Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
There are several interesting elements in today’s three Readings that are worth noting, all of which link in some way to the Christian concept of discipleship.
In our First Reading, St. Paul encounters Timothy and decides to take him as a traveling companion. Timothy is himself both Jew and Gentile, having a Jewish mother (which is the general requirement for membership in the Jewish community) and a Gentile father. Through his parentage, Timothy seems to represent the Church of this period, which is growing community of both Jews and Gentiles. St. Paul, who will elsewhere argue vehemently against the need for Gentile Christians to become Jews, ends up having Timothy circumcised. This strange decision is presumably reached so that there will be no doubt about Timothy’s status within the Covenant, so that Timothy will be accepted by those to whom he is called to serve as a messenger. As these disciples travel about relaying the decisions of the Council of Jerusalem (that were reached in the previous chapter), the faith of the Christian community grows.
Today's Mass Readings
There are several interesting elements in today’s three Readings that are worth noting, all of which link in some way to the Christian concept of discipleship.
In our First Reading, St. Paul encounters Timothy and decides to take him as a traveling companion. Timothy is himself both Jew and Gentile, having a Jewish mother (which is the general requirement for membership in the Jewish community) and a Gentile father. Through his parentage, Timothy seems to represent the Church of this period, which is growing community of both Jews and Gentiles. St. Paul, who will elsewhere argue vehemently against the need for Gentile Christians to become Jews, ends up having Timothy circumcised. This strange decision is presumably reached so that there will be no doubt about Timothy’s status within the Covenant, so that Timothy will be accepted by those to whom he is called to serve as a messenger. As these disciples travel about relaying the decisions of the Council of Jerusalem (that were reached in the previous chapter), the faith of the Christian community grows.
Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
During this Easter season, we have been following the life of the early church in the Acts of the Apostles. Today we have an opportunity to consider how the church dealt with Judas’ absence among the apostles after he betrayed Jesus, handing him over to be arrested and put to death. One important point we can take from this first reading is that Jesus’ disciples encompassed far more than his apostles. In other words, St. Matthias was a disciple first before becoming an apostle. He had followed Jesus along with other disciples, not because he had an important role, but because he believed in Jesus.
Today's Mass Readings
During this Easter season, we have been following the life of the early church in the Acts of the Apostles. Today we have an opportunity to consider how the church dealt with Judas’ absence among the apostles after he betrayed Jesus, handing him over to be arrested and put to death. One important point we can take from this first reading is that Jesus’ disciples encompassed far more than his apostles. In other words, St. Matthias was a disciple first before becoming an apostle. He had followed Jesus along with other disciples, not because he had an important role, but because he believed in Jesus.
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today have both personal and communitarian implications. Whereas as the first reading and the events there in will prepare for the development of the Church, the gospel reading leads us to reflect on the personal lives of those who form the Christian community. In either case, the emphasis is on relationships.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today have both personal and communitarian implications. Whereas as the first reading and the events there in will prepare for the development of the Church, the gospel reading leads us to reflect on the personal lives of those who form the Christian community. In either case, the emphasis is on relationships.
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from John, Jesus addresses His disciples with the words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (14:27). Jesus’ next comment, however, seems a little confusing at first glance: “Not as the world gives do I give it to you” (14:27).
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from John, Jesus addresses His disciples with the words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (14:27). Jesus’ next comment, however, seems a little confusing at first glance: “Not as the world gives do I give it to you” (14:27).
Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles goes together nicely with the responsorial Psalm: Not to us Lord, but to your name give the glory” (Ps115:1). In a sense, this verse from Psalm 115 is a kind of summary of what Paul and Barnabas are trying to teach the people of Lystra. Furthermore, they are trying to explain the message about Jesus. They are preaching the gospel at Lystra, but confusion ensues when Paul heals a crippled man. The crowd thinks that Paul and Barnabas are themselves gods, specifically manifestations of the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles goes together nicely with the responsorial Psalm: Not to us Lord, but to your name give the glory” (Ps115:1). In a sense, this verse from Psalm 115 is a kind of summary of what Paul and Barnabas are trying to teach the people of Lystra. Furthermore, they are trying to explain the message about Jesus. They are preaching the gospel at Lystra, but confusion ensues when Paul heals a crippled man. The crowd thinks that Paul and Barnabas are themselves gods, specifically manifestations of the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
From time to time people argue that the world would be a better place if we could only eliminate all religions. Recently, a number of books have been published that argue that religion, in general, is a negative force that restrains societies from improving the welfare of their citizens. The argument is that no matter what happens, people simply resign themselves to the fact that it was God’s will; they become complacent and make no effort to go into the world and improve it. The faithful literally turn their lives over to God and wait for him to do something. This line of thought is a gross misunderstanding of religion and particularly Christianity. Today’s readings highlight the depth of that misunderstanding.
Today's Mass Readings
From time to time people argue that the world would be a better place if we could only eliminate all religions. Recently, a number of books have been published that argue that religion, in general, is a negative force that restrains societies from improving the welfare of their citizens. The argument is that no matter what happens, people simply resign themselves to the fact that it was God’s will; they become complacent and make no effort to go into the world and improve it. The faithful literally turn their lives over to God and wait for him to do something. This line of thought is a gross misunderstanding of religion and particularly Christianity. Today’s readings highlight the depth of that misunderstanding.
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God,” announces the response of today’s psalm.. We hear these words today immediately after we hear the story of Paul and Barnabas and the great mission to the gentiles. Gentiles, that is non-Jews, were generally regarded by Jews as outside of God’s saving power. Therefore, Jesus’ universal call, including Jews and Gentiles, is one of the most distinctive things about Him. He came from the Jewish tradition and He’s very clearly rooted in it, but His mission is universal.
Today's Mass Readings
“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God,” announces the response of today’s psalm.. We hear these words today immediately after we hear the story of Paul and Barnabas and the great mission to the gentiles. Gentiles, that is non-Jews, were generally regarded by Jews as outside of God’s saving power. Therefore, Jesus’ universal call, including Jews and Gentiles, is one of the most distinctive things about Him. He came from the Jewish tradition and He’s very clearly rooted in it, but His mission is universal.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today speak to us about a threefold understanding of mission. The mission of course is proclaiming the Gospel message to the ends of the Earth.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today speak to us about a threefold understanding of mission. The mission of course is proclaiming the Gospel message to the ends of the Earth.
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from Acts, St. Paul goes through salvation history for his audience, showing how Jesus is the culmination of this saving history. The context for this passage is a Jewish synagogue. The synagogue in which St. Paul and his companions find themselves is composed of Jews and Gentiles who have either converted to Judaism or at least follow Judaism to some degree.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from Acts, St. Paul goes through salvation history for his audience, showing how Jesus is the culmination of this saving history. The context for this passage is a Jewish synagogue. The synagogue in which St. Paul and his companions find themselves is composed of Jews and Gentiles who have either converted to Judaism or at least follow Judaism to some degree.
Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s passage from Acts, (13:26-33) Paul mentions that, despite hearing prophecies in the synagogues on Saturdays, the people didn’t recognize Jesus. These are pretty strong words coming from someone like Paul. As we learned from last Friday’s reading, in his earlier “bad” days, Paul was Saul, persecutor of the Christians who was SURE that these Christians were lying, or at least delusional, about who Jesus is. The old Saul might well have thought, “Of course they didn’t recognize Jesus! The Old Testament prophecies are about something else! Those Christians aren’t reading scripture well.” Or, “Jesus didn’t follow the law – he didn’t look holy, so he couldn’t have been the Son of God.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s passage from Acts, (13:26-33) Paul mentions that, despite hearing prophecies in the synagogues on Saturdays, the people didn’t recognize Jesus. These are pretty strong words coming from someone like Paul. As we learned from last Friday’s reading, in his earlier “bad” days, Paul was Saul, persecutor of the Christians who was SURE that these Christians were lying, or at least delusional, about who Jesus is. The old Saul might well have thought, “Of course they didn’t recognize Jesus! The Old Testament prophecies are about something else! Those Christians aren’t reading scripture well.” Or, “Jesus didn’t follow the law – he didn’t look holy, so he couldn’t have been the Son of God.”
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today pertain to the idea of unity in the kingdom of God. God chose Israel from among the nations to bring the nations back to God. Israel became a kingdom, to bring in the world's kingdoms together in spiritual unity. When we open up the Bible’s earliest pages, we find that we are all part of one family. But this family has split apart through divisions and strife. God chose Israel to bring back the family scattered through sin. Indeed, the Prophets foretell a time when the Gentiles would worship God with the Israelites, and indeed would be among Israel’s priests (e.g., Isaiah 56:6). This in fact is one of the messages of today’s responsorial psalm (87:4-5). Israel herself was torn to pieces during the divided kingdom, and the northern kingdom was lost forever among the Gentiles.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today pertain to the idea of unity in the kingdom of God. God chose Israel from among the nations to bring the nations back to God. Israel became a kingdom, to bring in the world's kingdoms together in spiritual unity. When we open up the Bible’s earliest pages, we find that we are all part of one family. But this family has split apart through divisions and strife. God chose Israel to bring back the family scattered through sin. Indeed, the Prophets foretell a time when the Gentiles would worship God with the Israelites, and indeed would be among Israel’s priests (e.g., Isaiah 56:6). This in fact is one of the messages of today’s responsorial psalm (87:4-5). Israel herself was torn to pieces during the divided kingdom, and the northern kingdom was lost forever among the Gentiles.
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus makes two comments that would be unexpected for His audience. The first unexpected comment is when Jesus remarks that, “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Now, anyone who took a minute to think about this would realize that Jesus’ statement makes little sense. What shepherd would lay down their own life to save their sheep? They might risk their life if they thought they had a good chance of surviving and protecting their sheep, but this is a far cry from laying down their life. Jesus, however, is pointing out that He is the Good Shepherd Who lays down His life for His flock. He is good in a way that no other shepherd could be. And furthermore, He will regain His life after He lays it down.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus makes two comments that would be unexpected for His audience. The first unexpected comment is when Jesus remarks that, “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Now, anyone who took a minute to think about this would realize that Jesus’ statement makes little sense. What shepherd would lay down their own life to save their sheep? They might risk their life if they thought they had a good chance of surviving and protecting their sheep, but this is a far cry from laying down their life. Jesus, however, is pointing out that He is the Good Shepherd Who lays down His life for His flock. He is good in a way that no other shepherd could be. And furthermore, He will regain His life after He lays it down.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
On this fourth Sunday of Easter, our readings remind us to have courage in living our lives in accordance with the Gospel. In the first reading, Peter is addressing the Sanhedrin, the group that had earlier condemned Jesus. Imagine the tension as Peter proclaims to this group that there is no salvation through anyone else other than Jesus. Peter continues by quoting Psalm 118:22 and informs them that the “stone,” which they had rejected, has become the “cornerstone.” If we are looking for a courageous proclamation of faith in front of a hostile audience, it would be difficult to find a better example than Peter before the Sanhedrin in today’s first reading.
Today's Mass Readings
On this fourth Sunday of Easter, our readings remind us to have courage in living our lives in accordance with the Gospel. In the first reading, Peter is addressing the Sanhedrin, the group that had earlier condemned Jesus. Imagine the tension as Peter proclaims to this group that there is no salvation through anyone else other than Jesus. Peter continues by quoting Psalm 118:22 and informs them that the “stone,” which they had rejected, has become the “cornerstone.” If we are looking for a courageous proclamation of faith in front of a hostile audience, it would be difficult to find a better example than Peter before the Sanhedrin in today’s first reading.
Memorial of Saint Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
“As a result of this, many disciples returned to their former life and no longer walked with him” (John 6:66). Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the Bread of Life, the one whose flesh we must eat and whose blood we must drink to gain eternal life, was not easy to swallow (no pun intended). Indeed it separated the deeply committed disciples from those who were on board only insofar as Jesus’ teaching seemed acceptable. This particular teaching shocked the latter group (John 6:61) and they returned to their former life. In response to their shock, Jesus remarks His words are “Spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Today's Mass Readings
“As a result of this, many disciples returned to their former life and no longer walked with him” (John 6:66). Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the Bread of Life, the one whose flesh we must eat and whose blood we must drink to gain eternal life, was not easy to swallow (no pun intended). Indeed it separated the deeply committed disciples from those who were on board only insofar as Jesus’ teaching seemed acceptable. This particular teaching shocked the latter group (John 6:61) and they returned to their former life. In response to their shock, Jesus remarks His words are “Spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
“What IS the Good News, anyway?” This is a question that I first asked years ago, when I had some doubts about whether Christianity could be true. What could the Good News possibly have to do with me 2000 years later? Christians see Easter as very good, because of the resurrection – but this good news does require us to pause and consider how the resurrection of Jesus’ body might relate to us, in our world. Today’s readings help us do just that – take time to pause and reflect on the resurrection and its meaning for us today.
Today's Mass Readings
“What IS the Good News, anyway?” This is a question that I first asked years ago, when I had some doubts about whether Christianity could be true. What could the Good News possibly have to do with me 2000 years later? Christians see Easter as very good, because of the resurrection – but this good news does require us to pause and consider how the resurrection of Jesus’ body might relate to us, in our world. Today’s readings help us do just that – take time to pause and reflect on the resurrection and its meaning for us today.
Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus continues to emphasize what He has been explaining to the crowd and to His disciples in the Gospel readings this entire week: He is the Bread of Life. Those who followed Moses and who ate the manna in the wilderness all eventually died. Jesus informs His audience that if they eat of the Bread of Life, i.e. if they eat Jesus, they will not die but have eternal life. Jesus explains that the bread of which He speaks is His flesh.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus continues to emphasize what He has been explaining to the crowd and to His disciples in the Gospel readings this entire week: He is the Bread of Life. Those who followed Moses and who ate the manna in the wilderness all eventually died. Jesus informs His audience that if they eat of the Bread of Life, i.e. if they eat Jesus, they will not die but have eternal life. Jesus explains that the bread of which He speaks is His flesh.
Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena,
virgin and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
At my house, we have a air conditioner (window unit). On top of the unit a bird has chosen to nest. This mother bird has laid two eggs which she has sat on ever since. Our daughter discovered this Morning Dove which she calls Birdie. Birdie and her have seemed to bond. What strikes us the most about our daughter’s new friendship is the joy it brings her. First thing, every morning she gets out of bed and runs to see the Birdie. Sometimes she sings to the bird and often she says the bird smiles at her. The joy we see in her face is powerful. It is a radiance that seems to reflect the purest of joys. When we recognize these signs of God’s presence, they are manna for our journey. It is in seeing God, even in basic things like in bread and wine that we realize Easter joy.
virgin and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
At my house, we have a air conditioner (window unit). On top of the unit a bird has chosen to nest. This mother bird has laid two eggs which she has sat on ever since. Our daughter discovered this Morning Dove which she calls Birdie. Birdie and her have seemed to bond. What strikes us the most about our daughter’s new friendship is the joy it brings her. First thing, every morning she gets out of bed and runs to see the Birdie. Sometimes she sings to the bird and often she says the bird smiles at her. The joy we see in her face is powerful. It is a radiance that seems to reflect the purest of joys. When we recognize these signs of God’s presence, they are manna for our journey. It is in seeing God, even in basic things like in bread and wine that we realize Easter joy.
Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
The title for this reflection, "Reading Scripture with Easter Eyes" may seem a bit odd if you've already read the Bible passages for today, since there are very few references to reading Scripture in today's passages, and the subtle references that are there (e.g., "You received thelaw" [Acts 7:53]; and "as it is written" [John 6:31]), don't seem to be the focus of the narratives.
Today's Mass Readings
The title for this reflection, "Reading Scripture with Easter Eyes" may seem a bit odd if you've already read the Bible passages for today, since there are very few references to reading Scripture in today's passages, and the subtle references that are there (e.g., "You received thelaw" [Acts 7:53]; and "as it is written" [John 6:31]), don't seem to be the focus of the narratives.
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
As we begin this Third Week of Easter, we are called to keep in mind the resurrected Lord and continue to live in the Easter joy – the knowledge of our salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we have done all Easter season, we continue to follow the stories of the early apostles as contained in the biblical book called the Acts of the Apostles. This is the sequel to our gospel stories, providing us with some kind of sense of how Jesus’ disciples lived the Christian life after Jesus’ death and resurrection. This week Stephen will feature prominently in the narrative contained in Acts.
Today's Mass Readings
As we begin this Third Week of Easter, we are called to keep in mind the resurrected Lord and continue to live in the Easter joy – the knowledge of our salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we have done all Easter season, we continue to follow the stories of the early apostles as contained in the biblical book called the Acts of the Apostles. This is the sequel to our gospel stories, providing us with some kind of sense of how Jesus’ disciples lived the Christian life after Jesus’ death and resurrection. This week Stephen will feature prominently in the narrative contained in Acts.
Third Sunday of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Earlier this week, I received a surprise from an unlikely source. I attended a discussion group with the dean of a well-known business school. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the dean’s new book, which was a study on how successful business leaders think. The surprise was the dean’s thesis that successful decision making is based on an understanding that there is no “objective truth.” His position was that we need to stop thinking in terms of something being true or untrue, and start thinking in terms of flexible models that are not tied to antiquated notions of truth. This position was formed as a result of his research and interviews with numerous industry leaders. From my perspective, the research did not support a frame work for successful decision making; instead, if “successful” business leaders are denying the existence of objective truth, we may have found part of the explanation for our current economic crisis.
Today's Mass Readings
Earlier this week, I received a surprise from an unlikely source. I attended a discussion group with the dean of a well-known business school. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the dean’s new book, which was a study on how successful business leaders think. The surprise was the dean’s thesis that successful decision making is based on an understanding that there is no “objective truth.” His position was that we need to stop thinking in terms of something being true or untrue, and start thinking in terms of flexible models that are not tied to antiquated notions of truth. This position was formed as a result of his research and interviews with numerous industry leaders. From my perspective, the research did not support a frame work for successful decision making; instead, if “successful” business leaders are denying the existence of objective truth, we may have found part of the explanation for our current economic crisis.