Daily Reflection, May 25, 2026

Reflection:

Yesterday was Pentecost. End of Easter, Birthday of the Church, Fire of the Holy Spirit, Breath of God and, of course joyful ‘Alleluias.’  But that was yesterday!!

Today the Paschal candle is returned back to its corner of the sanctuary, waiting for the next funeral. Extra candles gone, just two only on the altar. Tone down the flowers, a few indoor plants will do. No more ‘Alleluias’ and no more ‘Sing a New Song’ for the umpteenth time,

But you can’t pack Easter away along with banners, candles fonts and flowers. Living the Resurrection isn’t a choice we can make. Resurrection is part of our DNA.

So, we don’t forget Easter as we celebrate Our Lady, Help of Christians. Historically, the feast emerged from worldwide rosaries, asked for by the Pope in the 1500’s, for Mary to intervene and assist the Christian navies facing the overwhelming forces of the Muslim Moors.  Christians won.

The assigned readings for this feast are straight out of our Passionist Hymn Book – Paul on the wisdom of the Cross, and the Three Mary’s and John at the foot of the Cross.

So, the reading of these different strands together. We have the Resurrection’s victory over Death; Mary’s intercession for success in battle – the original name of this feast was ‘Our Lady of Victories,’ Paul speaking of the folly of the Cross whose foolishness is always victorious. And the Gospel, with John and Mary given into each others care, a brand-new family is born at the foot of the cross. (I actually think this Calvary moment is the birth of the Church, Jesus founded the Church on three women (and John), while the apostles sweet heading in the opposite direction).

At this time, in this feast and with these readings, we see what true victory is like when seen through the eyes of faith. Not conquest and domination. Not triumphant apostles but vulnerable women. Not stunning victories but suffering and seeming defeat.

That is the real triumph of our faith. Not victory over enemies, the power of forgiveness. Not hatred winning the day, but Love that will not be defeated. Finally, it is not chaos that has the final word but communion. Not the crushing of opponents, but the creation of communion. Jesus creates a family out of the ashes. Nothing prevents Christ from making all things new. Not betrayal. Not fear. Not grief. Not even death itself.

And perhaps that is where this feast, this seemingly ‘ordinary time.’ Our prayers might seem too small, and the world may not look very different. But we are here, and we still are praying, and hope is still burning in our hearts. So, while that is happening, while Love keeps standing next to the cross of this world, Easter is never over.

Tom Mcdonough CP is the parish priest and community leader at St. Paul of the Cross, Glen Osmond.