Sunday Readings Reflections:

Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday in the Octave of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday

READING 1:Acts 2:42-47
Reading 1 Reflection:

What an example of community life our reading from Acts describes! We see how the early Christians shared four basic activities that drew them together. They lived by the teachings of the Twelve, who had been taught by Jesus himself. They shared their possessions with one another. They prayed together daily in the Temple. Lastly, they gathered to celebrate the Eucharist in their homes.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

What parts of the life of the early Christians do you find yourself living as a Christian today? How do you do this? In what ways would you like to be more like the early Christians? How can you make efforts to do this?

One sure sign of their unity was that the early Christians shared what they had with those who had less. How will you try to follow this example?

READING 2: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Reading 2 Reflection:

The second reading, written to those who had recently become baptized Christians, helps them to appreciate who they now are. Their Baptism gives them the courage to be different from those who do not have the gift of faith. These Christian converts love Jesus and believe in him, even though they have never seen him. They rejoice greatly as they grow in resurrection faith.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

People with a lot of money in the bank generally feel secure, as far as life in this world goes. They know they will never have to "go without." In this letter, Peter assures each one of us that we have an "imperishable inheritance kept in heaven for us." Our inheritance is our very salvation. Because we have faith in Jesus Christ, a faith more precious than gold, we will never have to "go without" God's love, no matter what trials we may have to endure. Our security is found in God's love. How do you live in this security? How can you help others to live in this security?

Gospel: John 20:19-31
Gospel Reflection:

What a surprise for the disciples! The risen Christ comes to them through locked doors, breathes on them, and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." By the power of the Spirit, the disciples will forgive sins and communicate the peace of Jesus himself. However, there is another part to this gospel story. The story revolves around Thomas but it is also about us. Sometimes we are like Thomas and miss the most important part of our faith, belief in Jesus! But "blest" are we who are guided in faith by the Holy Spirit.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

There are times when a person needs to be alone to think about something, or to deal with a pain or hurt that others might not understand or share. At those times, we might be tempted to "lock the doors" of our hearts to those who may be able to help. Remember that the risen Jesus can come through locked doors! Ask him to send help, perhaps through a parent, teacher, or friend.

Thomas is known as "the Doubter." However sometimes doubt can be a good thing. Why? What did Thomas' doubt lead to? Thomas doubted and we still call him a saint. Doubt was only one part of his path in following Jesus. What is a good way to handle our doubts?

Reflection by:
CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"

Sunday Reading Reflections:

March 23, 2008
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord (solemnity)

READING 1: Acts 10:34, 37-43
Reading 1 Reflection:

Peter speaks with the wonderful freedom of an Easter Christian! He knows now that God's message of salvation is for all people. It is not limited to any one nation. Filled with enthusiasm, Peter gives his own witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He rejoices in his own call to preach the good news of Jesus Christ risen from the dead.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

What? God raised him up? This Jesus who had suffered so much and died on the cross? Sometimes we take the resurrection of Jesus too calmly. We have heard about it all of our lives. Can we really somehow experience what it means? How can you keep the wondrous message alive in you? How can you be an Easter Christian? How can you share your joy with others?


READING 2: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
Reading 2 Reflection:

Today's second reading gives us good advice: Look up to the risen Christ. Seek the values of his kingdom. Don't get trapped in false values. Be faithful until the day when we all will appear with Christ in his glory. Name one value of Jesus and tell how you will be especially faithful to it during Easter week.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2
What does "Your life is hidden now with Christ in God" mean to you?


Gospel:John 20:1-9 or Matthew 28:1-10
Gospel Reflection:

The gospel story of the empty tomb proclaims a joyful freedom theme. Jesus is free from the bonds of death! Mary Magdalene is freed from fear and becomes a witness to his resurrection. Peter and John are free to believe that their Lord is risen from the dead. The dawn of Easter frees us from fear and the darkness of sin. Alleluia!

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

How will your faith in the risen Lord free you to be a better person? How have you "seen and believed" this Easter?

Sunday Reading Reflections:

March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion





READING 1: Isaiah 50:4-7
Reading 1 Reflection:

For Christians, all of today's readings give us ways of looking at Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant. The Suffering Servant in Isaiah has qualities that later generations would see in Jesus. He is the one whose ear is always open to receive God's word. He is the one who does not rebel or turn back when his enemies persecute him. Jesus is the one who says, "The Lord God is my help. . . I shall not be put to shame."

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

This servant of God must have been a person of prayer: "Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear." How are you a person of prayer? When are you called to "speak to the weary a word that will rouse them"? Would your friends describe you as an encouraging person, or one that is critical much of the time? (When is criticism helpful? When is it not?) As this Holy Week begins, how will you open your ear to God? How will you share his message with others?


READING 2: Philippians 2:6-11
Reading 2 Reflection:

Paul's noble description of Jesus Christ is really a hymn. It describes Jesus as the one who willingly gave up everything to fulfill God's plan for our salvation. Jesus did not come among us expecting to live grandly, as a king or "Numero Uno," although that is exactly what he was. Even though he was God, he came among us as the lowest of all, to show us that God's love does not depend on riches or honor. Paul tells us that this must be our attitude, too. Our love must be like God's love.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

Sometimes we take the attitude that certain people or certain things are "beneath us."

Picking up our own litter is beneath us. Throwing away our own trays in fast food places is beneath us. Cleaning up after ourselves at home is beneath us. Obeying speed laws or wearing seat belts is beneath us. Saying hello and being welcoming to certain people is beneath us. Being kind and considerate to others with whom we share the planet (including plants and animals in our environment) is beneath us. Some of us don?t want to bother with all that. We think we're above it all. But Jesus shows us a different attitude. Jesus cared about things like this. How do we take on his attitude and imitate him?


Gospel:Matthew 26:14--27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
Gospel Reflection:

This gospel is a reading of the passion (or suffering) of Christ. On this Sunday we are reading it "according to Matthew." We see Jesus betrayed by two of his friends, Judas and Peter, and by the crowd. We see him mocked and beaten by the soldiers who laughingly "honor" him as King of the Jews.

Wounded, crowned with thorns, and dying a little more each step of the way, Jesus carries his cross to Calvary. His suffering is so great that he wonders if even God has left him to die alone. Still Jesus willingly gives up his spirit. With the centurion we pray: "Clearly, this was the Son of God!"

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Jesus offered his entire life and his entire self to the Father, including his suffering and death. He did this voluntarily. Even though he was God, he chose "the lowest place" out of love. We, like Jesus, suffer because we are human. People still suffer, here in our own country and around the world. Can you name some of the ways and some of the reasons why people suffer today? What does Jesus want us to do about human suffering? (Think about the parable of the Good Samaritan.) Think of one way your and your group could help lessen human suffering in some way. Then do so, in the name of Jesus.

Reflection by:
CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"

Sunday Reading Reflections:

March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion


READING 1: Isaiah 50:4-7
Reading 1 Reflection:

For Christians, all of today's readings give us ways of looking at Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant. The Suffering Servant in Isaiah has qualities that later generations would see in Jesus. He is the one whose ear is always open to receive God's word. He is the one who does not rebel or turn back when his enemies persecute him. Jesus is the one who says, "The Lord God is my help. . . I shall not be put to shame."

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

This servant of God must have been a person of prayer: "Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear." How are you a person of prayer? When are you called to "speak to the weary a word that will rouse them"? Would your friends describe you as an encouraging person, or one that is critical much of the time? (When is criticism helpful? When is it not?) As this Holy Week begins, how will you open your ear to God? How will you share his message with others?


READING 2: Philippians 2:6-11
Reading 2 Reflection:

Paul's noble description of Jesus Christ is really a hymn. It describes Jesus as the one who willingly gave up everything to fulfill God's plan for our salvation. Jesus did not come among us expecting to live grandly, as a king or "Numero Uno," although that is exactly what he was. Even though he was God, he came among us as the lowest of all, to show us that God's love does not depend on riches or honor. Paul tells us that this must be our attitude, too. Our love must be like God's love.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

Sometimes we take the attitude that certain people or certain things are "beneath us."

Picking up our own litter is beneath us. Throwing away our own trays in fast food places is beneath us. Cleaning up after ourselves at home is beneath us. Obeying speed laws or wearing seat belts is beneath us. Saying hello and being welcoming to certain people is beneath us. Being kind and considerate to others with whom we share the planet (including plants and animals in our environment) is beneath us. Some of us don?t want to bother with all that. We think we're above it all. But Jesus shows us a different attitude. Jesus cared about things like this. How do we take on his attitude and imitate him?


Gospel:Matthew 26:14--27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
Gospel Reflection:

This gospel is a reading of the passion (or suffering) of Christ. On this Sunday we are reading it "according to Matthew." We see Jesus betrayed by two of his friends, Judas and Peter, and by the crowd. We see him mocked and beaten by the soldiers who laughingly "honor" him as King of the Jews.

Wounded, crowned with thorns, and dying a little more each step of the way, Jesus carries his cross to Calvary. His suffering is so great that he wonders if even God has left him to die alone. Still Jesus willingly gives up his spirit. With the centurion we pray: "Clearly, this was the Son of God!"

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Jesus offered his entire life and his entire self to the Father, including his suffering and death. He did this voluntarily. Even though he was God, he chose "the lowest place" out of love. We, like Jesus, suffer because we are human. People still suffer, here in our own country and around the world. Can you name some of the ways and some of the reasons why people suffer today? What does Jesus want us to do about human suffering? (Think about the parable of the Good Samaritan.) Think of one way your and your group could help lessen human suffering in some way. Then do so, in the name of Jesus.

Reflection by:
CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"

Sunday Reading Reflections:

March 9, 2008
Fifth Sunday of Lent






READING 1: Ezekiel 37:12-14
Reading 1 Reflection:

Ezekiel was called by God to be a prophet during the exile of the Israelites in Babylon. They took comfort in his vision of resurrection, a prediction of the restoration of their homeland. God would raise them from their graves of despair to new life.

The graves of the dead that we hear about in Ezekiel are not Israelites only; they are all of us who are in some way dead, not living fully enough the life of Christ, and in need of redemption.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

Not many of us feel fully alive all of the time. We all have our "down days," our times of illness and unrest, our times of anxiety and pain. We do not always feel "on top of the world." However, these are the times to remember that Christ has won a victory for us that has nothing to do with how we feel on any given day. We have been given that victory on the day of Baptism. It is a victory of God's love. We were taken into God's family. How can you remember that victory in Christ on "down days"? How can you get in touch with the victorious Christ whose Spirit lives within you? How can you share that Spirit and that victory with others? How can you care for yourself, spiritually, mentally, and physically, today, so that you will be more ready to live fully in Christ tomorrow?


READING 2: Romans 8:8-11
Reading 2 Reflection:

We have the promise of eternal life from God. Even if our bodies die, we will not become a lifeless pile of dry bones. God who raised Jesus from the dead will also raise us. The Spirit remains alive in us forever because we belong to Christ.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

Our society does not like to think about the reality of death. And it is not wrong to hope to live a long time, as life is a gift of God. However, we must remember that God's gifts do not end when life ends for us here on earth. How does this reading comfort those who are mourning a death of a family member or friend? How does it comfort you when you think about death? In what ways can you show that you are truly alive in Christ during this coming week?


Gospel: John 11:1-45 or John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45
Gospel Reflection:

Those of us who have lost a beloved family member or friend know how Martha and Mary must have felt. Their brother Lazarus died. And Jesus did not protect them from the pain of mourning. In fact, Jesus wept, too, and was deeply troubled. But death is never the end of the story for Jesus or those who believe in him.

"I am the resurrection and the life," Jesus tells Martha. At Jesus' command, Lazarus, all bound up in burial wrappings, slowly emerges from the tomb. What a scene that must have been! And what a promise to us!

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

This story is seen as a foretaste of the resurrection of Jesus, and of our own resurrection, too. During the weeks of Lent, we are preparing to celebrate resurrection. Do you see any "foretastes of resurrection joy" around you? In nature? In the love of your family and friends? In the care and concern of neighbors? In your own heart? If you do, you will be following in the footsteps of Jesus and all the saints.

These signs of resurrection may not be as dramatic as Lazarus' rising from the dead, but they are just as real. How many do you experience? Keep looking for them this week!

Reflection by:
CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"