The strange report of the ‘mighty wind’ had attracted a great crowd to where the Apostles lived. At Jerusalem were devout men out of every nation in the world: Jews who faithfully observed the obligation of visiting the Temple once every year.
St Peter’s audience, therefore, consisted of persons from all parts of the world, speaking different languages. We may justly say he spoke to the whole world. They would surely, on returning to their homes, spread the words of the Apostles, and the striking miracle which accompanied them -- “that every man heard them speak in his own tongue” (Acts 2:8).
Thus the seed of the Gospel was sown throughout the world, even before the Apostles dispersed. They afterwards had only to water and make it fruitful, bringing forth numerous Christian communities.
How admirably Divine Providence adapts the means to ends; or to work assigned to men. The mission of the Apostles was to proclaim the Gospel throughout the whole world, and to found the Catholic Church.
The preceding wonderful circumstances explain how the Apostles triumphed. Let us then trust God implicitly, and rest assured of his assistance in all our labors, the difficulties and sacrifices which the obligation of aiming at perfection imposes upon us. He will supply everything, even by miraculous intervention if need be.
What were the matter and form of God’s help? A collection of texts from Holy Scripture about the coming of the Holy Spirit and its marvelous effects. To it they united the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah, that Just One whom they had crucified and slain as St Peter told them.
We see a wonderful freedom and energy of expression, joined with rare prudence and wisdom. St Peter did not begin with harsh rebukes; but reminded them of the various prophecies with masterly eloquence. How their rulers had deceived them into demanding the death of their Redeemer, the Author of life! This was the surest way to lead them to repent and condemn themselves. This actually happened.
If we have to correct others, let us imitate the conduct of the Apostle which was inspired by the Holy Spirit. We must first endeavor to convince the guilty of their error, and to lead them to acknowledge it.
Let us avoid all harsh and bitter words, and presume that their conduct has arisen from ignorance, or the persuasion of others. Thus, we shall gain their hearts and obtain what we desire from them. If we must be corrected, let us regard whoever does it as a tender father performing a painful duty only for our good.
This was most marvellous: three-thousand persons were converted to the true Faith, placed themselves under the direction of the Apostles, were baptized, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Five-thousand more soon followed them. The Church was founded and organized; even during the lifetime of the Apostles, was spread through every portion of the habitable globe.
We must never despair of the success of any work undertaken with a good intention. However, we must look for it not to our efforts, but to the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Do we sometimes forget this?
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp301-303
` ` ` MAY DEVOTIONS ` ` `
Mary is the ‘Mother of Fair Love’ -- “This is what explains Mary’s life: her love. A complete love, so complete that she forgets herself and is happy just to be there where God wants her, fulfilling with care what God wants her to do. That is why even her slightest action is never routine or vain but, rather, full of meaning. Mary, our mother, is for us both an example and a way. We have to try to be like her, in the ordinary circumstances in which God wants us to live.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 148)
Let us offer our Mother: “The ‘Hail, Mary’ said three times before going to sleep every night and each time with more attention and affection.”
Ref: Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias (Eds), “Handbook of Prayers”, 1988, p313
Mary’s most beautiful prayers
After the ‘Our Father’, the most known and recited prayers in the Church are the ones dedicated to Mary:
“HAIL, MARY” -- The most beautiful of all prayers directed to the Mother of God. It has two parts. The first can be called praise, the words of the Archangel Gabriel, and Elizabeth’s words during Mary’s visit. The other contains a ‘petition’, composed by the Church.
... filled with great mysteries; brief but powerful. More precious than gold; sweeter than honey: worthy of being always murmured on one’s heart, frequently repeated with the lips. (Thomas à Kempis, ‘Imitation of Christ’)
“HAIL, HOLY QUEEN” -- A prayer attributed to St Bernard. The pervading thought of the entire prayer is that Mary was made Queen so she might place all her power at our service. ‘Mary’, says St Alphonsus Liguori, ‘is all eyes to discover our infirmities and help us’.
“MEMORARE” -- A popular, brief and very sweet prayer; full of hope in the powerful intercession of Mary. Attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux (author) and popularized by a French priest, Claude Bernard [“Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, pp636-7].
“THE MAGNIFICAT” -- Mary’s thanksgiving and praise for the mighty act that God had wrought in her.
Other well-known prayers in honor of Mary are “THE ANGELUS” and “THE LITANIES OF LORETO”.
Ref: Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p38
· “The ‘Hail, Mary’ is the hammer which crushes the devil and is the joy of the angels, the melody of the predestined, the canticle of the new Testament.” -- St Louis Mary Grignon de Montfort (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p38)
• Dedication of Our Lady of Naples, called St Mary Major by Pope John II in the year 533. A picture of the Blessed Virgin, painted by St Luke, was carefully preserved in this church. — Scliraderus, lib. ii. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Naples (Italy, 533) (www.divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Naples (France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• “Madonna della Naples”. Italy. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
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