The Introit realises the cause of this joy because Jesus has completed the plan of redeeming us if we cooperate by words of praise (Offertory) and "works" of truth, before friends and "enemies" alike, for whom we pray (Prayer) as Christians bearing the very Name of Christ.
The Alleluia describes the joy of redemption as a plan of "cross before crown," a mystery indeed, had not Jesus lived it out for us. In the Gospel Jesus explains how an unbelieving world persecutes because it regards Him as dead and gone; yet our conquering joy which no man can take away, comes from our vision of Him through the wide-open eyes of faith; although (Communion) Jesus also predicts that our joy can never be perfect here, especially during persecution, since the cross of His apparent absence is the prelude to the glory of His eternal Presence.
The Epistle alludes to the first Gentile and Jewish persecutors with their usual weapons of violence and calumny, yet shows how "you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." "Going to the Father" each day (Communion) in morning and evening prayer, "desiring things" of God (Secret) in our daily actions, receiving Sacraments (Post-communion) are the guarantee of true joy now and forever. Christianity is a religion of joy!
Today is Feast of SS Alexander I, Pope, Eventius and Theodolos Mm. and St. Juvenal E. C. The name of Pope Alexander I is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass, and a slight bow is made at its mention toward the Crucifix. He served the Church from 110 to 119, while the Roman Martyrs lived during the same period. St. Juvenal who was Bishop of Narni passed away on this day in 377. The day marks the former II Class Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross commemorating the recovery of the Holy Cross from the Persians by Heraclius in 628. During the early II Century the Roman Emperor Hadrian had the Holy Sepulchre and Calvary covered up with soil and erected a statue of the Ro-man God Jupiter and a Temple dedicated to Venus the Goddess of Love. St. Helena excavated the area where-upon a Cross was found and touched to a sick lady cured her completely. Building on the finds of his Mother, Emperor Constantine erected two Basilicas which were consecrated in 325. Although not commemorated in the Masses using the newer rubrics, pray to the Saints to help us in our time of need.
Usually today, beautiful and fitting ceremonies for the May crowning of the statue of the BVM would take place before the first Mass of this Sunday. Our Lady will help us. The Blessed Virgin Mary should be especially honoured during the month of May which is dedicated to her. Assist her in her task of helping to save all mankind by offering the Rosary daily and saying prayers and making penances in reparation for sin.