Celebration of the day: Our Lady of Fatima
On May 13th, 1917 three children were playing games in the field while tending their sheep. Suddenly they saw a flash of light. Thinking it to be lightning, the children gathered the sheep and started for home. They took refuge under a tree about a hundred yards away. They saw a flash of light again. They began running when they saw, standing over a small Holm oak tree, a Lady dressed in white more brilliant than the sun. That was the beginning of Our Blessed Mother at Fatima. She visited the children six times bringing them messages for the world. In all Her appearances at Fatima, Our Mother repeatedly emphasized the necessity of praying the Rosary daily, of wearing the Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel and of performing acts of reparation and sacrifice.
Table of the Word
First Reading: Acts 11:19-26
Gospel Reading: John 10:22-30
Theme: My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Reflection: Beloved in Christ Jesus, may the peace and love of Christ be with you all. Amen.
On this day, Tuesday of the fourth week in Eastertide, we converge around the table of the Word to illumine our path and of the Eucharist to nourish our souls.
On account of this, in today's Gospel pericope Jesus reassures us that those who belong to Him will never be taken from His hand. He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep personally and calls them by name. (cf. John 10:22-30)
This image of intimate care and divine protection is both comforting and challenging. It calls us to listen attentively to His voice, especially amid the noise and confusion of the world.
On the other hand, the author to the Acts of the Apostle being the source of the first lesson for the day called to mind how the early Church expanded beyond Jerusalem as the Good News reaches Greek in Antioch (cf. Acts 11:19-26). This missionary zeal, born of persecution, is a reminder that the Spirit is always working to bring light out of darkness. As Easter people who in faith keep on journey with light of Christ received at Baptism and renewed annually at Eater vigil. We are obliged to keep the wax burning till the Good Shepherd return; for in Him we all find home as the psalmist proclaimed today (cf. Psalm 87:7)
Also, On this day, we commemorate the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, who appeared to three shepherd children in 1917 with a call to prayer, penance, and conversion. Much like Jesus' words in the Gospel, Mary’s message invites us to listen to the voice of the Lord, through prayer, especially the Rosary, and through a return to the Gospel. Her message was one of maternal urgency and hope, reminding us of the power of prayer and the need for peace in a troubled world.
The children of Fatima, simple and open-hearted, heard Mary's voice and responded with great courage. Their example mirrors the disciples in Acts, who brought the Gospel to new places, despite adversity.
Finally, as children of Mary and Easter people let us in haste go out to wherever man is found with the message of the risen Lord; proclaiming the motherhood of Mary and Gospel values.
Therefore we pray, + May Our Lady of Fatima intercede for us, that we may follow Jesus more faithfully, pray more fervently, and be instruments of peace and conversion in our world.
© The ARCHIVE 13052025
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