30 April 2012
30 April 2012, 4th Week of Easter - Monday; St. Pius V
FIRST READING
Acts 11:1-18
The Apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles too had accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem the circumcised believers confronted him, saying, ‘You entered the house of uncircumcised people and ate with them.” Peter began and explained it to them step by step, saying, “I was at prayer in the city of Joppa when in a trance I had a vision, something resembling a large sheet coming down, lowered from the sky by its four corners, and it came to me. Looking intently into it, I observed and saw the four-legged animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky. I also heard a voice say to me, ‘Get up, Peter. Slaughter and eat.’ But I said, ‘Certainly not, sir, because nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a second time a voice from heaven answered, ‘What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.’ This happened three times, and then everything was drawn up again into the sky. Just then three men appeared at the house where we were, who had been sent to me from Caesarea. The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. He related to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, saying, ‘Send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter, who will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.’ As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them as it had upon us at the beginning, and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?” When they heard this, they stopped objecting and glorified God, saying, “God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.”
GOSPEL
John 10:1-10
Jesus said:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
or: John 10:11-18
Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the peace and security of the Good Shepherd who watches over his own? The Old Testament often speaks of God as shepherd
of his people, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
(Psalm
23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
(Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm
100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He
will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms
(Isaiah 40:11). Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd who will risk
his life to seek out and save the stray sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4).
He is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
What can shepherding teach us about God and our relationship with him?
At the end of each day the shepherd brought his sheep into shelter. They
knew the voice of their shepherd and came at his beckoning. So familiar
was the shepherd and his sheep, that each was called by a distinct name.
In the winter the sheep were usually brought to a communal village shelter
which was locked and kept secure by a guardian. In the summer months the
sheep were usually kept out in the fields and then gathered into a fold
at night which was guarded by a shepherd throughout the night. He was literally
the door through which the sheep had to pass. The scriptures describe
God as a shepherd who brings security and peace to his people. The Lord
will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for
evermore (Psalm 120:8).Even the leaders of God's people are called
shepherds: they shall lead them out and bring them in; that the congregation
of the Lord may not be as sheep which have no shepherd (Numbers 27:17).
Just as a shepherd kept watch over his sheep and protected them from danger,
so Jesus stands watch over his people as the Shepherd and Guardian of
our souls (1 Peter 2:25). Do you know the peace and security of a life
fully submitted to God?
Augustine writes: “He has accomplished what he taught us: He has shown
us what He commanded us to do. He laid down his own life for his sheep,
that within our mystery he might change his body and blood into food, and
nourish the sheep he had redeemed with the food of his own flesh. He has
shown us the way we must follow, despite fear of death. He has laid
down the pattern to which we must conform ourselves. The first duty laid
on us is to use our worldly goods in mercy for the needs of his sheep,
and then, if necessary, give even our lives for them. He that will not
give of his substance for his sheep, how shall he lay down his life for
them?” (Tr. 46 in John, 5th century). Do you look
to Jesus the Good Shepherd, to receive the strength and courage you need
to live and serve as his disciple?
"Lord Jesus, you always lead me in the way of peace and safety.
May I never doubt your care nor stray from your ways. Keep me safe in the
shelter of your presence."
29 April 2012
29 April 2012, 4th Sunday of Easter; St. Catherine of Siena
FIRST READING
Acts 4:8–12
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: “Leaders of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 21–23, 26, 28, 29 (22)
R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD; we bless you from the house of the LORD. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his kindness endures forever.
R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or R. Alleluia.
SECOND READING
1 John 3:1–2
Beloved:
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
ALLELUIA
John 10:14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 10:11–18
Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the peace and security of the Good Shepherd who watches over his own? The Old Testament often speaks of God as shepherd
of his people, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
(Psalm
23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
(Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm
100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He
will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms
(Isaiah 40:11). Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd who will risk
his life to seek out and save the stray sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4).
He is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
Jesus made three promises to his followers. He promised them everlasting
life. If they accept him and follow him, they will have the life of God
in them. Jesus also promised them a life that would know no end. Death
would not be the end but the beginning; they would know the glory of indestructible
life. Jesus promised a life that was secure. Jesus said that nothing would
snatch them out of his hand, not even sorrow and death, since he is everlasting
life itself. Our lives are safe in his hands.
The words which Jesus spoke upset many of the Jewish leaders. How could
he speak with the same authority which God spoke and claim to be equal
with God? He must either be insane or divine. Unfortunately some thought
he was mad even though he cured a man who was blind from birth. We are
faced with the same choice. Either Jesus is who he claims to be – the Son
of God and Savior of the world – or the world's greatest deluder! We cannot
be indifferent to his claim. For those who accept him as Lord and
Savior he offers the peace and security of unending life and joy with God.
Do you know the peace and security of a life fully submitted to Christ?
Cyril of Alexander, a 5th century church father comments on Jesus as
our Good Shepherd:
“He shows in what manner a shepherd may be proved good; and
He teaches that he must be prepared to give up his life fighting in defense
of his sheep, which was fulfilled in Christ. For man has departed
from the love of God, and fallen into sin, and because of this was, I say,
excluded from the divine abode of paradise, and when he was weakened by
that disaster, he yielded to the devil tempting him to sin, and death following
that sin he became the prey of fierce and ravenous wolves. But after
Christ was announced as the True Shepherd of all men, He laid down his
life for us (1 John 3:16), fighting for us against that pack of inhuman
beasts. He bore the Cross for us, that by His own death he might
destroy death. He was condemned for us, that He might deliver all
of us from the sentence of punishment: the tyranny of sin being overthrown
by our faith: fastening to the Cross the decree that stood against us,
as it is written (Colossians 2:14). Therefore as the father of sin had
as it were shut up the sheep in hell, giving them to death to feed on,
as it is written in the psalms (Ps. Xlviii.16), He died for us as truly
Good, and truly our Shepherd, so that the dark shadow of death driven away
He might join us to the company of the blessed in heaven; and in exchange
for abodes that lie far in the depths of the pit, and in the hidden places
of the sea, grant us mansions in His Father’s House above. Because
of this he says to us in another place: Fear not, little flock, for
it has pleased your Father to give you a kingdom (Luke 12:32)."
Do you listen attentively to the voice of the Good Shepherd and obey his
word?
"Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who keeps watch over our lives.
May I be ever attentive to your voice and submit fully to your wise rule
for my life. Draw me near to you that I may always find peace and
joy in your presence.”
28 April 2012
28 April 2012, 3rd Week of Easter - Saturday; St. Peter Chanel
FIRST READING
Acts 9:31-42
The Church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. She was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit she grew in numbers.
As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” He got up at once. And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated is Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving. Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid her out in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
R. How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
or:
R. Alleluia.
How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
R. How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
or:
R. Alleluia.
My vows to the LORD I will pay in the presence of all his people. Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones.
R. How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
or:
R. Alleluia.
O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds. To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
R. How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
See John 6:63c, 68c
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:60-69
Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”
As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
REFLECTIONS:
Why do some find it easy and others find it hard
to accept the claims which Jesus made? Many were attracted to Jesus because
he offered them something irresitible – a visible sign of God's mercy and
favor which Jesus demonstrated in his wonderful works of healing, deliverance,
and the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Many stumbled, however,
when Jesus made claims which only God can make. Jesus' discourse on "eating
his flesh and drinking his blood" (see John 6:51-59) which pointed
to the Last Supper, caused offence to many of his followers. Jesus claimed
to be the bread of heaven, the very life of God given to us as spiritual
food to sustain us on our journey to the promised land of heaven. Jesus
did not leave any middle ground for his hearers. They must either accept
his word as divine or reject it as the claim of an imposter. Even the apostles
admitted that this was a "hard saying". This expression meant that it was
not just hard to understand, but hard to accept. Jesus pressed the issue
with his beloved disciples because he wanted to test their faith and loyalty.
Jesus promised his disciples nothing less than the full blessing of eternal
life and union with God. Jesus assures his disciples that it is his heavenly
Father who invites and who gives the grace to follow even in the "hard
sayings". Jesus knew that some would not only reject him and his word,
but would do so with hatred and violence, even betraying him to his enemies.
Real faith is not blind nor ignorant. It seeks understanding. That is
why God gives us the help of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of
our mind to understand his truth and wisdom (Ephesians 1:17-18). Jesus
offers his life-giving word and Spirit to those who believe in him and
who obey his word. Peter’s profession of faith and loyalty was based on
a personal relationship with Jesus. His belief was not simply based on
what he knew about Jesus. He believed in Jesus because he knew that when
Jesus spoke God spoke – when Jesus acted God acted. Through the gift of
faith Peter came to understand that Jesus was the true Messiah, the Holy
One of God. He believed in the words which Jesus spoke, because he accepted
Jesus as the Son of God and savior of the world. Faith is a personal response
to God's revelation of himself to us. Faith is the key to understanding
and experiencing God's action and work in our personal lives. Do you believe,
as Peter did, that Jesus can change your life because he has the words
of everlasting life? Ask the Lord to increase your faith that you may
grow in your relationship with him and in the knowledge of his love for
you.
"Lord Jesus, you have the words of everlasting life. Help me to cast
aside doubt and fear and to embrace your word with trust and joy. I surrender
my life to you. Be the Lord and master of my heart, my will, my thoughts
and all my actions. May there be nothing which keeps me from you and your
love."
27 April 2012
27 April 2012, 3rd Week of Easter - Friday; St. Gianna Beretta Molla
FIRST READING
Acts 9:1-20
Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.
There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is there praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, that he may regain his sight.” But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.
He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 117:1bc, 2
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples!
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 6:56
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood, remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:52-59
The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
REFLECTIONS:
Why did Jesus offer himself as “food and drink”?
The Jews were scandalized and the disciples were divided when Jesus said
"unless
you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you." What
a hard saying, unless you understand who Jesus is and why he calls himself
the bread of life. The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves
(John 6:3-13), when Jesus said the blessing, broke and distributed the
loaves through his disciples to feed the multitude, is a sign that prefigured
the superabundance of the unique bread of the Eucharist, or Lord’s Supper.
The Gospel of John has no account of the Last Supper meal (just the foot
washing ceremony and Jesus' farewell discourse). Instead, John quotes extensively
from Jesus' teaching on the bread of life.
In the Old Covenant bread and wine were offered in a thanksgiving sacrifice
as a sign of grateful acknowledgment to the Creator as the giver and sustainer
of life. Melchizedek, who was both a priest and king (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews
7:1-4), offered a sacrifice of bread and wine. His offering prefigured
the offering made by Jesus, our high priest and king (Hebrews 7:26; 9:11;
10:12). The remembrance of the manna in the wilderness recalled to the
people of Israel that they live – not by earthly bread alone – but by the
bread of the Word of God (Deuteronomy 8:3). At the last supper when Jesus
blessed the cup of wine, he gave it to his disciples saying, “Drink
of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, poured out for
many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Jesus was pointing
to the sacrifice he was about to make on the cross, when he would shed
his blood for us – thus pouring himself out and giving himself to us –
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the world. His death
on the cross fulfilled the sacrifice of the paschal (passover) lamb whose
blood spared the Israelites from death in Egypt. Paul the Apostle tells
us that "Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians5:7).
Paul echoes the words of John the Baptist who called Jesus the “Lamb
of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus
made himself an offering and sacrifice, a gift that was truly pleasing
to the Father. He “offered himself without blemish to God” (Hebrews
9:14) and “gave himself as a sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
Jesus chose the time of the Jewish Feast of Passover to fulfill what
he had announced at Capernaum – giving his disciples his body and his blood
as the true bread of heaven. Jesus’ passing over to his Father by his death
and resurrection – the new passover – is anticipated in the Last Supper
and celebrated in the Eucharist or Lord's Supper, which fulfills the Jewish
Passover and anticipates the final Passover of the church in the glory
of God’s kingdom. When the Lord Jesus commands his disciples to eat his
flesh and drink his blood, he invites us to take his life into the very
center of our being. That life which he offers is the very life of God
himself. Do you hunger for the bread of life?
"Lord Jesus, you nourish and sustain us with your very own presence
and life-giving word. You are the bread of life – the heavenly food that
sustains us now and that produces everlasting life within us. May I always
hunger for you and be satisfied in you alone."
26 April 2012, 3rd Week of Easter - Thursday; St. Zita
FIRST READING
Acts 8:26-40
The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, “Get up and head south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the desert route.” So he got up and set out. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, that is, the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, and was returning home. Seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, “Go and join up with that chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him. This was the Scripture passage he was reading:
Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who will tell of his posterity? For his life is taken from the earth.
Then the eunuch said to Philip in reply, “I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this Scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him. As they traveled along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?” Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing. Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless our God, you peoples, loudly sound his praise; He has given life to our souls, and has not let our feet slip.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. When I appealed to him in words, praise was on the tip of my tongue.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness!
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 6:51
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:44-51
Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets:
They shall all be taught by God.
Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”
REFLECTIONS:
God offers his people abundant life, but we can miss
it. What is the bread of life which Jesus offers? It is first of
all the life of God himself – life which sustains us not only now in this
age but also in the age to come. The Rabbis said that the generation
in the wilderness have no part in the life to come. In the Book of
Numbers it is recorded that the people who refused to brave the dangers
of the promised land were condemned to wander in the wilderness until they
died. The Rabbis believed that the father who missed the promised land
also missed the life to come. God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness
with manna from heaven. This bread foreshadowed the true heavenly bread
which Jesus would offer his followers.
Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven
that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The manna from heaven
prefigured the superabundance of the unique bread of the Eucharist or Lord’s
Supper which Jesus gave to his disciples on the eve of his sacrifice. The
manna in the wilderness sustained the Israelites on their journey to the
Promised Land. It could not produce eternal life for the Israelites. The
bread which Jesus offers his disciples sustains us not only on our journey
to the heavenly paradise, it gives us the abundant supernatural life of
God which sustains us for all eternity. When we receive from the Lord’s
table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body
and blood and partakers of his divine life. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107
A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality,
the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus
Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for both body
and soul and strength for our journey heavenward.
Jesus offers us the abundant supernatural life of heaven itself – but
we can miss it or even refuse it. To refuse Jesus is to refuse eternal
life, unending life with the Heavenly Father. To accept Jesus as the bread
of heaven is not only life and spiritual nourishment for this world
but glory in the world to come. When you approach the Table of the Lord,
what do you expect to receive? Healing, pardon, comfort, and rest for your
soul? The Lord has much more for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The
principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist or Lord's Supper is an intimate
union with Christ. As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the
Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us to break with disordered
attachments to creatures and to be more firmly rooted in the love of Christ.
Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?
"Lord Jesus, you are the living bread which sustains me in this
life. May I always hunger for the bread which comes from heaven
and
find in it the nourishment and strength I need to love and serve you wholeheartedly.
May I always live in the joy, peace, and unity of the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit, both now and in the age to come."
25 April 2012
25 April 2012, Saint Mark, Evangelist - Feast; St. Mark the Evangelist
FIRST READING
1 Peter 5:5b-14
Beloved:
Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for:
God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.
So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.
Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.
I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The heavens proclaim your wonders, O LORD, and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can rank with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the sons of God?
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
1 Corinthians 1:23a-24b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We proclaim Christ crucified; he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 16:15-20
Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
REFLECTIONS:
In many churches in the East and West, Mark
the Evangelist is honored today. Each of the four gospel accounts gives
us a portrait of Jesus, his life, mission, and teaching. Each is different
in style, length, and emphasis. But they all have a common thread and purpose
– the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the
world. Among the four gospels, Mark's account is unique in many ways. It
is the shortest account and seems to be the earliest. Mark the Evangelist
was an associate of Peter and likely wrote his gospel in Rome where Peter
was based. Mark wrote it in Greek. It was likely written for Gentile readers
in general, and for the Christians at Rome in particular. It is significant
that Mark, as well as Luke, was chosen by the Holy Spirit to write the
gospel account even though he wasn't one of the twelve apostles. Augustine
of Hippo, explains: "The Holy Spirit willed to choose for the writing
of the Gospel two [Mark and Luke] who were not even from those who made
up the Twelve, so that it might not be thought that the grace of evangelization
had come only to the apostles and that in them the fountain of grace had
dried up" (Sermon 239.1).
Mark ends his gospel account with Jesus' last appearance to the apostles
before his ascension into heaven. Jesus' departure and ascension was both
an end and a beginning for his disciples. While it was the end of Jesus'
physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked the beginning of
Jesus' presence with them in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be
with them always to the end of time. Now as the glorified and risen Lord
and Savior, ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus promised
to send them the Holy Spirit who would anoint them with power on the Feast
of Pentecost, just as Jesus was anointed for his ministry at the River
Jordan. When the Lord Jesus departed physically from the apostles, they
were not left in sorrow or grief. Instead, they were filled with
joy and with great anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus' last words to his apostles point to his saving mission and to
their mission to be witnesses of his saving death and his glorious resurrection
and to proclaim the good news of salvation to all the world. Their task
is to proclaim the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel,
but to all the nations. God's love and gift of salvation is not just for
a few, or for a nation, but it is for the whole world – for all who will
accept it. The gospel is the power of God, the power to forgive sins, to
heal, to deliver from evil and oppression, and to restore life. Do you
believe in the power of the gospel?
This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives to the
whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task – to be
heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the only savior
of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for the risen Lord
works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. Today we witness
a new Pentecost as the Lord pours out his Holy Spirit upon his people to
renew and strengthen the body of Christ and to equip it for effective ministry
and mission world-wide. Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel
and the hope of the resurrection?
“Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with
an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue.
Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise
and thanksgiving for your glory. May I witness to those around me the joy
of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection.”
24 April 2012
24 April 2012, 3rd Week of Easter - Tuesday; St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
FIRST READING
Acts 7:51B8:1a
Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.”
When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Now Saul was consenting to his execution.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. My trust is in the LORD; I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 6:35ab
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will never hunger.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:30-35
The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, AAmen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you hunger for the bread of life? The Jews
had always regarded the mana in the wilderness as the bread of God (Psalm
78:24, Exodus 16:15). There was a strong Rabbinic belief that when the
Messiah came he would give manna from heaven. This was the supreme work
of Moses. Now the Jewish leaders were demanding that Jesus produce manna
from heaven as proof to his claim to be the Messiah. Jesus responds by
telling them that it was not Moses who gave the manna, but God. And the
manna given to Moses and the people was not the real bread from heaven,
but only a symbol of the bread to come.
Jesus then makes the claim which only God can make: I am the bread
of life. The bread which Jesus offers is none else than the very life
of God. This is the true bread which can truly satisfy the hunger in our
hearts. The manna from heaven prefigured the superabundance of the unique
bread of the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper which Jesus gave to his disciples
on the eve of his sacrifice. The manna in the wilderness sustained the
Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. It could not produce
eternal life for the Israelites. The bread which Jesus offers his disciples
sustains us not only on our journey to the heavenly paradise, it gives
us the abundant supernatural life of God which sustains us both now and
for all eternity. When we receive from the Lord’s table we unite ourselves
to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood and partakers
of his divine life. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one
bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death,
and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2).
This supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strength for
our journey heavenward. Do you hunger for God and for the food which produces
everlasting life?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the bread of life. You alone can
satisfy the hunger in my heart. May I always find in you, the true bread
from heaven, the source of life and nourishment I need to sustain me on
my journey to the promised land of heaven."
23 April 2012
23 April 2012, 3rd Week of Easter - Monday; St. Adalbert
FIRST READING
Acts 6:8-15
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, accosted him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him claim that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. Yes, your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
I declared my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 4:4b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:22-29
[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”
REFLECTIONS:
What do you most hunger for – wealth, peace, health,
love, the good life? Jesus addressed this issue with those who sought him
after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Were they simply
hungry for things which satisfy the body or for that which satisfies the
heart and soul? Jesus echoes the question posed by the prophet Isaiah:
"Why
do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for
that which does not satisfy" (Isaiah 55:2)? There are two kinds of
hunger – physical and spiritual. Only God can satisfy the hunger in our
heart and soul – the hunger for truth, for life, and for love.
Jesus also spoke about the works of God and what we must do to
be doing the works of God, namely to believe in God's Son whom
he has sent into the world. Jesus offers a new relationship with God
which issues in a new kind of life: A life of love and service, and the
forgiveness of others which corresponds to God's mercy and kindness; a
life of holiness and purity which corresponds to God's holiness; and a
life of submission and trust which corresponds to the wisdom of God. This
is the work which Jesus directs us to and enables us to perform in the
power of the Holy Spirit. Do you hunger for the bread which comes down
from heaven and thirst for the words of everlasting life?
"Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the deepest longing and hunger in
our hearts. May I always hunger for the imperishable bread, that I may
be satisfied in you alone as the True Bread of Heaven. Nourish and
strengthen me that I may serve you with great joy, generosity, and zeal
all the days of my life".
Acts 6:8-15
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, accosted him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him claim that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. Yes, your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
I declared my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 4:4b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:22-29
[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”
REFLECTIONS:
What do you most hunger for – wealth, peace, health,
love, the good life? Jesus addressed this issue with those who sought him
after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Were they simply
hungry for things which satisfy the body or for that which satisfies the
heart and soul? Jesus echoes the question posed by the prophet Isaiah:
"Why
do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for
that which does not satisfy" (Isaiah 55:2)? There are two kinds of
hunger – physical and spiritual. Only God can satisfy the hunger in our
heart and soul – the hunger for truth, for life, and for love.
Jesus also spoke about the works of God and what we must do to
be doing the works of God, namely to believe in God's Son whom
he has sent into the world. Jesus offers a new relationship with God
which issues in a new kind of life: A life of love and service, and the
forgiveness of others which corresponds to God's mercy and kindness; a
life of holiness and purity which corresponds to God's holiness; and a
life of submission and trust which corresponds to the wisdom of God. This
is the work which Jesus directs us to and enables us to perform in the
power of the Holy Spirit. Do you hunger for the bread which comes down
from heaven and thirst for the words of everlasting life?
"Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the deepest longing and hunger in
our hearts. May I always hunger for the imperishable bread, that I may
be satisfied in you alone as the True Bread of Heaven. Nourish and
strengthen me that I may serve you with great joy, generosity, and zeal
all the days of my life".
22 April 2012
22 April 2012, 3rd Sunday of Easter; Blessed Lidwina
FIRST READING
Acts 3:13–15, 17–19
Peter said to the people:
“The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence when he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses. Now I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did; but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer. Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 4:2, 4, 7–8, 9 (7a)
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
When I call, answer me, O my just God, you who relieve me when I am in distress; have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one; the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us! You put gladness into my heart.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep, for you alone, O LORD, bring security to my dwelling.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
SECOND READING
1 John 2:1–5a
My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. Those who say, “I know him,” but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.
ALLELUIA
see Luke 24:32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us; make our hearts burn while you speak to us.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 24:35–48
The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread.
While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.
He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
REFLECTIONS:
Aren't we like the apostles? We wont believe unless
we can see with our own eyes. The gospels attest to the reality of the
resurrection. Jesus goes to great lengths to assure his disciples that
he is no mere ghost or illusion. He shows them the marks of his crucifixion
and he explains how the scriptures foretold his death and rising. Jerome,
an early church bible scholar, comments: "As he showed them real hands
and a real side, he really ate with his disciples; really walked with Cleophas;
conversed with men with a real tongue; really reclined at supper; with
real hands took bread, blessed and broke it, and was offering it to them.
..Do not put the power of the Lord on the level with the tricks of magicians,
so that he may appear to have been what he was not, and may be thought
to have eaten without teeth, walked without feet, broken bread without
hands, spoken without a tongue, and showed a side which had no ribs." (From
a letter to Pammachius against John of Jerusalem 34, 5th century)
The centrality of the gospel is the cross; but fortunately it does not
stop there. Through the cross Jesus defeated our enemies – death and Satan
and won pardon for our sins. His cross is the door to heaven and the key
to paradise. The way to glory is through the cross. When the disciples
saw the risen Lord they disbelieved for joy! How can death lead to life,
the cross to victory? Jesus shows us the way and he gives us the power
to overcome sin and despair, and everything else that would stand in the
way of his love and truth. Just as the first disciples were commissioned
to bring the good news of salvation to all the nations, so, we, too, are
called to be witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who live
on the face of the earth. Do you witness the joy of the gospel to those
around you?
"Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand the scriptures that we may
fully comprehend the truth of your word. Anoint us with your power and
give us boldness to proclaim the gospel in word and deed."
Acts 3:13–15, 17–19
Peter said to the people:
“The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence when he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses. Now I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did; but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer. Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 4:2, 4, 7–8, 9 (7a)
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
When I call, answer me, O my just God, you who relieve me when I am in distress; have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one; the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us! You put gladness into my heart.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep, for you alone, O LORD, bring security to my dwelling.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us. or R. Alleluia.
SECOND READING
1 John 2:1–5a
My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. Those who say, “I know him,” but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.
ALLELUIA
see Luke 24:32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us; make our hearts burn while you speak to us.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 24:35–48
The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread.
While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.
He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
REFLECTIONS:
Aren't we like the apostles? We wont believe unless
we can see with our own eyes. The gospels attest to the reality of the
resurrection. Jesus goes to great lengths to assure his disciples that
he is no mere ghost or illusion. He shows them the marks of his crucifixion
and he explains how the scriptures foretold his death and rising. Jerome,
an early church bible scholar, comments: "As he showed them real hands
and a real side, he really ate with his disciples; really walked with Cleophas;
conversed with men with a real tongue; really reclined at supper; with
real hands took bread, blessed and broke it, and was offering it to them.
..Do not put the power of the Lord on the level with the tricks of magicians,
so that he may appear to have been what he was not, and may be thought
to have eaten without teeth, walked without feet, broken bread without
hands, spoken without a tongue, and showed a side which had no ribs." (From
a letter to Pammachius against John of Jerusalem 34, 5th century)
The centrality of the gospel is the cross; but fortunately it does not
stop there. Through the cross Jesus defeated our enemies – death and Satan
and won pardon for our sins. His cross is the door to heaven and the key
to paradise. The way to glory is through the cross. When the disciples
saw the risen Lord they disbelieved for joy! How can death lead to life,
the cross to victory? Jesus shows us the way and he gives us the power
to overcome sin and despair, and everything else that would stand in the
way of his love and truth. Just as the first disciples were commissioned
to bring the good news of salvation to all the nations, so, we, too, are
called to be witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who live
on the face of the earth. Do you witness the joy of the gospel to those
around you?
"Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand the scriptures that we may
fully comprehend the truth of your word. Anoint us with your power and
give us boldness to proclaim the gospel in word and deed."
21 April 2012
21 April 2012, 2nd Week of Easter - Saturday; St. Anselm
FIRST READING
Acts 6:1-7
As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ is risen, who made all things; he has shown mercy on all people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.
REFLECTIONS:
Does the Lord ever seem distant to you? When John
recounted the apostles being alone at sea in a storm he described the situation
as “dark” (John 6:17). It was dark not only physically but spiritually
as well. Although they were experienced fishermen, they were fearful for
their lives. The Lord’s sudden presence on the sea only made them more
fearful! John says they were frightened. And Jesus had to calm them with
a reassuring command: “Do not be afraid because I am here with you!”
Aren’t we like the apostles when we experience darkness and adversity?
While the Lord may at times seem distant to us, he, nonetheless is constantly
present. The scriptures remind us that the Lord is “a very present help
in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Whatever storms make beset us, he promises to
“bring us to our desired haven” (Psalm 107:29-30). The Lord keeps watch
over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty.
Do you rely on the Lord for his strength and help? Jesus assures us that
we have no need of fear if we trust in Him and in his great love for us.
When calamities or trials threaten to overwhelm you, how do you respond?
With faith and hope in God's love, care and presence with you?
“Lord Jesus, may I never doubt your saving help and watchful presence,
especially in times of trouble. Fortify my faith with courage and hope
that I may never waver in my trust in you.”
Acts 6:1-7
As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ is risen, who made all things; he has shown mercy on all people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.
REFLECTIONS:
Does the Lord ever seem distant to you? When John
recounted the apostles being alone at sea in a storm he described the situation
as “dark” (John 6:17). It was dark not only physically but spiritually
as well. Although they were experienced fishermen, they were fearful for
their lives. The Lord’s sudden presence on the sea only made them more
fearful! John says they were frightened. And Jesus had to calm them with
a reassuring command: “Do not be afraid because I am here with you!”
Aren’t we like the apostles when we experience darkness and adversity?
While the Lord may at times seem distant to us, he, nonetheless is constantly
present. The scriptures remind us that the Lord is “a very present help
in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Whatever storms make beset us, he promises to
“bring us to our desired haven” (Psalm 107:29-30). The Lord keeps watch
over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty.
Do you rely on the Lord for his strength and help? Jesus assures us that
we have no need of fear if we trust in Him and in his great love for us.
When calamities or trials threaten to overwhelm you, how do you respond?
With faith and hope in God's love, care and presence with you?
“Lord Jesus, may I never doubt your saving help and watchful presence,
especially in times of trouble. Fortify my faith with courage and hope
that I may never waver in my trust in you.”
20 April 2012
20 April 2012, 2nd Week of Easter - Friday; St. Agnes of Montepulciano
FIRST READING
Acts 5:34-42
A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
One thing I ask of the LORD this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 4:4b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:1-15
Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.
REFLECTIONS:
Can anything on this earth truly satisfy the deepest
longing and hunger we experience God? A great multitude had gathered to
hear Jesus, no doubt because they were hungry for the word of life. Jesus’
disciples wanted to send them away at the end of the day because they did
not have the resources to feed them. They even complained how much money
it would take to feed such a crowd – at least six month’s wages! Jesus,
the Bread of Life, took the little they had – five loaves and two
fish – and giving thanks to his heavenly Father, distributed to all until
they were satisfied of their hunger. The people of Israel had been waiting
for the prophet whom Moses had promised: The Lord your God will raise
up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren – him shall
you heed (Deuteronomy 18:15). The signs which
Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified
that God has indeed sent him as anointed Prophet and King. Jesus' feeding
of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels.
What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such
a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness
for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed
the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.
Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven
that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The sign of the multiplication
of the loaves when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes through
his disciples prefigures the superabundance of the unique bread of his
Eucharist or Lord’s Supper. When we receive from the Lord’s table we unite
ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood.
Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides
the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that
makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural
food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward.
When you approach the Table of the Lord, what do you expect to receive?
Healing, pardon, comfort, and rest for your soul? The Lord has much more
for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The principal fruit of receiving
the Eucharist is an intimate union with Christ. As bodily nourishment restores
lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us
to break with disordered attachments to creatures and to be more firmly
rooted in the love of Christ. Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?
The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of
God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly.
He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to
share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes
the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust
in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially
those who lack?
"Lord Jesus, you satisfy the deepest longing of our heart and you feed
us with the finest of wheat (Psalm 81:16). Fill me
with gratitude and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with
others what you have given to me."
Acts 5:34-42
A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
One thing I ask of the LORD this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 4:4b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:1-15
Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.
REFLECTIONS:
Can anything on this earth truly satisfy the deepest
longing and hunger we experience God? A great multitude had gathered to
hear Jesus, no doubt because they were hungry for the word of life. Jesus’
disciples wanted to send them away at the end of the day because they did
not have the resources to feed them. They even complained how much money
it would take to feed such a crowd – at least six month’s wages! Jesus,
the Bread of Life, took the little they had – five loaves and two
fish – and giving thanks to his heavenly Father, distributed to all until
they were satisfied of their hunger. The people of Israel had been waiting
for the prophet whom Moses had promised: The Lord your God will raise
up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren – him shall
you heed (Deuteronomy 18:15). The signs which
Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified
that God has indeed sent him as anointed Prophet and King. Jesus' feeding
of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels.
What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such
a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness
for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed
the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.
Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven
that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The sign of the multiplication
of the loaves when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes through
his disciples prefigures the superabundance of the unique bread of his
Eucharist or Lord’s Supper. When we receive from the Lord’s table we unite
ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood.
Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides
the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that
makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural
food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward.
When you approach the Table of the Lord, what do you expect to receive?
Healing, pardon, comfort, and rest for your soul? The Lord has much more
for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The principal fruit of receiving
the Eucharist is an intimate union with Christ. As bodily nourishment restores
lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us
to break with disordered attachments to creatures and to be more firmly
rooted in the love of Christ. Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?
The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of
God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly.
He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to
share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes
the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust
in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially
those who lack?
"Lord Jesus, you satisfy the deepest longing of our heart and you feed
us with the finest of wheat (Psalm 81:16). Fill me
with gratitude and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with
others what you have given to me."
19 April 2012
19 April 2012, 2nd Week of Easter - Thursday; Blessed Marcel Callo
FIRST READING
Acts 5:27-33
When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.
REFLECTIONS:
Do you hunger for the true life which God offers
through the gift of his Holy Spirit? The Jews understood that God gave
a certain portion of his Spirit to his prophets. When Elijah was about
to depart for heaven, his servant Elisha asked for a double portion of
the Spirit (2 Kings 2:9). Jesus tells his disciples
that they can believe the words he speaks because God the Father has poured
his Spirit on him in full measure, without keeping anything back. The function
of the Holy Spirit is to reveal God's truth to us. When we receive the
Holy Spirit he enables us to recognize and understand God's truth. Jesus
is the Word of God and he gives us his Holy Spirit so that we can recognize
his truth and live according to it.
God's truth has consequences and he gives us the freedom to choose how
we will respond. The choice he gives us has eternal consequences – everlasting
life or everlasting death. God challenged his people in the Old Covenant:
"See
I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil. ...I call
heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before
you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you
may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to
him" (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). And he issues the
same challenge to the people of the New Covenant today. Do you weigh the
consequences of your choices? Do they lead you towards life or towards
death? If you choose to obey God's voice and to do his will, then you will
know and experience that life which comes from God himself. If you choose
to follow your own way apart from God and his will, then you choose for
death – a spiritual death which poisons and then kills the soul until there
is nothing left but an empty person devoid of love, truth, goodness, purity,
peace, and joy. Do your choices lead you towards God or away from God?
"Lord Jesus Christ, let your Holy Spirit fill me and transform my heart
and mind that I may choose life – abundant life in you and with you. And
give me the courage and strength to always discern good from evil and to
reject everything that is false and contrary to your holy will."
Acts 5:27-33
When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.
REFLECTIONS:
Do you hunger for the true life which God offers
through the gift of his Holy Spirit? The Jews understood that God gave
a certain portion of his Spirit to his prophets. When Elijah was about
to depart for heaven, his servant Elisha asked for a double portion of
the Spirit (2 Kings 2:9). Jesus tells his disciples
that they can believe the words he speaks because God the Father has poured
his Spirit on him in full measure, without keeping anything back. The function
of the Holy Spirit is to reveal God's truth to us. When we receive the
Holy Spirit he enables us to recognize and understand God's truth. Jesus
is the Word of God and he gives us his Holy Spirit so that we can recognize
his truth and live according to it.
God's truth has consequences and he gives us the freedom to choose how
we will respond. The choice he gives us has eternal consequences – everlasting
life or everlasting death. God challenged his people in the Old Covenant:
"See
I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil. ...I call
heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before
you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you
may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to
him" (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). And he issues the
same challenge to the people of the New Covenant today. Do you weigh the
consequences of your choices? Do they lead you towards life or towards
death? If you choose to obey God's voice and to do his will, then you will
know and experience that life which comes from God himself. If you choose
to follow your own way apart from God and his will, then you choose for
death – a spiritual death which poisons and then kills the soul until there
is nothing left but an empty person devoid of love, truth, goodness, purity,
peace, and joy. Do your choices lead you towards God or away from God?
"Lord Jesus Christ, let your Holy Spirit fill me and transform my heart
and mind that I may choose life – abundant life in you and with you. And
give me the courage and strength to always discern good from evil and to
reject everything that is false and contrary to your holy will."
18 April 2012
18 April 2012, 2nd Week of Easter - Wednesday; Blessed Marie of the Incarnation
FIRST READING
Acts 5:17-26
The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.” When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught. When the high priest and his companions arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin, the full senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the jail to have them brought in. But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison, so they came back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were at a loss about them, as to what this would come to. Then someone came in and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people.” Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 3:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:16-21
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the love which surpasses all else? A
true lover holds nothing back but gives the best that can be offered, even
everything in their possession for the beloved. God proved his love for
us by giving us the best he had to offer – his only begotten Son who freely
gave himself as an offering to God for our sake and as the atoning sacrifice
for our sin and the sin of the world. Abraham's willing sacrifice of his
only son, Isaac prefigures the perfect offering and sacrifice of God's
beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage in the gospel of John
tells us of the great breadth and width of God's love. Not an excluding
love for just a few or for a single nation, but a redemptive love that
embraces the whole world, and a personal love for each and every individual
whom God has created. God is a loving Father who cannot rest until his
wandering children have returned home to him. Saint Augustine says, God
loves each one of us as if there were only one of us to love. God gives
us the freedom to choose whom and what we will love.
Jesus shows us the paradox of love and judgment. We can love the darkness
of sin and unbelief or we can love the light of God's truth, beauty, and
goodness. If our love is guided by what is true, and good and beautiful
then we will choose for God and love him above all else. What we love shows
what we prefer. Do you love God above all else? Does he take first place
in your life, in your thoughts, and actions?
"Lord Jesus Christ, your love is better than life itself. May your love
consume and transform my life that I may desire you above all else. Help
me to love what you love, to desire what you desire, and to reject what
you reject".
Acts 5:17-26
The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.” When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught. When the high priest and his companions arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin, the full senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the jail to have them brought in. But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison, so they came back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were at a loss about them, as to what this would come to. Then someone came in and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people.” Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 3:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:16-21
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the love which surpasses all else? A
true lover holds nothing back but gives the best that can be offered, even
everything in their possession for the beloved. God proved his love for
us by giving us the best he had to offer – his only begotten Son who freely
gave himself as an offering to God for our sake and as the atoning sacrifice
for our sin and the sin of the world. Abraham's willing sacrifice of his
only son, Isaac prefigures the perfect offering and sacrifice of God's
beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage in the gospel of John
tells us of the great breadth and width of God's love. Not an excluding
love for just a few or for a single nation, but a redemptive love that
embraces the whole world, and a personal love for each and every individual
whom God has created. God is a loving Father who cannot rest until his
wandering children have returned home to him. Saint Augustine says, God
loves each one of us as if there were only one of us to love. God gives
us the freedom to choose whom and what we will love.
Jesus shows us the paradox of love and judgment. We can love the darkness
of sin and unbelief or we can love the light of God's truth, beauty, and
goodness. If our love is guided by what is true, and good and beautiful
then we will choose for God and love him above all else. What we love shows
what we prefer. Do you love God above all else? Does he take first place
in your life, in your thoughts, and actions?
"Lord Jesus Christ, your love is better than life itself. May your love
consume and transform my life that I may desire you above all else. Help
me to love what you love, to desire what you desire, and to reject what
you reject".
17 April 2012
17 April 2012, 2nd Week of Easter - Tuesday; St. Stephen Harding
FIRST READING
Acts 4:32-37
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated Ason of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is king, in splendor robed; robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O LORD.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O LORD, for length of days.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 3:14-15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:7b-15
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the healing power and victory of the
cross of Jesus Christ? Jesus spoke to Nicodemus of a "new birth in the
Spirit" which would come about through the victory he would accomplish
through his death and rising. The Hebrew word for "spirit" means both "wind"
and "breath". Jesus said to Nicodemus: "You can hear, feel, and see the
effects of the wind, but you do not know where it comes from. In like manner,
you can see the effects of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those the Spirit
touches." Jesus explained to Nicodemus the necessity of the crucifixion,
his atoning death on the cross, and the resurrection, his rising from the
tomb on the third day, by analogy with Moses lifting up the bronze serpent
in the desert which brough healing and deliverance from the curse of death.
When the people of Israel were afflicted with serpents in the wilderness
because of their sin, God instructed Moses: "Make a fiery serpent, and
set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live"(Numbers
21:8).
The bronze serpent points to the cross of Christ which defeats sin and
death and obtains everlasting life for those who believe in Jesus Christ.
The result of Jesus "being lifted up on the cross" and his rising from
the dead, and his exaltation and ascension to the Father's right hand in
heaven, is our "new birth in the Spirit" and adoption as sons and daughters
of God. God not only frees us from our sins and pardons us, he also fills
us with his own divine life through the gift of his Spirit so that we may
share in his glory. Jesus makes us a new creation through the gift and
working of his Holy Spirit. His Spirit also gives us boldness and confidence
to openly share the good news of the gospel and to defend it by our words
and action, and to never be ashamed of the Cross of Christ. The Holy Spirit
gives us spiritual gifts, especially the seven-fold gifts of wisdom and
understanding, right judgment and courage, knowledge and reverence for
God and his ways, and a holy fear in God's presence (see Isaiah 11), to
enable us to live in his strength as sons and daughters of God. Do you
thirst for the new life which God offers you through the transforming
power of his Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus Christ, your death brought life for us. Fill me with your
Holy Spirit that I may walk in freedom and joy in the knowledge of your
great victory over sin and death."
Acts 4:32-37
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated Ason of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is king, in splendor robed; robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O LORD.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O LORD, for length of days.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 3:14-15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:7b-15
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the healing power and victory of the
cross of Jesus Christ? Jesus spoke to Nicodemus of a "new birth in the
Spirit" which would come about through the victory he would accomplish
through his death and rising. The Hebrew word for "spirit" means both "wind"
and "breath". Jesus said to Nicodemus: "You can hear, feel, and see the
effects of the wind, but you do not know where it comes from. In like manner,
you can see the effects of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those the Spirit
touches." Jesus explained to Nicodemus the necessity of the crucifixion,
his atoning death on the cross, and the resurrection, his rising from the
tomb on the third day, by analogy with Moses lifting up the bronze serpent
in the desert which brough healing and deliverance from the curse of death.
When the people of Israel were afflicted with serpents in the wilderness
because of their sin, God instructed Moses: "Make a fiery serpent, and
set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live"(Numbers
21:8).
The bronze serpent points to the cross of Christ which defeats sin and
death and obtains everlasting life for those who believe in Jesus Christ.
The result of Jesus "being lifted up on the cross" and his rising from
the dead, and his exaltation and ascension to the Father's right hand in
heaven, is our "new birth in the Spirit" and adoption as sons and daughters
of God. God not only frees us from our sins and pardons us, he also fills
us with his own divine life through the gift of his Spirit so that we may
share in his glory. Jesus makes us a new creation through the gift and
working of his Holy Spirit. His Spirit also gives us boldness and confidence
to openly share the good news of the gospel and to defend it by our words
and action, and to never be ashamed of the Cross of Christ. The Holy Spirit
gives us spiritual gifts, especially the seven-fold gifts of wisdom and
understanding, right judgment and courage, knowledge and reverence for
God and his ways, and a holy fear in God's presence (see Isaiah 11), to
enable us to live in his strength as sons and daughters of God. Do you
thirst for the new life which God offers you through the transforming
power of his Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus Christ, your death brought life for us. Fill me with your
Holy Spirit that I may walk in freedom and joy in the knowledge of your
great victory over sin and death."
16 April 2012
16 April 2012, 2nd Week of Easter - Monday; St. Benedict Joseph Labre
FIRST READING
Acts 4:23-31
After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant:
Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed.
Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Why do the nations rage and the peoples utter folly? The kings of the earth rise up, and the princes conspire together against the LORD and against his anointed: “Let us break their fetters and cast their bonds from us!”
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He who is throned in heaven laughs; the LORD derides them. Then in anger he speaks to them; he terrifies them in his wrath: “I myself have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the decree of the LORD.
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession. You shall rule them with an iron rod; you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.”
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Colossians 3:1
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:1-8
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you nourish your faith with prayerful reflection
of the word of God? When Nicodemus heard about Jesus' miracles and extraordinary
teaching, he decided to meet with him privately, away from the crowds and
the public spotlight. Nicodemus was no ordinary Jew. He was a religious
ruler and member of the Sanhedrin, which was the supreme court of the Jews,
and a teacher of Israel (John 3:10). He was a devout Pharisee who sought
to perfectly follow the law of Moses, as prescribed in the Five Books of
Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, and Numbers) and further
elaborated in the numerous scribal laws, recorded in the Mishnah and the
Talmud. Nicodemus decided to meet with Jesus at night, possibly for two
reasons. He may have been cautious and not ready to publicly associate
himself with Jesus since many Pharisees opposed Jesus' teaching and called
him a Sabbath breaker. It is also likely that Nicodemus chose the night
as the best time for seeking a private and undisturbed conversation with
Jesus. The rabbis declared that the best time to study the law was at night
after the day's work was completed and the household was at rest. When
Nicodemus saw Jesus he addressed him as rabbi (a teacher of God's
word and law) and acknowled that Jesus' teaching came from God.
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus went to the very heart of the Mosaic
law - how can one get right with God and enter God's kingdom? Jesus' answer
was brief and startling: "Unless one is born anew, he cannot see God."
The new birth which Jesus spoke about was not a physical birth but the
beginning of a spiritual birth which is something completely new and radical,
and from above, namely from God himself. Jesus said that this rebirth
was necessary if one was to enter God's kingdom. Nicodemus thought that
to be born again, even spiritually, was impossible. He probably knew too
well from experience that anyone who wants to be changed, can't change
himself. Jesus explained that this change could only come about through
the work and action of the Holy Spirit. This rebirth in the Spirit is very
real and experiential, like the wind which can be felt and heard while
it is visibly unseen to the naked eye.
What does it mean to be reborn in the Spirit? The new birth
Jesus speaks of is a spiritual birth to a new life and experiential relationship
with God as his adopted sons and daughters (Romans 6:4; 8:10-11). This
new birth is made possible when one is baptized into Christ and receives
the gift of the Holy Spirit. God wants to renew all his people in the gift
of new life in his Holy Spirit. This new life brings us into God's kingdom
and heavenly way of life. What is God's kingdom? God's kingdom is that
society of men and women who acknowledge God as their Lord and who live
according to his will on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
To be reborn is to enter that society in which God is honored and
obeyed, to live as citizens of heaven and members of God's family – his
sons and daughters, and to enter into possession of that life which comes
from God himself, a never-ending life of love, peace, joy, and freedom
from sin and the fear of death. Do you know the joy and freedom of new
life in Jesus Christ?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you offer us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Renew
in me the gift of faith and new life in your Holy Spirit. Help me to draw
near to you and to believe in your life-giving word. May your kingdom come
and may your will be done in my life today, tomorow, and always."
Acts 4:23-31
After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant:
Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed.
Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Why do the nations rage and the peoples utter folly? The kings of the earth rise up, and the princes conspire together against the LORD and against his anointed: “Let us break their fetters and cast their bonds from us!”
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He who is throned in heaven laughs; the LORD derides them. Then in anger he speaks to them; he terrifies them in his wrath: “I myself have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the decree of the LORD.
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession. You shall rule them with an iron rod; you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.”
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Colossians 3:1
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 3:1-8
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you nourish your faith with prayerful reflection
of the word of God? When Nicodemus heard about Jesus' miracles and extraordinary
teaching, he decided to meet with him privately, away from the crowds and
the public spotlight. Nicodemus was no ordinary Jew. He was a religious
ruler and member of the Sanhedrin, which was the supreme court of the Jews,
and a teacher of Israel (John 3:10). He was a devout Pharisee who sought
to perfectly follow the law of Moses, as prescribed in the Five Books of
Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, and Numbers) and further
elaborated in the numerous scribal laws, recorded in the Mishnah and the
Talmud. Nicodemus decided to meet with Jesus at night, possibly for two
reasons. He may have been cautious and not ready to publicly associate
himself with Jesus since many Pharisees opposed Jesus' teaching and called
him a Sabbath breaker. It is also likely that Nicodemus chose the night
as the best time for seeking a private and undisturbed conversation with
Jesus. The rabbis declared that the best time to study the law was at night
after the day's work was completed and the household was at rest. When
Nicodemus saw Jesus he addressed him as rabbi (a teacher of God's
word and law) and acknowled that Jesus' teaching came from God.
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus went to the very heart of the Mosaic
law - how can one get right with God and enter God's kingdom? Jesus' answer
was brief and startling: "Unless one is born anew, he cannot see God."
The new birth which Jesus spoke about was not a physical birth but the
beginning of a spiritual birth which is something completely new and radical,
and from above, namely from God himself. Jesus said that this rebirth
was necessary if one was to enter God's kingdom. Nicodemus thought that
to be born again, even spiritually, was impossible. He probably knew too
well from experience that anyone who wants to be changed, can't change
himself. Jesus explained that this change could only come about through
the work and action of the Holy Spirit. This rebirth in the Spirit is very
real and experiential, like the wind which can be felt and heard while
it is visibly unseen to the naked eye.
What does it mean to be reborn in the Spirit? The new birth
Jesus speaks of is a spiritual birth to a new life and experiential relationship
with God as his adopted sons and daughters (Romans 6:4; 8:10-11). This
new birth is made possible when one is baptized into Christ and receives
the gift of the Holy Spirit. God wants to renew all his people in the gift
of new life in his Holy Spirit. This new life brings us into God's kingdom
and heavenly way of life. What is God's kingdom? God's kingdom is that
society of men and women who acknowledge God as their Lord and who live
according to his will on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
To be reborn is to enter that society in which God is honored and
obeyed, to live as citizens of heaven and members of God's family – his
sons and daughters, and to enter into possession of that life which comes
from God himself, a never-ending life of love, peace, joy, and freedom
from sin and the fear of death. Do you know the joy and freedom of new
life in Jesus Christ?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you offer us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Renew
in me the gift of faith and new life in your Holy Spirit. Help me to draw
near to you and to believe in your life-giving word. May your kingdom come
and may your will be done in my life today, tomorow, and always."
15 April 2012
15 April 2012, 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy); Blessed Anna Schäffer
FIRST READING
Acts 4:32–35
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24 (1)
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His mercy endures forever.”
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling, but the LORD helped me. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just.
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
SECOND READING
1 John 5:1–6
Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth.
ALLELUIA
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 20:19–31
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the joy of the resurrection? The Risen
Jesus revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually
and over a period of time. Even after the apostles saw the empty tomb and
heard the reports of Jesus' appearance to the women, they were still weak
in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities. When
Jesus appeared to them he offered proofs of his resurrection by showing
them the wounds of his passion, his pierced hands and side. He calmed their
fears and brought them peace, the peace which reconciles sinners and makes
one a friend of God. Jesus did something which only love and trust can
do. He commissioned his weak and timid apostles to carry the gospel to
the ends of the earth. This sending out of the disciples is parallel to
the sending out of Jesus by his Father. Jesus fulfilled his mission through
his perfect love and perfect obedience to the will of his Father. He called
his disciples, and he calls us to do the same. Just as he gave his first
disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he breathes on each of us the
same Holy Spirit who equips us with new life, power, joy, and courage to
live each day as followers of the Risen Lord.
The last apostle to meet the resurrected Lord was the first to go with
him to Jerusalem at Passover time. The apostle Thomas was a natural pessimist.
When Jesus proposed that they visit Lazarus after receiving news of his
illness, Thomas said to the disciples: "Let us also go, that we may
die with him" (John 11:16). While Thomas deeply loved the Lord, he
lacked the courage to stand with Jesus in his passion and crucifixion.
After Jesus' death, Thomas made the mistake of withdrawing from the other
apostles. He sought loneliness rather than fellowship in his time of adversity.
He doubted the women who saw the resurrected Jesus and he doubted his own
fellow apostles. When Thomas finally had the courage to rejoin the other
apostles, the Lord Jesus made his presence known to him and reassured him
that he had indeed overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized
his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was truly Lord and truly
God! Through the gift of faith we, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal
Lord and our God. He died and rose that we, too, might have new life in
him. The Lord offers each of us new life in his Holy Spirit that we may
know him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power
of his resurrection. Do you believe in God's word and the power of the
Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus Christ, through your victory over sin and death you have
overcome all the powers of darkness. Help me to draw near to you and to
trust in your life-giving word. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and
strengthen my faith in your promises and my hope in the power of your resurrection."
Acts 4:32–35
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24 (1)
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His mercy endures forever.”
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling, but the LORD helped me. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just.
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting. or R. Alleluia.
SECOND READING
1 John 5:1–6
Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth.
ALLELUIA
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 20:19–31
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
REFLECTIONS:
Do you know the joy of the resurrection? The Risen
Jesus revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually
and over a period of time. Even after the apostles saw the empty tomb and
heard the reports of Jesus' appearance to the women, they were still weak
in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities. When
Jesus appeared to them he offered proofs of his resurrection by showing
them the wounds of his passion, his pierced hands and side. He calmed their
fears and brought them peace, the peace which reconciles sinners and makes
one a friend of God. Jesus did something which only love and trust can
do. He commissioned his weak and timid apostles to carry the gospel to
the ends of the earth. This sending out of the disciples is parallel to
the sending out of Jesus by his Father. Jesus fulfilled his mission through
his perfect love and perfect obedience to the will of his Father. He called
his disciples, and he calls us to do the same. Just as he gave his first
disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he breathes on each of us the
same Holy Spirit who equips us with new life, power, joy, and courage to
live each day as followers of the Risen Lord.
The last apostle to meet the resurrected Lord was the first to go with
him to Jerusalem at Passover time. The apostle Thomas was a natural pessimist.
When Jesus proposed that they visit Lazarus after receiving news of his
illness, Thomas said to the disciples: "Let us also go, that we may
die with him" (John 11:16). While Thomas deeply loved the Lord, he
lacked the courage to stand with Jesus in his passion and crucifixion.
After Jesus' death, Thomas made the mistake of withdrawing from the other
apostles. He sought loneliness rather than fellowship in his time of adversity.
He doubted the women who saw the resurrected Jesus and he doubted his own
fellow apostles. When Thomas finally had the courage to rejoin the other
apostles, the Lord Jesus made his presence known to him and reassured him
that he had indeed overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized
his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was truly Lord and truly
God! Through the gift of faith we, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal
Lord and our God. He died and rose that we, too, might have new life in
him. The Lord offers each of us new life in his Holy Spirit that we may
know him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power
of his resurrection. Do you believe in God's word and the power of the
Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus Christ, through your victory over sin and death you have
overcome all the powers of darkness. Help me to draw near to you and to
trust in your life-giving word. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and
strengthen my faith in your promises and my hope in the power of your resurrection."
14 April 2012
14 April 2012, Easter Saturday; Blessed James Duckett
FIRST READING
Acts 4:13–21
Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus. Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them, they could say nothing in reply. So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, and conferred with one another, saying, “What are we to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign was done through them, and we cannot deny it. But so that it may not be spread any further among the people, let us give them a stern warning never again to speak to anyone in this name.”
So they called them back and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people who were all praising God for what had happened.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 118:1, 14–15ab, 16–18, 19–21 (21a)
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD has struck with power.” I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Though the LORD has indeed chastised me, yet he has not delivered me to death.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Psalm 118:24
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 16:9–15
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
But later, as the Eleven were at table, Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
REFLECTIONS:
The first to see the risen Lord was not Peter or
one of the apostles, but a woman noted for her demonized living! She had
been forgiven much, and loved her Master greatly. She was first at the
tomb to pay her respects. Unfortunately for the disciples, they would not
believe her account of the Risen Master. Jesus had to scold his apostles
because of their unbelief and stubborn hearts. Are you like the apostles
or like Mary – slow to believe or quick to run to Jesus? Do you doubt because
you do not see? The Lord makes his presence known to us through the work
of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the gift of faith to know him personally
and to understand the mystery of his death and rising. Do you believe his
word and do you listen to his voice?
After his appearance to his beloved apostles, Jesus commissions them
to go and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Their task is to proclaim
the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all
the nations. This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives
to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task
– to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the
only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for
the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit.
Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection?
"Lord Jesus Christ, increase my faith and hope in the power of your
resurrection. And give me joy and courage to be your witness to others
and to boldly speak of what you have done to save us from sin and death."
Acts 4:13–21
Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus. Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them, they could say nothing in reply. So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, and conferred with one another, saying, “What are we to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign was done through them, and we cannot deny it. But so that it may not be spread any further among the people, let us give them a stern warning never again to speak to anyone in this name.”
So they called them back and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people who were all praising God for what had happened.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 118:1, 14–15ab, 16–18, 19–21 (21a)
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD has struck with power.” I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Though the LORD has indeed chastised me, yet he has not delivered me to death.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.
R. I praise you, Lord, for you have answered me. or R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
Psalm 118:24
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 16:9–15
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
But later, as the Eleven were at table, Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
REFLECTIONS:
The first to see the risen Lord was not Peter or
one of the apostles, but a woman noted for her demonized living! She had
been forgiven much, and loved her Master greatly. She was first at the
tomb to pay her respects. Unfortunately for the disciples, they would not
believe her account of the Risen Master. Jesus had to scold his apostles
because of their unbelief and stubborn hearts. Are you like the apostles
or like Mary – slow to believe or quick to run to Jesus? Do you doubt because
you do not see? The Lord makes his presence known to us through the work
of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the gift of faith to know him personally
and to understand the mystery of his death and rising. Do you believe his
word and do you listen to his voice?
After his appearance to his beloved apostles, Jesus commissions them
to go and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Their task is to proclaim
the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all
the nations. This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives
to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task
– to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the
only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for
the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit.
Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection?
"Lord Jesus Christ, increase my faith and hope in the power of your
resurrection. And give me joy and courage to be your witness to others
and to boldly speak of what you have done to save us from sin and death."
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