preparing my heart this week for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Send forth your Spirit to enlighten my mind as I reflect on this Scripture.
Encountering Christ:
- The Doors Were Locked: The doors of the room where the disciples were gathered was locked because they were afraid of the Jews. The doors of our hearts are also locked when we are afraid. A wise confessor once told me to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by asking myself, “What was I afraid of when I did, said, or thought that?” Sin often happens because we’re afraid. Fears can point to self-love, worldly attachments, or vanities. St. John tells us that “perfect love casts out fear.” When we identify our fears, let us ask the Lord to replace them with love. And the grace of Reconciliation strengthens us to reopen the doors to our hearts.
- “Peace Be with You”: Our Lord knows the perfect antidote to fear: peace. He bestowed peace on his Apostles who were locked in the upper room. And he always brings peace to us when we let him into our moments of prayer or activity. Peace is his “trademark,” a sure sign of his presence in our life. Even when life circumstances challenge us, Jesus brings peace with him if we invite him in. Why do we hesitate? Come, Holy Spirit! Reign in my heart and cast out all fear.
- “Receive the Holy Spirit!”: There is no better gift on earth or in heaven than to receive the Holy Spirit. Our Lord promised us the Paraclete, and when we are in a state of grace, the Holy Spirit is alive and active within us. The Holy Spirit brings invaluable gifts (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord) and fruits (charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, forbearance, gentleness, faith, modesty, self-control, and chastity). The Sanctifier works to make us holy and worthy of eternal life with the Holy Trinity. So, when our Lord said to his Apostles, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he was saying also to us on this Pentecost Sunday, “Receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.” Come, Holy Spirit. Come!
Conversing with Christ: Lord, please send your Holy Spirit in abundance! I need the grace and inspiration to live a life worthy of you. I want to know you more personally, and revere you with the gift of fear of the Lord. Please bless me with special graces on this feast day! Allow me to pray in the Spirit.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will identify three of my biggest fears and ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of peace.
For Further Reflection: Check out the Road to Pentecost musical novena about the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the Regnum Christi YouTube channel.
Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.
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Fr. Daniel Pajerski, LC is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and was ordained in 2004. In the summer of 2005, he was assigned to work at Everest Collegiate High School and Academy in Clarkston, Michigan, where he oversaw the faith formation programs for the students, faculty, and parents. God blessed him with over 13 years of service there, striving to help students and families to get to know Jesus Christ and their Catholic faith better. Since 2019 he has been serving as president of Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center. He is also the superior of the LC community in Arlington, Virginia, assistant chaplain at Divine Mercy University, and assistant chaplain of Regnum Christi Northern Virginia. In his free time, Fr. Daniel keeps in shape mainly through running and is a fourteen-time marathoner, including six Boston marathons.
Daire Ryan is a consecrated woman who was consecrated in 1978. 
