“Turn to the Lord in Your Need, and You Will Live"
Today's Mass Readings
The people of Israel finally end up becoming slaves to the Egyptians. They were slaves for almost four hundred years. But certain events must occur before they can be redeemed. Once again, as in the past, if God wanted God could free them with merely his words. But we must remember that God wants to build a Covenantal relationship with Israel. Thus God takes the first step (Moses is called into Midian). He then waits for human beings to make a free choice, so that God can redeem them.
Today's Mass Readings
The people of Israel finally end up becoming slaves to the Egyptians. They were slaves for almost four hundred years. But certain events must occur before they can be redeemed. Once again, as in the past, if God wanted God could free them with merely his words. But we must remember that God wants to build a Covenantal relationship with Israel. Thus God takes the first step (Moses is called into Midian). He then waits for human beings to make a free choice, so that God can redeem them.
“Our Help is in the Name of the Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
We begin our reflection in the second book of the Bible, the book of Exodus. Exodus literally means “departure.” Obviously, we are referring to the departure of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. However, the events preceding the “exodus” are the formative years of a people who develop a sense of identity, develop a relationship with God, come to know God as their redeemer, and learn to trust God in the same way that their fathers in faith, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had done.
Today's Mass Readings
We begin our reflection in the second book of the Bible, the book of Exodus. Exodus literally means “departure.” Obviously, we are referring to the departure of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. However, the events preceding the “exodus” are the formative years of a people who develop a sense of identity, develop a relationship with God, come to know God as their redeemer, and learn to trust God in the same way that their fathers in faith, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had done.
“Do This and You Will Live"
Sunday Mass Readings
It is often the case in the gospels that when people asked Jesus a question, he often posed a counter question and drew the answer from the questioner. We have one such example in the gospel reading (Mt 11:25-27). When the scholar asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him the question what the Law proposed. When the scholar gave the correct answer, Jesus responded with a statement that is important: “Do this and you will live.”
Sunday Mass Readings
It is often the case in the gospels that when people asked Jesus a question, he often posed a counter question and drew the answer from the questioner. We have one such example in the gospel reading (Mt 11:25-27). When the scholar asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him the question what the Law proposed. When the scholar gave the correct answer, Jesus responded with a statement that is important: “Do this and you will live.”
“Be Glad You Lowly Ones; May Your Hearts Be Glad"
Today's Mass Readings
Two events of significance occur in today’s first reading. First, Jacob forms his twelve sons into the twelve tribes of Israel. And then he dies. Second, Joseph assures his brothers that even as the governor in Egypt he would seek to settle accounts even though their father was now dead. Thus, after providing for the needs of his brothers as a sign of his genuineness, he himself dies. An entire epoch in the history of the people of God has concluded.
Today's Mass Readings
Two events of significance occur in today’s first reading. First, Jacob forms his twelve sons into the twelve tribes of Israel. And then he dies. Second, Joseph assures his brothers that even as the governor in Egypt he would seek to settle accounts even though their father was now dead. Thus, after providing for the needs of his brothers as a sign of his genuineness, he himself dies. An entire epoch in the history of the people of God has concluded.
“Trust in the LORD and Do Good"
Today's Mass Readings
Jacob’s trust in God and God’s care for Jacob are both showcased in today’s first reading (Gen 46:1-7, 28-30). As Israel (formerly Jacob) sets out for Egypt, he offered a sacrifice to his God. God in return appears to Israel in a dream and assured him that He would be with him. The promise of Israel a great nation is repeated again. God promises that God himself would go with him.
Today's Mass Readings
Jacob’s trust in God and God’s care for Jacob are both showcased in today’s first reading (Gen 46:1-7, 28-30). As Israel (formerly Jacob) sets out for Egypt, he offered a sacrifice to his God. God in return appears to Israel in a dream and assured him that He would be with him. The promise of Israel a great nation is repeated again. God promises that God himself would go with him.
"Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood
has eternal life"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see another example of an individual who is about to enter into Christian Mystagogy. Like the Ethiopian eunuch from yesterday’s reading, Saul, who becomes known to the world as the Apostle Paul, is not yet following Jesus. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul does not yet understand the Old Testament in light of Christ. Unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul is actively persecuting Christians. Also unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul understands the Old Testament very well, at one level.
has eternal life"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see another example of an individual who is about to enter into Christian Mystagogy. Like the Ethiopian eunuch from yesterday’s reading, Saul, who becomes known to the world as the Apostle Paul, is not yet following Jesus. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul does not yet understand the Old Testament in light of Christ. Unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul is actively persecuting Christians. Also unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul understands the Old Testament very well, at one level.
"Whoever Eats This Bread Will Live Forever"
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. Namely, that He is the Bread of Life. Those who followed Moses and who at 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. Namely, that He is the Bread of Life. Those who followed Moses and who at 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.
"Be a Witness Today"
Today's Mass Readings
The Church celebrates the feast of Mark the evangelist, the author of the first gospel. Mark was in all probability a Gentile Christian who closely followed the apostle Peter. His gospel is addressed to a primarily to non-Jewish Christians who were facing persecution. Thus, Jesus is presented as one who accepts suffering as the cost for following God’s will.
Today's Mass Readings
The Church celebrates the feast of Mark the evangelist, the author of the first gospel. Mark was in all probability a Gentile Christian who closely followed the apostle Peter. His gospel is addressed to a primarily to non-Jewish Christians who were facing persecution. Thus, Jesus is presented as one who accepts suffering as the cost for following God’s will.
"Imitation of Christ"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading gives us the account of the first martyrdom in the early Christian Church. Stephen challenged the religious authorities to separate themselves from the line of those ancestors who persecuted the righteous prophets of their times. Jeremiah, for example, was one such presecuted prophet. But Stephen’s fiery speech only infuriated them further.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading gives us the account of the first martyrdom in the early Christian Church. Stephen challenged the religious authorities to separate themselves from the line of those ancestors who persecuted the righteous prophets of their times. Jeremiah, for example, was one such presecuted prophet. But Stephen’s fiery speech only infuriated them further.
"Work for Food that Endures for Eternal Life"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus tells the crowd to work for food that endures for eternal life. Jesus is speaking about the Eucharist. The rest of this passage, entitled the Bread of Life Discourse, from John’s Gospel, deals with the Eucharist, where Jesus explains to the crowd and to His disciples that His flesh is real food, that His blood is real drink, and that both must be eaten and drunk. He is the bread of life.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus tells the crowd to work for food that endures for eternal life. Jesus is speaking about the Eucharist. The rest of this passage, entitled the Bread of Life Discourse, from John’s Gospel, deals with the Eucharist, where Jesus explains to the crowd and to His disciples that His flesh is real food, that His blood is real drink, and that both must be eaten and drunk. He is the bread of life.
"The Transforming Power of Love"
Today's Mass Readings
“Follow me.” These are the last words of Jesus to Peter in today’s gospel passage. But this was not the first time Peter was hearing these words. The last time Jesus told Peter, “Follow me” was by the shores of the lake of Galilee. A full three years have passed since then. And many things have happened in the span of these three years. When Jesus first came calling his disciples, Peter was among the first to be called. He had left his net and followed Jesus without hesitation. Peter got pretty close to Jesus and even became the spokesmen for others. He was the one to make the confession that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the Messiah. He was the one to whom Jesus said “Peter you are rock and on this rock I will build my church,” and to him was entrusted the keys of the kingdom. Peter rebuked Jesus when he told the disciples about his impending death. But when Jesus explained the necessity of the Messiah to suffer and die Peter vowed he would die with Jesus. And yet Peter denied him not once but three times.
Today's Mass Readings
“Follow me.” These are the last words of Jesus to Peter in today’s gospel passage. But this was not the first time Peter was hearing these words. The last time Jesus told Peter, “Follow me” was by the shores of the lake of Galilee. A full three years have passed since then. And many things have happened in the span of these three years. When Jesus first came calling his disciples, Peter was among the first to be called. He had left his net and followed Jesus without hesitation. Peter got pretty close to Jesus and even became the spokesmen for others. He was the one to make the confession that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the Messiah. He was the one to whom Jesus said “Peter you are rock and on this rock I will build my church,” and to him was entrusted the keys of the kingdom. Peter rebuked Jesus when he told the disciples about his impending death. But when Jesus explained the necessity of the Messiah to suffer and die Peter vowed he would die with Jesus. And yet Peter denied him not once but three times.
"The Church Continues to Grow"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading gives us a glimpse of the life of the earliest of Christian church – its problems and prospects. As the number of disciples began to grow, so did potential problems. Today’s first reading refers to complaints from the Hellenist widows that their needs were being ignored. The important dimension, however, is the manner in which this problem was resolved. The disciples called the community of disciples together and come up with a solution. This precedent will soon become a regular practice in the Church. The Council of Jerusalem in 51 AD would settle the Jewish-Gentile controversy, just as much the II Vatican Council, in 1965, would bring the Church in dialogue with the modern world. So far twenty-one councils have been held.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading gives us a glimpse of the life of the earliest of Christian church – its problems and prospects. As the number of disciples began to grow, so did potential problems. Today’s first reading refers to complaints from the Hellenist widows that their needs were being ignored. The important dimension, however, is the manner in which this problem was resolved. The disciples called the community of disciples together and come up with a solution. This precedent will soon become a regular practice in the Church. The Council of Jerusalem in 51 AD would settle the Jewish-Gentile controversy, just as much the II Vatican Council, in 1965, would bring the Church in dialogue with the modern world. So far twenty-one councils have been held.
"Bread of Life; Bread for the World"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s reading from the Gospel of John is a great example of how God provides for us. The crowd following Jesus is hungry, so He multiplies bread and fish. Everyone is satisfied, and what’s more, there’s a surplus of food.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s reading from the Gospel of John is a great example of how God provides for us. The crowd following Jesus is hungry, so He multiplies bread and fish. Everyone is satisfied, and what’s more, there’s a surplus of food.
"Living the Easter Joy"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading from John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity. We get a mystical sense of Jesus have coming from above and the Father giving everything over to the Son. And yet, despite this emphasis on divinity, we know that in this season of Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus which only came after his gruesome crucifixion. Jesus, the Son of God, actually died, and he died because of God’s great love for humankind. Jesus, who walked among us, is a very concrete way in which we understand what God was like. And in Jesus’ death we see that God is loving and self-sacrificing. He empties himself for us and it is in this emptying, this humbling, that the Son is exalted.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading from John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity. We get a mystical sense of Jesus have coming from above and the Father giving everything over to the Son. And yet, despite this emphasis on divinity, we know that in this season of Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus which only came after his gruesome crucifixion. Jesus, the Son of God, actually died, and he died because of God’s great love for humankind. Jesus, who walked among us, is a very concrete way in which we understand what God was like. And in Jesus’ death we see that God is loving and self-sacrificing. He empties himself for us and it is in this emptying, this humbling, that the Son is exalted.
"Whoever Lives the Truth Comes to the Light"
Today's Mass Readings
Salvation is God’s gift in Jesus; but whether to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation remains a choice that every human person must consciously make. This could easily be the theme of today’s readings. Let us reflect on this theme reading by reading.
Today's Mass Readings
Salvation is God’s gift in Jesus; but whether to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation remains a choice that every human person must consciously make. This could easily be the theme of today’s readings. Let us reflect on this theme reading by reading.
"Resurrection, Justice and Love"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today from the Acts of the Apostles is a powerful reading that challenges our sense of justice. The earliest Christians, as depicted in Acts, sought to live justly and mercifully with one another, so that no one went hungry, so that no one wanted for anything.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today from the Acts of the Apostles is a powerful reading that challenges our sense of justice. The earliest Christians, as depicted in Acts, sought to live justly and mercifully with one another, so that no one went hungry, so that no one wanted for anything.
"Born Again"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading Jesus is speaking to the Pharisee Nicodemus about baptism. Although Nicodemus a Pharisees, he became a follower of Jesus. He recognized, as this passage makes clear, that Jesus came from God and that God was with Him. Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being born from above, or, as some translations read, born again. Nicodemus is confused. How can someone be born who is already old and was already born so long ago?
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading Jesus is speaking to the Pharisee Nicodemus about baptism. Although Nicodemus a Pharisees, he became a follower of Jesus. He recognized, as this passage makes clear, that Jesus came from God and that God was with Him. Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being born from above, or, as some translations read, born again. Nicodemus is confused. How can someone be born who is already old and was already born so long ago?
"Just as the Father Sent Me, So I Send You"
Sunday Mass Readings
At his death the disciples and followers of Jesus were scattered. But we can also guess what must have been going on in their minds. Here is a man whom they followed for three years, and suddenly, he is gone? Existential questions must have plagued their minds. What now? What will they do now? In their confrontation with the Jews, even when they could not defend themselves Jesus defended them. But now they were won their own. How will they defend themselves now? Each of them must have been wreathing in guilt because none of them stood by the Lord. What does the future hold for them. In fact we have a few glimpses of what may have gone on, in the Gospels. Peter says to the others, “I am going fishing.” Some have interpreted this to say, he was going back to his old life. The others replied, we are going with you. In other words perhaps the disciples had become hopeless and despairing.
Sunday Mass Readings
At his death the disciples and followers of Jesus were scattered. But we can also guess what must have been going on in their minds. Here is a man whom they followed for three years, and suddenly, he is gone? Existential questions must have plagued their minds. What now? What will they do now? In their confrontation with the Jews, even when they could not defend themselves Jesus defended them. But now they were won their own. How will they defend themselves now? Each of them must have been wreathing in guilt because none of them stood by the Lord. What does the future hold for them. In fact we have a few glimpses of what may have gone on, in the Gospels. Peter says to the others, “I am going fishing.” Some have interpreted this to say, he was going back to his old life. The others replied, we are going with you. In other words perhaps the disciples had become hopeless and despairing.
"Of Divine Transformations"
Today's Mass Readings
Mark’s gospel, the shortest and the first to be written, describes all the resurrection appearances of Jesus in all but seven verses. Today's reading gives us these accounts. It is surprising that even after the resurrection, the disciples have to be rebuked by Jesus. In fact, througout Mark’s narration of the Jesus story, the disciples do come across as uncomprehending. Neither the words nor the miracles of Jesus do much for the disciples as God’s salvific work unfolds in their midst.
Today's Mass Readings
Mark’s gospel, the shortest and the first to be written, describes all the resurrection appearances of Jesus in all but seven verses. Today's reading gives us these accounts. It is surprising that even after the resurrection, the disciples have to be rebuked by Jesus. In fact, througout Mark’s narration of the Jesus story, the disciples do come across as uncomprehending. Neither the words nor the miracles of Jesus do much for the disciples as God’s salvific work unfolds in their midst.
"His Resurrection is Our Hope"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus again reveals Himself to His disciples. He has been raised from the dead, and He continually appears to His disciples in His resurrected body. Jesus’ resurrection is the message Peter preaches to religious leaders of his day, in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus’ resurrection is the message of Easter. Christ has been raised from the dead, alleluia, alleluia.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus again reveals Himself to His disciples. He has been raised from the dead, and He continually appears to His disciples in His resurrected body. Jesus’ resurrection is the message Peter preaches to religious leaders of his day, in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus’ resurrection is the message of Easter. Christ has been raised from the dead, alleluia, alleluia.