Friday, April 23, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

April 25, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Easter


Reading 1 Reflection:

Today's reading allows us to share one of Paul's great victories on his first missionary journey. It is the Sabbath, and Paul goes to the local synagogue with his companion Barnabas. The city's large colony of Jews has gathered there to hear Paul's message. He proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ so well that many are converted on the spot. The word spreads rapidly and by the following Sabbath the entire city, Jew and Gentile alike, turns out to hear Paul.

Some of the leaders of the synagogue do not approve of including Gentiles in their midst. They expel Paul and Barnabas. Paul quotes Isaiah ("I have made you a light to the Gentiles") to show that Jesus will be recognized as Savior of the whole world. Not only the Jews, but the Gentiles as well prove Paul right by gladly accepting Jesus as their Lord.

Reading 2 Reflection:

In this vision from Revelation, huge crowds of faithful believers from every nation gather before God's throne. To Christians who are suffering persecution, this vision is comforting. They need to know that their suffering will be rewarded by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. When the end comes, he will be there to shepherd and protect them. He "will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Gospel Reflection:

The words Jesus speaks in this reading were directed to some Jewish leaders who wanted to trip him up. They were hoping he would call himself the Messiah. Instead, Jesus refers to himself as "the Good Shepherd." He describes the secure and lasting relationship he has with his sheep, those who truly hear him and believe. Just as no one can separate Jesus and his Father, no one can take Jesus' disciples away from him.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

April 18, 2010
Third Sunday of Easter


Reading 1 Reflection:

If our readings each had titles, this one could be called "Brave Heroes Spread Good News." Although Peter and some of the other apostles had been imprisoned and beaten, they continued to preach in Jesus' name. They also dared to accuse the religious authorities of putting Jesus to death.

Despite the danger to themselves, the apostles spoke out with great courage. "We must obey God rather than men," they proclaimed. Now that they were filled with the Holy Spirit, facing danger for Jesus' sake actually made them joyful!

Reading 2 Reflection:

The title of the second reading might be "All Creation Praises the Lamb." It describes a vision of the heavenly court in which a huge crowd of angels and all living beings are gathered. They are all singing the praises of the Lamb of God, Jesus the Lord. By his death and resurrection, Jesus has reconciled us with God and given us cause for great joy.

Gospel Reflection:

The title of this wonderful story from John's Gospel might be "Surprise Picnic at the Beach." In a very human way, it shows the great love Jesus and his friends had for one another. While the disciples are out fishing, the risen Christ appears on the shore at Lake Tiberias. They are anchored at a distance and do not recognize him. But when they follow his advice and wind up with a sagging net full of fish, John figures out that the stranger is Jesus. Coming ashore, they enjoy the picnic breakfast Jesus has prepared for them.

Although our reading stops after the meal itself, we know from the rest of the Gospel that Jesus called Peter aside after they ate. He asked Peter to "feed my lambs. Tend my sheep."

Monday, April 05, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

April 11, 2010
Second Sunday of Easter


Reading 1 Reflection:

During the Easter season, the first reading each Sunday is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. This book of the New Testament is like no other. It gives us a beautiful description of the early Church community as it grew. Filled with the Spirit of the risen Christ, the disciples brought the healing love of Jesus to those in need. In doing this, they carried on his mission.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Today's reading sounds a little different, doesn't it? It is filled with special symbols that were used to bring hope to the early Christians during a time of persecution. When we hear the words of the reading, we are filled with the hope of Easter, too. Jesus tells us, "Do not be afraid." Christ has conquered death. He is truly "the one who lives" forever.

Gospel Reflection:

John's account of that first Easter night is filled with drama. Jesus appears through locked doors and gives his disciples his peace. He gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit and communicates God's power of forgiveness. Thomas, who misses out on this experience of Jesus, refuses to believe unless he can touch Jesus' wounds. A week later he has a chance to do just that! Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and my God!" And Jesus tells us how "blest" are we who have believed in his resurrection without having seen his risen body.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Holy Thursday Reflection

1st April 2010
Holy Thursday
Commemoration of the Institution of the Holy Eucharist


"But if I washed your feet...then you must wash each other’s feet." (John 13:14)
Reflection.


In April of 1945 American artillery in the town of Siegburg, Germany, was shelling a nearby village, in which there were about 20 German soldiers. The natives were in constant danger of being hit by bullets from either side. Toward evening of April 12 the people persuaded the German soldiers to cease fire. Next morning the village priest carried a white flag to the American outpost to inform the commander that the German soldiers had gone and the civilian population had no desire to resist further. Instructions were given to fly white flags from all the houses. The question uppermost in the minds of the towns-people was: How will the Americans treat us?
They had heard terrible tales of cruelty on the part of the Russians. How would these conquerors act?
The Americans began a thorough search for weapons and German soldiers. Two soldiers armed with pistols came to a certain three- room home. They stopped short in the living room before a hand- carved family altar. Into the bedroom they went, to find there a beautiful crucifix. The soldiers noticed the cross. They stopped, took off their steel helmets, changed their automatics from right hand to left, and respectfully made the sign of the cross.
As a member of the family related, the members of that household feared no longer. Yes, the sign of the cross is the salute of the true follower of Christ whether he is conqueror or conquered, whether he is German, Chinese, American or Australian. It is the countersign of the Christian. In particular, it is the special salute of the Catholic.

Lenten Fact


Those who are impeded from visiting a church, during the Stations Of The Cross, may gain indulgences by piously reading and meditating on the passion and death of our Lord for one-half hour. The continued importance of the stations in the devotional life of Catholics is attested by both Pope Paul VI, who approved a Gospel-based version of the stations in 1975, and Pope John Paul II, who has also written his own version.


Lenten Action.

Imagine what it would feel like, if your loved one was taken to prison without due cause. Imagine how the apostles felt as Jesus was carried away.

Prayer

Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit you anointed your only Son Messiah and Lord of creation; you have given us a share in his consecration to priestly service in your Church. Help us to be faithful witnesses in the world to the salvation Christ won for all mankind. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY FATHER: POPE BENEDICT XVI

The Holy Father's Monthly Intentions for the year 2010:

http://www.hyscience.com/archives/Pope20Benedict20XVI_1.jpg

SEPTEMBER 2010


The Word of God as Sign of Social Development

General: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.

The End of War

Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

RCAM NEWS:

***************************************************
CELEBRATION OF THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
Parents of Priests' Day

PARENTS AND FAMILY OF PRIESTS
(On the Year for Priests)

Archdiocese Recognizes Parents of Priests

Photogallery
*************************************************** Source: www.rcam.org

LITURGICAL NEWS:

Ministry of Liturgical Affairs
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ALC CIRCULARS


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About Us:

Philippines
"IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD ..." (John 1:1) The Word service proclaims, not only the contents of the readings, but also the bigger reality that God speaks continually to his people that we are called to a dialogue with God and with one another. To proclaim their inspired content in the midst of the worshipping community is a ministry entrusted to a few. The manner of proclamation is important for the delivery of the message in order to enable the community to enter into the spirit of the Word. The magnificence of this ministry cries out for the excellence that the Word of the Lord deserves. As lectors at the Mass we transmit that Word to human hearts and minds. The readings remind the people of the vision of the Christian community . . . of the things that truly matter.