Reflection: Mary Queen of the Apostles...

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr. How blessed we are that these brave men carried on the teachings of Jesus and that Mary our Blessed Mother accompanied them. She walks with us too and she is our loving Mother and powerful intercessor.

"When they entered the city, they went to the Upper Room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas, son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and His brothers." Acts 1:13-14

Meditation: Place yourself in the Upper Room. Listen as the Apostles cry out in prayer. They had just seen Jesus ascend into heaven. There was so much they did not understand. Peter stood up in their midst as they prayed for wisdom to choose the successor of Judas of Iscariot and they chose Matthias. Listen to their fervent prayer and join them with your own prayers. Listen to Mary as she prays with the Apostles and for them. Listen as Mary prays with you and for you. Tell her all the things you do not understand. Then place all your needs into her loving hands.

"When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly, there came from the sky, a noise like a strong driving wind and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues of fire which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enables them to proclaim." Acts 2:1-4

With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles were infused with strength and gifts of the Holy Spirit which enabled them to do things they could never do before.  They were no longer timid and afraid, but were filled with courage and strength to proclaim Jesus to the ends of the earth.  Through your Baptism and Confirmation, you have received these gifts of the Holy Spirit, Ask the Holy Spirit to stir up these gifts in you so that you may go forth and do the Will of God. He has a special mission for you. As you pray and come into the presence of Mary in the Upper Room, ask her to help you discover your mission.

"As the Father has sent me, so I send you." John 20:21

O Mary, Queen of the Apostles, pray for us and send the Holy Spirit to guide and enlighten us.