This weekend we heard something from Pope Benedict that I hope you all keep in mind. It is of the Third Secret of Fatima. In fact, the ABC News report indicated reporters looking over their notes to find out all they could of this Third Secret of Fatima.

OK a little history: The three children at Fatima saw Mary every 13th of the month from May to October, with the exception of August. They saw her in August but not the 13th because they were in jail on that day imprisoned by those trying to prevent this their perpetuating this experience. Lucia, who died in 2005, indicated that there three secrets that were given to them by Our Lady, the third was kept secret until 2000. The secret was revealed by then Cardinal Ratzinger it revealed a severe persecution of the Church and a great destruction of the world with the Pope walking up a hill surrounded by this destruction. This past week, Pope Benedict XVI revealed that the secret is not to be considered fulfilled but ongoing. In it he discussed the persecution of the Church from the inside and from the outside.

We can never forget that is an ongoing theme in our faith. The scene from the Third Secret is quite apocalyptic and reminds me of a similar scene in the Book of Ezekiel where the prophet is walking amidst great destruction.

As we look at the secret in light of the gospel of today, we can again see a theme of separation between the

world and the followers of Christ. We can see what in Genesis is described as enmity of the world against Christ and his followers. Jesus acknowledges this reality as He prays for His disciples, but further enhances the question of how they testify to this truth.

We in Boston are here in between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost. We are here between the time Christ ascends into Heaven and when the Holy Spirit comes down upon the Apostles. It is a good time to reflect on what this means in light of our world, and in light of the words of Pope Benedict at Fatima this month.

We need to hear that if we are going to live our faith, we will be at odds with those who reject Christ. The world which seeks to silence our voice has always been on this mission and continues to be so. That is because the goal of the world is not silencing our voice, but dehumanizing humanity. We are the voice of He who creates humanity and humanizes it more everyday. In the words of St. Irenaeus: The Glory of God is a man fully alive.

Yet, he who wants to diminish God’s glory must enslave his creatures. Hence that battlefield and the battle.

This is the week to make a formal resolution to offer ourselves to Christ next Week. To give of ourselves in service to Christ and to be people of love and service in Christ. We do that by praying that the Holy Spirit may come into our lives.

Make this week special by praying everyday for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives on Pentecost Sunday:

O come Holy Spirit, to our souls visit, and fill our hearts with your celestial gifts

You are called the intercessor, of God most high the gift without match, the living font, the fire, the love and divine and salutary anointing

You are the bestower of the 7 gifts, and you are the power in the hand of the Father

For Him, promised to us, for us your acts proclaim.

Illuminate our mind, fill our hearts with love.

Our brokenness encourages, whichever eternal protector

Repel our enemy and concede to us your peace, if through your grace you guide us, we will leave evil behind.

To the Father and to the Son Savior through you we are able to know

what proceeds from your love, Make us always firm in faith.

God Bless You,

Fr. Robert J. Carr

Father Carr is an Alliance Member of The New Song Community (Canção Nova), the Pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Somerville, MA and the editor of this blog.

Prayer translated from Portuguese and sent in Portuguese to New Song (Canção Nova) members via Luzia Santiago, co-founder of the New Song Community

Photo Credit: Middle and Bottom via BigStockPhoto.com
Top: Canção Nova Portugal
Middle: Tose
Bottom: Kimmit