Saturday of the Fourth Week in Lent
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. His universal call is one of the most distinctive things about Jesus. He came from the Jewish tradition and He’s very clearly rooted in it, but He has come to call all people to Himself. 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. His universal call is one of the most distinctive things about Jesus. He came from the Jewish tradition and He’s very clearly rooted in it, but He has come to call all people to Himself. His mission is universal.
Just as the Father Sent Me"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings tell us much the Christian community immediately following the resurrection. First, the gospel reading gives us a picture of the role of the risen Christ in the post resurrection community. In the various resurrection appearances, Jesus was not merely giving a demonstration of his new status as the risen Lord. Rather, Jesus, just as before his death, was engaged in the task of building up his community of disciples.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings tell us much the Christian community immediately following the resurrection. First, the gospel reading gives us a picture of the role of the risen Christ in the post resurrection community. In the various resurrection appearances, Jesus was not merely giving a demonstration of his new status as the risen Lord. Rather, Jesus, just as before his death, was engaged in the task of building up his community of disciples.
A “Joyful Shout”
Today's Mass Readings
"A Joyful Shout." These words from today’s Psalm (Ps 118:15) illustrate the insuppressible good news of Jesus’ life death and resurrection. The good news of the resurrection bubbles forth from Jesus’ disciples out of their gut, almost uncontrollably; it is unable to be squelched or held down.
Today's Mass Readings
"A Joyful Shout." These words from today’s Psalm (Ps 118:15) illustrate the insuppressible good news of Jesus’ life death and resurrection. The good news of the resurrection bubbles forth from Jesus’ disciples out of their gut, almost uncontrollably; it is unable to be squelched or held down.
Take Refuge in the Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the book describing the early church, we continue our journey this Easter season, as we follow the apostles in their ministry, preaching the word of God and healing others of both physical and spiritual ailments.
In this reading, we find Peter and John preaching and healing. They had healed a crippled man, and so the authorities arrested them, disturbed that Peter and John were gathering followers for Jesus. The question they wanted to know was in whose name Peter and John healed. The apostles boldly answered, in Jesus' name.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the book describing the early church, we continue our journey this Easter season, as we follow the apostles in their ministry, preaching the word of God and healing others of both physical and spiritual ailments.
In this reading, we find Peter and John preaching and healing. They had healed a crippled man, and so the authorities arrested them, disturbed that Peter and John were gathering followers for Jesus. The question they wanted to know was in whose name Peter and John healed. The apostles boldly answered, in Jesus' name.
Be Amazed!"
Today's Mass Readings
Alleluia, Christ is risen! Today is the fifth day in the octave of Easter, a solemnity that continues our celebration of the risen Lord. Both our first reading and our gospel reading for today are continuations of yesterday’s readings. In the first, the early church’s adventure continues; after healing a man at Solomon’s Portico, Peter (and John) have the opportunity to share the gospel again. In the gospel reading, Jesus again appears to the disciples in his resurrected body. Two themes arise from these readings.
Today's Mass Readings
Alleluia, Christ is risen! Today is the fifth day in the octave of Easter, a solemnity that continues our celebration of the risen Lord. Both our first reading and our gospel reading for today are continuations of yesterday’s readings. In the first, the early church’s adventure continues; after healing a man at Solomon’s Portico, Peter (and John) have the opportunity to share the gospel again. In the gospel reading, Jesus again appears to the disciples in his resurrected body. Two themes arise from these readings.
Only Faith Can Lead Us There"
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a very telling story. From the mood of the disciples we can conclude that there is much despair. Well, that is exactly what life is without God. And then, along comes a “Stranger.” The disciples do not recognize him, yet their hearts burn. They do not know the stranger and yet invite him to eat with them. He is the guest yet he is invited to break the bread. And suddenly, there is a deep, deep realization that God is “in their midst” more really than ever before. What is it that defies reason and yet leads to conviction? The answer is faith.
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a very telling story. From the mood of the disciples we can conclude that there is much despair. Well, that is exactly what life is without God. And then, along comes a “Stranger.” The disciples do not recognize him, yet their hearts burn. They do not know the stranger and yet invite him to eat with them. He is the guest yet he is invited to break the bread. And suddenly, there is a deep, deep realization that God is “in their midst” more really than ever before. What is it that defies reason and yet leads to conviction? The answer is faith.
From Death to New Life in Christ”
Today's Mass Readings
On this Tuesday in the Octave of Easter, we get to extend the celebration of Easter Sunday, until the end of the Octave next Sunday. Our celebration of Easter joy will continue, however, throughout the Easter season, and should remain in our hearts every moment of our lives, throughout all liturgical seasons, even in Lent. Today’s readings are powerful reflections on this Easter joy.
Today's Mass Readings
On this Tuesday in the Octave of Easter, we get to extend the celebration of Easter Sunday, until the end of the Octave next Sunday. Our celebration of Easter joy will continue, however, throughout the Easter season, and should remain in our hearts every moment of our lives, throughout all liturgical seasons, even in Lent. Today’s readings are powerful reflections on this Easter joy.
Share the Unbounded Easter Joy!"
Today's Mass Readings
Alleluia! Christ is risen, alleluia! For most people in the United States, Easter has come and gone. It is over in one day; even the Easter candy is now on sale. But for the Church, Easter Sunday is only the beginning of the Easter season. Today, Monday, is the second day in the octave of Easter. All of the days from Easter Sunday through to the following Sunday rank as solemnities, the highest holy days in the liturgical year of the Church.
Today's Mass Readings
Alleluia! Christ is risen, alleluia! For most people in the United States, Easter has come and gone. It is over in one day; even the Easter candy is now on sale. But for the Church, Easter Sunday is only the beginning of the Easter season. Today, Monday, is the second day in the octave of Easter. All of the days from Easter Sunday through to the following Sunday rank as solemnities, the highest holy days in the liturgical year of the Church.
Waiting in Hopeful Expectation
Once the Good Friday liturgy is completed, the next liturgical celebration is the Easter vigil celebration on Holy Saturday after sunset. The Church keeps all day Holy Saturday aside to reflect upon the mystery of Christ’s death. The Church, and indeed the whole earth maintain a deep silence. The Son of God sleeps within the earth. He enters the nether world to bring salvation to those of God’s righteous who stand in need of God’s once and for all redemption. The power of the redeeming death of Jesus must reach every corner of God’s creation.
Once the Good Friday liturgy is completed, the next liturgical celebration is the Easter vigil celebration on Holy Saturday after sunset. The Church keeps all day Holy Saturday aside to reflect upon the mystery of Christ’s death. The Church, and indeed the whole earth maintain a deep silence. The Son of God sleeps within the earth. He enters the nether world to bring salvation to those of God’s righteous who stand in need of God’s once and for all redemption. The power of the redeeming death of Jesus must reach every corner of God’s creation.
Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sins of the World”
Good Friday Readings
So much could be said about the readings we find in today’s liturgical celebration. They are so rich, and relate so well to one another. If I had to summarize the message of the readings for today in one word, I would use the word “love.” The sufferings we read described in today’s readings are a reflection of God’s love for each and every one of us. We attach the modifier “Good” to today, Good Friday, precisely because of the love we see Jesus pour out for us on the cross.
Good Friday Readings
So much could be said about the readings we find in today’s liturgical celebration. They are so rich, and relate so well to one another. If I had to summarize the message of the readings for today in one word, I would use the word “love.” The sufferings we read described in today’s readings are a reflection of God’s love for each and every one of us. We attach the modifier “Good” to today, Good Friday, precisely because of the love we see Jesus pour out for us on the cross.
Eucharist and Christian Life: Consuming the Body of Christ so that We Might Become the Body of Christ"
Today's Mass Readings
Today begins our Triduum. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil), are deep with meaning that colors not only this particular day, but the whole of the Christian life. The paschal mystery expressed in this Triduum is at the heart of all we do.
Today's Mass Readings
Today begins our Triduum. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil), are deep with meaning that colors not only this particular day, but the whole of the Christian life. The paschal mystery expressed in this Triduum is at the heart of all we do.
Tradition"
Today's Mass Readings
In Christian tradition, Judas Iscariot is remembered as the great traitor, the one of whom the Lord said, “woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” The Gospel story of Judas’ betrayal may seem oddly juxtaposed to the Messianic prophecy in the first reading, but the two readings are in fact quite complimentary.
Today's Mass Readings
In Christian tradition, Judas Iscariot is remembered as the great traitor, the one of whom the Lord said, “woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” The Gospel story of Judas’ betrayal may seem oddly juxtaposed to the Messianic prophecy in the first reading, but the two readings are in fact quite complimentary.
Jesus the Light of the Nations"
Today's Mass Readings
There are many levels that today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah can be read. For one thing, we see the affirmation of life in the womb. God knows us from the womb. At another level, we can understand this passage as relating to the prophet Isaiah himself, as the servant called by God. And yet, the passage itself gives this servant a name: Israel.
The Journey of Human Redemption"
Palm Sunday Readings
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Every devout Jew of Jesus’ time knew the meaning of him entering the city “riding on a donkey.” Jesus himself knew what he was doing, and his supporters and enemies knew the claim that Jesus was making. Jesus was announcing in the most obvious way his role in the history of human salvation. Jesus was staking his claim as the messiah and redeemer. However, Palm Sunday begins the journey of Jesus into the deepest recesses of human sin. But because he entered the story of human darkness as the messiah, the same journey became the story of human redemption from darkness and death.
Palm Sunday Readings
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Every devout Jew of Jesus’ time knew the meaning of him entering the city “riding on a donkey.” Jesus himself knew what he was doing, and his supporters and enemies knew the claim that Jesus was making. Jesus was announcing in the most obvious way his role in the history of human salvation. Jesus was staking his claim as the messiah and redeemer. However, Palm Sunday begins the journey of Jesus into the deepest recesses of human sin. But because he entered the story of human darkness as the messiah, the same journey became the story of human redemption from darkness and death.
A Righteous Man Indeed"
Today's Mass Readings
Standing at the threshold of Holy Week, the holiest week of the entire year, we pause in our Lenten preparation to celebrate a solemnity – the highest order of celebration in the Church – in honor of Joseph, husband of Mary. Since there may be no solemnities celebrated during Holy Week, the day in honor of St. Joseph is moved to today (normally celebrated on 19 March).
Today's Mass Readings
Standing at the threshold of Holy Week, the holiest week of the entire year, we pause in our Lenten preparation to celebrate a solemnity – the highest order of celebration in the Church – in honor of Joseph, husband of Mary. Since there may be no solemnities celebrated during Holy Week, the day in honor of St. Joseph is moved to today (normally celebrated on 19 March).
The Lord Will Rescue the Poor"
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah looks forward to Good Friday, next week, when we liturgically celebrate Jesus' passion and death. In this reading, the prophet Jeremiah laments his difficult plight. He is following the Lord, but his preaching has upset the people, so that even his friends wait for him to fall down to have their vengeance.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah looks forward to Good Friday, next week, when we liturgically celebrate Jesus' passion and death. In this reading, the prophet Jeremiah laments his difficult plight. He is following the Lord, but his preaching has upset the people, so that even his friends wait for him to fall down to have their vengeance.
God Remembers His Covenant Forever"
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout the Bible the issue of God's covenant comes up. We see this in the stories of Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and again in the New Testament with Jesus. Covenants in the ancient world in which the Israelites lived, were about families. When people entered into covenants, they extended family relationships. The best example of this is marriage. People who once were not related, enter into an unbreakable family relationship.
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout the Bible the issue of God's covenant comes up. We see this in the stories of Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and again in the New Testament with Jesus. Covenants in the ancient world in which the Israelites lived, were about families. When people entered into covenants, they extended family relationships. The best example of this is marriage. People who once were not related, enter into an unbreakable family relationship.
The Truth will Set You Free"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings on the periphery seem to the disconnected. However, Jesus’ phrase “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31), provides the overriding theme for today. What is the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “ the truth will set you free?” This reflection will try to provide an answer to that question.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings on the periphery seem to the disconnected. However, Jesus’ phrase “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31), provides the overriding theme for today. What is the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “ the truth will set you free?” This reflection will try to provide an answer to that question.
When the Son of Man is Lifted Up"
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are so rich in their intertextuality. In today's reading from the Gospel of John Jesus speaks to a crowd about His being lifted up and taken away. Some in the crowd recognize that what Jesus says somehow relates to His own death, but they wonder whether He is speaking about suicide (8:22). Jesus' language here is very symbolically charged. He is not speaking plainly, but is weaving together imagery, particularly from the Books of Exodus and Numbers, which at least some of the Pharisees who are in the audience, might be expected to catch.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are so rich in their intertextuality. In today's reading from the Gospel of John Jesus speaks to a crowd about His being lifted up and taken away. Some in the crowd recognize that what Jesus says somehow relates to His own death, but they wonder whether He is speaking about suicide (8:22). Jesus' language here is very symbolically charged. He is not speaking plainly, but is weaving together imagery, particularly from the Books of Exodus and Numbers, which at least some of the Pharisees who are in the audience, might be expected to catch.
Not to Condemn, but to Save
Today's Mass Readings
The juxtaposition of today’s first reading and gospel are intriguing. At first read, we might think that the two women in these stories represent complete opposites. Susanna from the Book of Daniel is described as God-fearing and married to a very well-respected man. When confronted with the choices between remaining innocent yet being convicted and sinning yet going free, she chooses to be falsely accused. Her integrity before God is her first priority, despite knowing how others will judge her. The woman described in the Gospel of John passage, on the other hand, was caught in the very act of adultery. Clearly she is guilty.
Today's Mass Readings
The juxtaposition of today’s first reading and gospel are intriguing. At first read, we might think that the two women in these stories represent complete opposites. Susanna from the Book of Daniel is described as God-fearing and married to a very well-respected man. When confronted with the choices between remaining innocent yet being convicted and sinning yet going free, she chooses to be falsely accused. Her integrity before God is her first priority, despite knowing how others will judge her. The woman described in the Gospel of John passage, on the other hand, was caught in the very act of adultery. Clearly she is guilty.