Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

In today’s reading from the Book of Acts, we see Paul preaching in Athens on The Acropolis, where he has discovered an altar dedicated “To an Unknown God.” “In him we live and move and have our being, for we too are his offspring.” Surely one of the most wonderful verses in all of scripture, it has moved many toward faith because it is a description of Our Lord, the God-man who died on the Cross for us, the God who makes us his adopted children through Baptism.

As we move through our daily rounds, we might treasure in our hearts the image of God as our Father, in whom we live and move and have our being. Don’t these words move our hearts toward faith and trust?

On these days approaching Ascension and Pentecost, we can find reassurance and hope in Jesus’ promise in today’s Gospel that the “Spirit of truth … will guide you to all truth.” What a wonderful coincidence that this year these considerations coincide with the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, who in 1917, in the midst of the First World War, appeared several times to three young Portuguese shepherds.

As various commentaries explain, Our Lady appeared as Our Lady of the Rosary. She stressed the importance of repentance, conversion of heart, and dedication to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, especially through daily recitation of the Rosary.

When I was ordained to the diaconate, I promised to pray the Rosary daily, but I have not managed to do so. May this reflection move me to pray the Rosary more frequently!

Prayer:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy. Amen. (Our Lady of Fatima, Third Apparition)