Readings for Friday April 9, 2010
First Reading: Acts 4:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118
Gospel: John 21:1-14
On the next day, their leaders, elders, and scribes were assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly class. They brought them into their presence and questioned them, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them, “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.” (Acts 4:5-12)
Isn't it amazing how quickly things can change? Today we read in the book of Acts how Peter and John are arrested and brought before the religious leaders. Now we must remember that these are the same disciples who ran when Jesus was being arrested. Peter is the disciple who denied Christ three times to strangers in the crowd. Now, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, Peter stands up to the religious leaders and speaks strongly for the Lord. There is no more doubt, no more fear; only love and courage.
While most of us will never be arrested and brought to trial for our faith, this does not mean that we are not meant to be bold. Every day we have chances to be bold for Christ, perhaps through word. How many times have we been confronted about our faith, or how many times do we see someone doing something wrong and just look the other way instead of saying something? How many times do we have to opportunity to help someone out or to support someone? How many times do we skip opportunities to pray for someone just because it would require some of our precious time? The truth is that each of us has a chance to make a bold move that can impact someone else everyday. Many of us miss these opportunities because we are busy with our own lives. But we were given a new commandment by Christ, and that is to "love one another as [He] has loved us." (Jn 13:34) Bold moves can happen every day, but only if we are willing to step outside of ourselves and love others as Christ does.
Brothers and Sisters, I pray that each of us can have our eyes opened and that each of our hearts can be on fire for Jesus, so that we can go out and live the life that we are meant to. May we each be open to the power of the Holy Spirit which wants to work in each of our lives.
Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful and make the fire of your love burn within them. Send forth your spirit and there shall be another creation. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, you have instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit. Grant that through the same Holy Spirit we may always be truly wise and rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
4.09.2010
4.08.2010
God of second chances
Readings for Thursday April 8, 2010
First Reading: Acts 3:11-26
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
As the crippled man who had been cured clung to Peter and John, all the people hurried in amazement toward them in the portico called “Solomon’s Portico.” When Peter saw this, he addressed the people, “You children of Israel, why are you amazed at this, and why do you look so intently at us as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety? 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. And by faith in his name, this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong, and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health, in the presence of all of you. Now I know, brothers and sisters, 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, and that the Lord may grant you times of refreshment and send you the Christ already appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the times of universal restoration of which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. (Acts 3:11-21)
In today's reading from Acts, we once again see the new bold Peter address the crowd. Peter makes sure that he takes attention off of him and John and directs it back to God. Then he goes on to tell the Israelites how they have done wrong by rejecting and persecuting Jesus. But after addressing their wrongdoings, Peter doesn't continue to condemn them, he does what every good Christian should do ... he offered them a second chance through Christ.
Even though these people had done wrong to Jesus, "the author of life", Peter tells them that it is not too late for them. He tells them that they can still repent and have their sins wiped away. Isn't this just amazing?! Even though these people were partly responsible for the death of the Christ, they are still shown compassion and offered a second chance. Peter, who understands second chances better than most, is very clear that each of these people too can have a second chance through Christ. And it is this same second chance that we are offered as well, no matter what we done.
May we always remember that we serve a God of infinite compassion and mercy. He is a God who always offers us a second chance at new life. May we always remember this in our own life and also be willing to share God's love and mercy with those who need it.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for your great love and mercy. Help all of those who are turned away from you to come back to your arms, that they may find peace and comfort and their life in you. Lord, give us the strength and courage to share your mercy with others, and humble ourselves when we need a second chance. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Acts 3:11-26
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
As the crippled man who had been cured clung to Peter and John, all the people hurried in amazement toward them in the portico called “Solomon’s Portico.” When Peter saw this, he addressed the people, “You children of Israel, why are you amazed at this, and why do you look so intently at us as if we had made him walk by our own power or piety? 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. And by faith in his name, this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong, and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health, in the presence of all of you. Now I know, brothers and sisters, 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, and that the Lord may grant you times of refreshment and send you the Christ already appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the times of universal restoration of which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. (Acts 3:11-21)
In today's reading from Acts, we once again see the new bold Peter address the crowd. Peter makes sure that he takes attention off of him and John and directs it back to God. Then he goes on to tell the Israelites how they have done wrong by rejecting and persecuting Jesus. But after addressing their wrongdoings, Peter doesn't continue to condemn them, he does what every good Christian should do ... he offered them a second chance through Christ.
Even though these people had done wrong to Jesus, "the author of life", Peter tells them that it is not too late for them. He tells them that they can still repent and have their sins wiped away. Isn't this just amazing?! Even though these people were partly responsible for the death of the Christ, they are still shown compassion and offered a second chance. Peter, who understands second chances better than most, is very clear that each of these people too can have a second chance through Christ. And it is this same second chance that we are offered as well, no matter what we done.
May we always remember that we serve a God of infinite compassion and mercy. He is a God who always offers us a second chance at new life. May we always remember this in our own life and also be willing to share God's love and mercy with those who need it.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for your great love and mercy. Help all of those who are turned away from you to come back to your arms, that they may find peace and comfort and their life in you. Lord, give us the strength and courage to share your mercy with others, and humble ourselves when we need a second chance. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
4.07.2010
God's grace
Readings for Wednesday April 7, 2010
First Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Lk 25-35)
In today's gospel reading, you might see a very familiar scene. Here we have two of the disciples on their way to Emmaus, when all of a sudden Jesus joins them, however they were unaware of this. Then Jesus begins to explain the scriptures to the disciples. After this, He joins them for a meal, more specifically the breaking of the bread, and it is then that the disciples recognize Christ in the breaking of the bread. Think about what does this gospel story remind you of? Perhaps the mass? Think about it, the mass has two parts; the liturgy of the word, where the word of God is read to us and explained. The other part is the liturgy of the Eucharist, where we all receive the body and blood of Jesus through bread and wine.
This gospel not only shows how the risen Jesus appeared to some of His disciples, but also how He is with us and ready to pour out His grace upon us through the Sacraments. It was only through the Eucharist, or breaking of the bread, that the disciples where able to recognize Jesus. It is the same for us, we can come to recognize Jesus more in our lives and be filled with His grace by regularly going to mass and being fed through both the word and the Eucharist.
Christ gave us the Sacraments so that we can continue to have ways of encountering Him through physical things. We must remember that we need the Sacraments, because this is one of the ways in which God meets us and gives us certain kinds of grace. These Sacraments are necessary because each of us desperately need God's grace in our lives.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with . Lord, thank you for the grace that you give us through your Sacraments. Thank you for always meeting us where we are at and coming to us in order to bring us up. Lord, you are the bread of life; the light, the truth and the way, help us to always follow you and never stray from your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Lk 25-35)
In today's gospel reading, you might see a very familiar scene. Here we have two of the disciples on their way to Emmaus, when all of a sudden Jesus joins them, however they were unaware of this. Then Jesus begins to explain the scriptures to the disciples. After this, He joins them for a meal, more specifically the breaking of the bread, and it is then that the disciples recognize Christ in the breaking of the bread. Think about what does this gospel story remind you of? Perhaps the mass? Think about it, the mass has two parts; the liturgy of the word, where the word of God is read to us and explained. The other part is the liturgy of the Eucharist, where we all receive the body and blood of Jesus through bread and wine.
This gospel not only shows how the risen Jesus appeared to some of His disciples, but also how He is with us and ready to pour out His grace upon us through the Sacraments. It was only through the Eucharist, or breaking of the bread, that the disciples where able to recognize Jesus. It is the same for us, we can come to recognize Jesus more in our lives and be filled with His grace by regularly going to mass and being fed through both the word and the Eucharist.
Christ gave us the Sacraments so that we can continue to have ways of encountering Him through physical things. We must remember that we need the Sacraments, because this is one of the ways in which God meets us and gives us certain kinds of grace. These Sacraments are necessary because each of us desperately need God's grace in our lives.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with . Lord, thank you for the grace that you give us through your Sacraments. Thank you for always meeting us where we are at and coming to us in order to bring us up. Lord, you are the bread of life; the light, the truth and the way, help us to always follow you and never stray from your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
4.06.2010
Change
Readings for Tuesday April 6, 2010
First Reading: Acts 2:36-41
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Gospel: John 20:11-18
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her. (John 20:15-18)
Change, this is something that is hard for each of us. Many people have problems with change, this can be changes at home, school, work, etc. We have problems with change because we get very comfortable, and when that comfort or balance is shaken, we don't always react well. While there are a few exception, most people like routine and having a feeling of some sort of control over areas of their life, whenever there is change, this balance and sense of control is lost and we are left of venture into unknown territory.
In today's gospel, we see that Mary is having a difficult time with change. She was already hit hard by the death of Jesus, and now to make matters worse the body is missing! As she encounters Jesus, He tells her something very important; "Mary! ... Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father." Jesus is telling Mary that she has to let go of how she knew Jesus and trust in Him for what is to come, because even though it is change, it is change for the better. Mary learned an important lesson in "letting go and letting God" that day.
While change is certainly difficult for each of us, we must use these times to grow in our faith. Even though we do not know what will happen as a result, we must trust that God has something even greater planned. Mary was still holding on to Jesus as she knew Him, but what she didn't realize is that by His ascension He was going to take His seat at the right hand of the Father and to send forth His spirit for all those who would believe. Christ had something greater in mind, and this is the case when we experience change in our life, Christ will bring about a greater good ... if we are willing to let go and trust Him.
Ask yourself these questions today, is there an area of your life that is experiencing change? Is there great uncertainty for the future? Is God asking you to trust in Him even more? It's time to let go, and let God.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, even though we have trouble with change in our lives, help us to trust in you and in your plan. Lord, you know what is best, please increase our faith so that you might follow you where ever you ask us to go. Lord, we love you and praise you. We pray for the conversion of all those who do not know you, may they be brought to your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Acts 2:36-41
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Gospel: John 20:11-18
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her. (John 20:15-18)
Change, this is something that is hard for each of us. Many people have problems with change, this can be changes at home, school, work, etc. We have problems with change because we get very comfortable, and when that comfort or balance is shaken, we don't always react well. While there are a few exception, most people like routine and having a feeling of some sort of control over areas of their life, whenever there is change, this balance and sense of control is lost and we are left of venture into unknown territory.
In today's gospel, we see that Mary is having a difficult time with change. She was already hit hard by the death of Jesus, and now to make matters worse the body is missing! As she encounters Jesus, He tells her something very important; "Mary! ... Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father." Jesus is telling Mary that she has to let go of how she knew Jesus and trust in Him for what is to come, because even though it is change, it is change for the better. Mary learned an important lesson in "letting go and letting God" that day.
While change is certainly difficult for each of us, we must use these times to grow in our faith. Even though we do not know what will happen as a result, we must trust that God has something even greater planned. Mary was still holding on to Jesus as she knew Him, but what she didn't realize is that by His ascension He was going to take His seat at the right hand of the Father and to send forth His spirit for all those who would believe. Christ had something greater in mind, and this is the case when we experience change in our life, Christ will bring about a greater good ... if we are willing to let go and trust Him.
Ask yourself these questions today, is there an area of your life that is experiencing change? Is there great uncertainty for the future? Is God asking you to trust in Him even more? It's time to let go, and let God.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, even though we have trouble with change in our lives, help us to trust in you and in your plan. Lord, you know what is best, please increase our faith so that you might follow you where ever you ask us to go. Lord, we love you and praise you. We pray for the conversion of all those who do not know you, may they be brought to your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
4.05.2010
Sn leads to more sin
Readings for Monday April 5, 2010
First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16
Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15
First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16
Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15
While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’ And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day. (Mt 28:11-15)
In today's gospel, we have the chief priests and elders, fresh off of their crucifixion of our Lord, being faced with a decision. Now let's be clear, the guards told them exactly what has happened, wouldn't you think that this would make them believe in Jesus and realize their error? No, instead of believing in Jesus and repenting for their sins, they decide to cover the whole thing up.
What we see developing here is a bad pattern developing: sin leads to more sin. The scribes and pharisees of the time were already guilty of many sins such as; pride, paying more attention to human tradition than God's law, submitting to the authority of Caesar rather than the Lord's, laying a heavy burden on the people, and worrying about their own power and position. And what these sins led to was more sins, in fact by giving into their sins they ended up committing such a grave and horrible sin, having Christ the Lord crucified. Unfortunately they are in over their heads and caught in such a vicious cycle, that they are now led them to commit more sin, such as lying and covering up the truth about the resurrection. Not only did they lie about this, but by lying and circulating their story they prevented others from the truth and from the saving grace of Jesus.
One thing that we must understand is that giving into sin only leads to more sin. Some people think that if they just give in to little urges or desires that they will be satisfied and no longer sin, but they don't get satisfied, in fact it only makes their urges stronger. If we are struggling with sin, we must ask the Holy Spirit to gives us courage and strength to overcome it, because it is only with God's help that we can break free from sin that seeks to tie us down. If we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than our own power, then we will be free to be the men and women of God that we were created to be.
Sin only leads to a vicious cycle in our lives; but by the resurrection we now have a great hope that can help us over come this dangerous pattern. All praise and glory be to Him!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with, and for all that you do. Lord, help us to avoid sin and to only submit to you. Lord, we pray for an increase in the virtues of courage, temperance and fortitude; so that we might persevere mightily for your glory. We pray for all of our priests and religious, that they may be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
4.04.2010
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter Everybody!
Brothers and Sisters, I want to take this time to wish each of you a happy and grace filled Easter! This is truly a joyous day as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and the hope that comes with it. Hope is such a powerful thing that we have, it is what fuels our faith and it is given to us by our Risen Lord Jesus. May we always remember that other people can take our things, but no one can ever rob us of our hope. Thanks and praise be to God!
Everybody sing praise for Christ is Risen, Hallelujah!!!!!
Brothers and Sisters, I want to take this time to wish each of you a happy and grace filled Easter! This is truly a joyous day as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and the hope that comes with it. Hope is such a powerful thing that we have, it is what fuels our faith and it is given to us by our Risen Lord Jesus. May we always remember that other people can take our things, but no one can ever rob us of our hope. Thanks and praise be to God!
Everybody sing praise for Christ is Risen, Hallelujah!!!!!
4.01.2010
The Big Picture
Readings for Thursday April 1st, 2010
Holy Thursday
First Reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel: John 13:1-15
Holy Thursday
First Reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel: John 13:1-15
So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (Jn 13:12-15)
Have you ever tried to put together a puzzle without looking at the picture? Sure you may be able to get it done, but it is much harder to do because you are not even sure what the picture is supposed to look like. It is hard to figure some of the color patterns or specific things that are inside the picture. A puzzle is always easier when we can see what the finished product is supposed to look like. By looking at the puzzle image on the box, we get a special view of the "big picture", which helps us see what we are supposed to do.
Today is Holy Thursday, and the readings at the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper tell us how Jesus washed His disciples feet. After doing this great act of service, He tell them that He has given them a model to follow, so that they too can go forth and wash the feet of others. Jesus could have just instructed them, and told them "I want you to go out and serve others, humbling yourself and washing their feet." While we know it would have been good advice, it also would not have been nearly as powerful if He had just told the disciples. By actually washing the disciples feet, Jesus gave them an example to follow, He helped them to see the "big picture."
Jesus invites us in to see the big picture, and to go out and wash the feet of others. This model of serving is one that we would be very wise to follow, because humbling ourselves and serving both the Lord and others is how we will find ourselves. May we always remember that by losing our life to Him, we gain everything.
Father above, we thank you for this day. Lord, thank you for your great love and mercy. Thank you for giving us life, help us not to waste it on ourselves, but rather use it to serve you and others. Lord, we know that you do not need us, but rather that you want us with you. You are our kind, loving, gentle Father; help us to find our lives in you. We pray for the conversion of all sinners during this Holy Week. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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