Easter Sunday - Learning From Mary Magdalene

Readings:

Acts 10:34A, 37-43

Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6B-8

John 20:1-9 or Luke 24.1-12 or Luke 24.13-35

Reflection:

Mary of Magdala went to mourn, found the empty tomb and was justifiably confused. Soon she became the first one to share the news that Jesus Christ was risen, she was the apostle to the Apostles. The Good News is often confusing or difficult to accept - God died for you and he rose again. Yet, as Mary Magdalene show us, not only can we come to terms with it, but in faith respond by sharing the joy and Good News with others. How can you live a life of Easter joy? How can you share the Good News?

Holy Saturday - The Greatest Story

Readings:

Reading 1: Genesis 1:1—2:2

Reading 2: Genesis 22:1-18

Reading 3: Exodus 14:15—15:1

Reading 4: Isaiah 54:5-14

Reading 5: Isaiah 55:1-11

Reading 6: Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4

Reading 7: Ezekiel 36:16-17A, 18-28

Epistle: Romans 6:3-11

Gospel: Luke 24:1-12


Reflection:
Tonight at the Easter Vigil we hear the highlights of Salvation History. From the very beginning of creation through the Resurrection, we are reminded of God's promises made and fulfilled  We are reminded of his greatness, his all-encompassing love, and often surprising ways of moving in the world.

What words of hope and promise do you hear God making to you today? How can you act in the same faith-filled manner as many of the individuals in today's readings?

Good Friday - Whole, Healed

Readings

Isaiah 52:13—53:12

Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

John 18:1—19:42

Reflection
"But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed."

Share with God your thoughts about his crucifixion and immense love for you. What most amazes you that Jesus died on a cross for you? What most challenges you about the enormity of God's love and sacrifice? How can you live a life of thankfulness for that sacrifice and love?

Memorial

Readings

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16BC, 17-18
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

Reflection

Lord, the Last Supper feast is when you gave us your Body and Blood, a memorial feast that generations celebrate as a perpetual institution.

My Help

Readings

Isaiah 50:4-9A
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34
Matthew 26:14-25

Reflection

The Lord God is my help. He answers me when I call. I can bear insult and shame for what I believe, because my God is with me all my days.

Be My Rock

Readings
Isaiah 49.1-6
Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4A, 5AB-6AB, 15 and 17
John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reflection

I read your Passion Story today, Lord. You endured much for me. Be my rock of refuge and rescue me so that I may never be put to shame.

Open My Eyes

Readings
Isaiah 42.1-7
John 12.1-11

Reflection

Teach me, O Lord to open my eyes to whatever I do and whomever I meet, so that I might understand that you are my light and my salvation.

“…he sent two…”

Readings
Luke 19.28-40
Isaiah 40.4-7
Philippians 2.6-11
Luke 22.14-23.56

Reflection

How I wish Jesus were here today to tell me what to do! Go there, say that, come back. Simple, straight forward, direct. It seems that much of my daily life is a confusing combination of: should I do this or that, go here or there, choose one or the other?

Yet, Jesus is King! If I ask for guidance, He will give it. I need to learn how to ask and, then, listen to the answer.

“They planned to kill him”.

Readings
Ezekiel 37.21-28
John 11.45-56


Reflection:
What do you suppose Jesus did when He heard this? Did he march into Jerusalem and confront the  Pharisees? Did he go on the news/talk shows and not only defend himself but also launch an attack on them? No, he “no longer walked in public…he left for the region near the desert…he remained with his disciples”. He retreated into quiet and thoughtfulness. Perhaps praying earnestly about his future course. Stopping to think and pray before reacting; what a wise way to ensure we listen to God’s voice before we respond.

But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.

Readings
Jeremiah 20.10-13
John 10.31-42


Reflection:
Life is hard. We try to do our best at work and a co-worker tells the supervisor of a small mistake we made. Driving down the road, a car cuts us off, we hit him, AND we get the ticket. It looks like we've finally saved enough money to go on vacation and the hot water heater leaks. Wouldn't a champion to save us be great! Wait…we do have one. “The Lord is with me!”

“And if I should say that I do not know Him, I would be like you, a liar.”

Readings
Genesis 17.3-9
John 8.51-59

Reflection

Wow! Jesus does not mince words, does he? What an amazing thing to consider in this day of “spin”, “half truths”, “particular points of view”. I wonder what type of society we could have if all of us spoke the truth. (Not harshly but with love). It would make it hard to lie to ourselves, wouldn’t it? Imagine being honest.

Strong in Faith

Readings
Daniel 3.14-20, 91-92, 95
Daniel 3.52, 53, 54, 55, 56
John 8.31-42

Reflection

We all are tested to remain strong in our faith. Take some time today to reflect on your experiences during
this Lenten journey when you have remained strong in your faith despite life pressures.

Promises

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings
2 Samuel 7.4-5A, 12-14A, 16
Psalm 89.2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
Romans 4.13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 1.16, 18-21, 24A

Reflection

God has made a promise to us that is without bounds. Reflect on your Lenten promises this last week before
Holy Week begins. Ask the lord to help you strengthen your commitment to those Lenten promises.

The Lord is my Shepherd

Readings
Daniel 13.1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
Psalm 23.1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6
John 8.12-20

Reflection

This wonderful Psalm fills us with the knowledge that God supports us in life’s journey. We are not alone! Take time to walk with God today and let him take the lead.

The Lord has done great things for us.

Readings
Isaiah 43.16-21
Psalm 126.1-2,2-3,4-5,6
Philippians 3.8-14
John 8.1-11

Reflection

Our responsorial psalm today reminds us of God’s generosity and greatness. Take some time to open your eyes to all that is good and graced in your life.

Taking Refuge in the "Searcher of Heart & Soul"

Readings
Jeremiah 11.18-20
Psalm 7.2-3, 9BC-10, 11-12
John 7.40-53

Reflection
How do I feel about the lines in this psalm “Do me justice, O Lord, because I am just, and because of the innocence that is mine”?  Do I expect more justice from God than I deserve? Dear God, O searcher of heart and soul, I am trying hard. Help me stay on the right path.           

Being Above the Law

Readings
Wisdom 2.1A, 12-22
John 7.1-2, 10,

Reflection
Today’s reading from Wisdom speaks of the disdain some have for “the just one.” Do I ever feel that the Lord is just the “censure of my thoughts” or that I’m tired of being reproached for my transgressions? Lord, help me get over myself and be more humble as I do your will.            

Do you have the love of God in you?

Readings
Exodus 32.7-14
John 5.31-47

Reflection
Today, Jesus chastises those who don’t accept that He is God’s son. Lord, help me when uncertainty about you creeps into my thoughts. Help me be a “burning and shining lamp,” testifying to your truth.

You Will Never Be Forsaken

Readings

Isaiah 49.8-15
John 5.17-30

Reflection
God assures us today that we will always be taken care of by Him. Do I always put my trust in the Lord, or do I sometimes let my problems bring me to despair? Let me remember the words, “The Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.”       

Do you love your neighbor as yourself?

Gospel:  Mark 12:  28-34

 

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
“Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, 
with all your soul, 
with all your mind, 
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
He is One and there is no other than he.
And to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding, 
with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself
is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him,
“You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

 

 

Reflection

One of the scribes asked Jesus the first commandment.  Jesus answered with the first and second commandments providing to the scribe; that to love God, and your neighbor as yourself, is above all.  The scribe was impressed with Jesus' knowledge and agreed, allowing Jesus to let him know, he, the scribe, was close to the kingdom.  Close to understanding what Jesus was proclaiming.

 

Do you love God and your neighbor (even the neighbor you had harsh words with) as yourself?  Lent is the time to find the true love of God and love everyone as we love God and ourselves

What is your demon?

Gospel:  Luke 11:  14-23

 

As Jesus drove out a mute demon, some acclaimed he drove it out with the help of Beelzebul, Satan.  Jesus explains that Satan will not divide his kingdom; nor will God divide His.  When kingdoms are divided one house will fall against the other.  All power comes from God and the power of God is good and upon them.

  

“Jesus was driving out a demon.”  Jesus will drive out the demons that prey on our hearts.  Jesus will fill our hearts with love if we ask him.  We will find peace in Him. Stand fast and know where your power comes from and do not divide.  For divided you fall, united under God we stand with strength and goodness. 

Faithful to the Law of Love

Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9

Moses spoke to the people and said:

“Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees

which I am teaching you to observe,

that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land 

which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 

Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees

as the LORD, my God, has commanded me,

that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy.

Observe them carefully,

for thus will you give evidence

of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,

who will hear of all these statutes and say,

‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’

For what great nation is there

that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us

whenever we call upon him?

Or what great nation has statutes and decrees

that are as just as this whole law

which I am setting before you today?

“However, take care and be earnestly on your guard

not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen,

nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live,

but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”

Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.

I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.

Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,

not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter

will pass from the law,

until all things have taken place.

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments

and teaches others to do so

will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.

But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments

will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Reflection:  

The word “command” can evoke reactions of indignation such as our freedom is being inhibited, or obedience is demanded regardless of our feelings.  The word command can also be framed in a more positive way. We have the ability (freedom) to command ourselves to resist temptations and to perceive how our actions effect our relationships with others.  Dear God, help me to understand how to better resist temptations that go against your commands. I know you love me. Amen.

Endless Mercy

Readings:

Daniel 3:25,34-43

Matthew 18:21-35

Reflection:  

I can’t say this any better than Azariah; he offers up a wonderful prayer for mercy in the midst of being in the fiery furnace.  I am not standing in a furnace of flames, yet the flames of bitterness and past hurt can seem as intense.

God is always faithful and loyal to us.  In Jesus, God’s covenant is brought to fulfillment.  Jesus teaches us the ultimate lesson about forgiveness; that the measure extended to us is the measure we extend to others.  Jesus, help me to forgive from my heart so that I may more fully experience your love for me.

Repent and Believe

Gospel:
Luke 4:24-30

Reflection:
We have a forgiving God. One who heals in very ordinary ways. One not asking for or seeking special sacrifices. So why not take advantage of His healing power during Lent and ask for His forgiveness of your sins?

Repent. Change Your Ways!

Gospel:
Luke 13:1-9

Reflection: Life is definitely short. During Lent, Jesus is calling everyone to seize the opportunity to repent (change their ways) now. God has given you these days. So take advantage of them. How will you change your ways?

The Prodigal Son

Gospel:
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Reflection:
The forgiving Jesus draws everyone near to Him – the rich, the poor, the hungry, and the sinners.  During Lent, will you pray for and welcome back the “prodigal sons” in your life?

Rejecting the Cornerstone

Gospel:
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Reflection:
Jesus condemns those who have rejected the cornerstone. During Lent, isn't it time that you truly accept the cornerstone that the builders rejected?

A Different Angle

Readings

Lk 16: 19-31

There was a rich man .... And lying at his gate was a poor man ....   Lk 16: 19-20

Reflection

In this parable, the rich man and the poor man are looking at life from different angles. Who had the wrong angle, and therefore a distorted view? Do I try to see things the way they really are? God has the best angle.

A Lenten Question

Readings

Mt 20:17-28

 

What is it you want?  Mt 20:21

 

Reflections

This Lenten Season is a good time to reflect on what we want from God: courage to serve, greater sensitivity to the needs of others, better understanding of the love of Jesus? Lord, give us the wisdom to ask the right questions -- and to listen to their answers.

A Good Habit

Readings

Mt 23: 1-12

 

The greatest among you must be your servant.  Mt 23: 11

 

Reflection

Humility is the good habit by which we live in truth, accepting our gifts and limitations as God sees them -- and using them in service to others. Who in your life demonstrates real humility and service?

Judgment or Judgmental?

Readings

Dn 9:4b-10 & Lk 6:36-38

 

But yours, O Lord our God, are compassion and forgiveness. Dn 9:7

Stop judging and you will not be judged.  Lk 6:37

 

Reflection

We pray to our God who is compassionate and forgiving, yet I am often critical of others and unforgiving. In all four Gospels, Jesus commands us to "Stop judging." A strong admonition. Why is it so difficult for me to comply?

On Top of the Mountains!

The Gospel according to Luke 9:28-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him."
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Reflection

When we look around ourselves, we cannot expect to find the bright and white Jesus of the Transfiguration but we can see Jesus. We will see Him when a friend is there to show God’s love. We will see Him when we look at the cross and we see the hope He has given us. It is through the Transfiguration that we can discover that God can make the ordinary become extraordinary and that is the way that God’s grace truly works.

Love your enemy???

The Gospel according to Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the
good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Reflection

In our lives, we probably won’t like everyone we meet and, believe it or not, some people may not like us. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher code of conduct and it is in this light that we should seek to reconcile with those we have broken relationships and pray for those that may have hurt us.

Who do they say I am?

The Gospel according to Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven."

Reflection

Faith and knowledge about God is a gift that Jesus freely gives us. By our Baptism, God has given us this gift, waiting in us to be discovered. Let us nurture this gift, asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit to help us discover it so that it may grow.

The Golden Rule

The Gospel according to Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who
seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets."

Reflection

This gospel reflects what being a Christian is all about. The last phrase of this passage is so simple and yet so profound – if we all treated one another like we would like to be treated, so many of the problems of the world would melt away.

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn

Today's Readings
First Reading: Jon 3:1-10 , Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 and Gospel: Lk 11:29-32

Reflection
These readings today could easily be applied to the world we live in today.
Am I contrite and humble?
What can I do to repent and change my ways for the better?

In praying, do not babble like the pagans

Today's Readings
Gospel -Mt 6:7-15

Reflection
Lent is a good time to review all aspects of my faith life, especially prayer.
Do I take time to pray?
More importantly, do I take time to listen to what God is communicating?

Whatever you do for least of mine.....

Gospel Mt 25:31-46

Reflection We have all heard this before.

As I slow down and ponder my relationship with God this Lent, what have I done to make life better for those in my life?

What have I done to make life better for those in my community?

Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble

Today's Readings
Dt 26:4-10 and Lk 4:1-13

Reflection
God is here, waiting to help us, if only we ask.
What can I do this Lent to remind me to turn to God for all of my needs?

I Need a Guide

Today's Readings

Reflection

To walk the path of truth, I need a guide. Lord be my compass, Keep me ever mindful of the course that leads to salvation.

Hungering for Righteousness

Today's Readings

Reflection  

It is only by fasting that I recognize how generous God is to me. My life needs to be measured by my hunger for righteousness.

What are you fasting from this Lent?

How do you hunger for righteousness?

Create In Me

Today's Readings

Reflection

Create in me a clean heart O Lord that I might know your mercy. For it is by you alone that I am rescued and made safe.

What do you need God to clean from your heart this Lent?

When have you felt mercy? When have you given mercy?

Be Reconciled

Today's First Reading

Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.
Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing,
Offerings and libations
for the LORD, your God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion!
proclaim a fast,
call an assembly;
Gather the people,
notify the congregation;
Assemble the elders,
gather the children
and the infants at the breast;
Let the bridegroom quit his room
and the bride her chamber.
Between the porch and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep,
And say, “Spare, O LORD, your people,
and make not your heritage a reproach,
with the nations ruling over them!
Why should they say among the peoples,
‘Where is their God?’”
Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land
and took pity on his people.

Reflection

To be reconciled to God my heart and mind needs to repent my past transgressions, only then can my burden be lifted and my spirit soar.

What burdens and transgressions are you carrying? How can you give these back to God and seek repentance and forgiveness this Lent?

For all of today's Mass Readings click here.

Beginning Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, we will begin our Lenten reflections. Watch for the posts each morning.

Ash Wednesday services at St. Francis are as follows:

7:00 am

9:15 am

5:15 pm

7:00 pm

There will also be a Fish Fry dinner beginning at 5:00 pm in the PAC.