Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from St. John's Gospel is an important one. At a literal level it gives us a glimpse into the Petrine ministry of the Pope. St. Peter had already been installed into a special position by Jesus, as evidenced in Matthew 16:17-19, a call to special leadership and responsibility among the apostles, which would carry over to his successors. We see in the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22 Peter's role as one of service, where Jesus tells him to strengthen his brothers. In this passage, after St. Peter has already fallen away denying Jesus 3 times, Jesus reinstates St. Peter to this special unique role which future popes would follow. St. Peter is singled out to feed Jesus' lambs, tend Jesus' sheep, and feed Jesus' sheep. In a word, St. Peter is called to be a shepherd to the people of God. This involves providing spiritual food, the Eucharist, as well as material food for sustenance. And indeed, this is the Pope's role today.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from St. John's Gospel is an important one. At a literal level it gives us a glimpse into the Petrine ministry of the Pope. St. Peter had already been installed into a special position by Jesus, as evidenced in Matthew 16:17-19, a call to special leadership and responsibility among the apostles, which would carry over to his successors. We see in the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22 Peter's role as one of service, where Jesus tells him to strengthen his brothers. In this passage, after St. Peter has already fallen away denying Jesus 3 times, Jesus reinstates St. Peter to this special unique role which future popes would follow. St. Peter is singled out to feed Jesus' lambs, tend Jesus' sheep, and feed Jesus' sheep. In a word, St. Peter is called to be a shepherd to the people of God. This involves providing spiritual food, the Eucharist, as well as material food for sustenance. And indeed, this is the Pope's role today.
Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Pentecost is quickly approaching, and the liturgical season of Easter finally coming to an end. What does the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signify? Unity, for one thing. We see this foreshadowed dramatically in Jesus’ words of prayer in the gospel of John in today’s passage: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn. 17:20-21). The unity of his followers is something for which Jesus prays, and the cause of unity is one reason for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Today's Mass Readings
Pentecost is quickly approaching, and the liturgical season of Easter finally coming to an end. What does the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signify? Unity, for one thing. We see this foreshadowed dramatically in Jesus’ words of prayer in the gospel of John in today’s passage: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn. 17:20-21). The unity of his followers is something for which Jesus prays, and the cause of unity is one reason for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
The context of both the readings today is farewell, departure. Paul, in the first reading, is preparing to leave the community at Ephesus after working with them for three years. He has not only preached the gospel among them but also set up an administrative structure. Thus, presbyters (priests) are appointed as leaders of the flock. Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus prays for his flock even as he prepares to face his impending death. His prayer is equally poignant – a deep concern for the flock.
Today's Mass Readings
The context of both the readings today is farewell, departure. Paul, in the first reading, is preparing to leave the community at Ephesus after working with them for three years. He has not only preached the gospel among them but also set up an administrative structure. Thus, presbyters (priests) are appointed as leaders of the flock. Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus prays for his flock even as he prepares to face his impending death. His prayer is equally poignant – a deep concern for the flock.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings highlight a number of themes, but among them stands service to the Lord. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus is depicted as the servant of God Who is glorified and Who glorifies God the Father. The hour has come, Jesus explains, as a reference to His own death. Jesus' service requires sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings highlight a number of themes, but among them stands service to the Lord. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus is depicted as the servant of God Who is glorified and Who glorifies God the Father. The hour has come, Jesus explains, as a reference to His own death. Jesus' service requires sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life.
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are very important ones. In the first reading we see the importance of the one baptism in Christ. John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of repentance, but Jesus brought the Holy Spirit with baptism, which St. Paul likewise brings to these people in today's first reading from Acts. There are other lessons to be learned from today's readings, but I just want to focus on one for today, and it is one that sums up the end of Easter, the feast of Pentecost which we are about to celebrate this upcoming Sunday, and the beginning of Ordinary Time: be courageous.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are very important ones. In the first reading we see the importance of the one baptism in Christ. John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of repentance, but Jesus brought the Holy Spirit with baptism, which St. Paul likewise brings to these people in today's first reading from Acts. There are other lessons to be learned from today's readings, but I just want to focus on one for today, and it is one that sums up the end of Easter, the feast of Pentecost which we are about to celebrate this upcoming Sunday, and the beginning of Ordinary Time: be courageous.
Feast of the Ascension
Ascension Sunday Mass Readings
On this the feast of the Ascension, one sentence in the second reading caught my attention. Ephesians 1:14 says, “May God give you wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.” It is my intention to reflect on this sentence in this reflection.
Ascension Sunday Mass Readings
On this the feast of the Ascension, one sentence in the second reading caught my attention. Ephesians 1:14 says, “May God give you wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.” It is my intention to reflect on this sentence in this reflection.
Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles, Philip and James. What is interesting and instructive about the celebration of these two is that we know very little about them. Why is that instructive? Well, these two are celebrated as saints in the Church precisely because of their association with Jesus, because Jesus called them. It is nothing that they did charismatically. In fact, the one story we have about either of these two is illustrated in today’s gospel – Philip being rather incredulous! (Jn 14:8). We come to think that saints, let alone the apostles, are often those incredibly charismatic people who can do things that seem impossible for us. Yet, the Church knows enough about Philip and James through the tradition to call them saints. They were apostles; they were sent on a mission by Christ to spread the gospel and they responded.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles, Philip and James. What is interesting and instructive about the celebration of these two is that we know very little about them. Why is that instructive? Well, these two are celebrated as saints in the Church precisely because of their association with Jesus, because Jesus called them. It is nothing that they did charismatically. In fact, the one story we have about either of these two is illustrated in today’s gospel – Philip being rather incredulous! (Jn 14:8). We come to think that saints, let alone the apostles, are often those incredibly charismatic people who can do things that seem impossible for us. Yet, the Church knows enough about Philip and James through the tradition to call them saints. They were apostles; they were sent on a mission by Christ to spread the gospel and they responded.
Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Reading
Today is the Memorial of St. Athanasius who was an important bishop in the fourth century and is a Doctor of the Church. The reason the Church recognizes Athanasius as a Doctor is because of the important role Athanasius played at the Council of Nicaea, where the doctrine of the Trinity was solemnly defined. The idea of God as Trinity had been discussed well over a hundred years earlier, for example, in the writings of Tertullian. But it was here at Nicaea in 325 A.D. that the Church formally accepted this language to describe God. Athanasius was faithful to God’s call. Although the Roman emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea, he did not care so much about the conclusions reached by the bishops at Nicaea, rather, he was solely concerned with the unity of his empire, which was only recently Christianized.
Today's Mass Reading
Today is the Memorial of St. Athanasius who was an important bishop in the fourth century and is a Doctor of the Church. The reason the Church recognizes Athanasius as a Doctor is because of the important role Athanasius played at the Council of Nicaea, where the doctrine of the Trinity was solemnly defined. The idea of God as Trinity had been discussed well over a hundred years earlier, for example, in the writings of Tertullian. But it was here at Nicaea in 325 A.D. that the Church formally accepted this language to describe God. Athanasius was faithful to God’s call. Although the Roman emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea, he did not care so much about the conclusions reached by the bishops at Nicaea, rather, he was solely concerned with the unity of his empire, which was only recently Christianized.
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
In some places today is the feast of the Ascension. Today's reflection, however, is based on the readings for the Thursday of the Sixth week of Easter. The psalm response for today is “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power” (Ps. 98:2b). This theme emerges in the two readings for the day.
Today's Mass Readings
In some places today is the feast of the Ascension. Today's reflection, however, is based on the readings for the Thursday of the Sixth week of Easter. The psalm response for today is “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power” (Ps. 98:2b). This theme emerges in the two readings for the day.
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.