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?