Posted: 5/1/2013 6:43:31 PM EDT
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First Reading:
Acts of the Apostles 15:1-2,22-29 1 And certain ones, descending from Judea, were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas made no small uprising against them, they decided that Paul and Barnabas, and some from the opposing side, should go up to the Apostles and priests in Jerusalem concerning this question. 22 Then it pleased the Apostles and elders, with the whole Church, to choose men from among them, and to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, and Judas, who was surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas, preeminent men among the brothers, 23 what was written by their own hands: “The Apostles and elders, brothers, to those who are at Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, brothers from the Gentiles, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some, going out from among us, have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no commandment, 25 it pleased us, being assembled as one, to choose men and to send them to you, with our most beloved Barnabas and Paul: 26 men who have handed over their lives on behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves also will, with the spoken word, reaffirm to you the same things. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no further burden upon you, other than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things immolated to idols, and from blood, and from what has been suffocated, and from fornication. You will do well to keep yourselves from these things. Farewell.” Psalm: Psalms 67:2-3,5-6,8 R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you! or: R. Alleluia. May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. R. O God, let all the nations praise you! or: R. Alleluia. May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. R. O God, let all the nations praise you! or: R. Alleluia. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! R. O God, let all the nations praise you! or: R. Alleluia. Second Reading: Revelation 21:10-14,22-23 10 And he took me up in spirit to a great and high mountain. And he showed me the Holy City Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. And its light was like that of a precious stone, even like that of the jasper stone or like crystal. 12 And it had a wall, great and high, having twelve gates. And at the gates were twelve Angels. And names were written upon them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13 On the East were three gates, and on the North were three gates, and on the South were three gates, and on the West were three gates. 14 And the wall of the City had twelve foundations. And upon them were the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. 22 And I saw no temple in it. For the Lord God Almighty is its temple, and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine in it. For the glory of God has illuminated it, and the Lamb is its lamp. Gospel: John 14:23-29 23 Jesus responded and said to him: “If anyone loves me, he shall keep my word. And my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and we will make our dwelling place with him. 24 Whoever does not love me, does not keep not my words. And the word that you have heard is not of me, but it is of the Father who sent me. 25 These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will suggest to you everything whatsoever that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave for you; my Peace I give to you. Not in the way that the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let it not fear. 28 You have heard that I said to you: I am going away, and I am returning to you. If you loved me, certainly you would be gladdened, because I am going to the Father. For the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this, before it happens, so that, when it will happen, you may believe. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Overview of the Gospel: • This Sunday’s Gospel takes place during Jesus’ discourse to his disciples at the Last Supper on the night he was betrayed (John 14—17). • The Apostle Jude Thaddeus has just asked Jesus why his identity as the Messiah was revealed to them but not to the whole world (verse 22). It was widely believed at that time that when the Messiah came, it would be a major military /political event, evident to the whole world (Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6). • In his answer, Jesus affirms that, indeed, everyone will see that he has come, but not in the way they expect. Indeed, in their lifetimes, Jesus did come in vindication of those who did not believe in him when the Jewish Temple was destroyed a generation later by the Romans (see Matthew 24). • Overall, however, it will be through the love Jesus’ disciples display, the powerful works and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through his presence to his Church in the Holy Eucharist that Christ, the Messiah, will be manifest to the whole world. Thus, they—and we—are to be at peace knowing that Jesus is always present with and in his people. Questions: • In the First Reading, what was one of the reasons given by the leaders of the Church for resolving the issue involving the dispute about the Law (see verse 24)? Besides the apostles and elders, whose decision was this (see verse 28)? • What do you learn about the Holy Spirit in verses John 16-17 and 25-27? What is the relationship of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to the Christian? To each other? • How at home are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your life? Are they more like owners or temporary guests? • What is the difference between how Jesus gives peace and how the world does? Is the peace Jesus offers a feeling, or a relationship? • On a scale of 1 (smooth sailing) to 10 (furious storm), what is your peace quotient? Why? Where do you find Jesus’ peace? Where can you find hope in this passage? • Of all the promises made in this chapter (John 14:16-18; 21; 23; 26-27), which one means the most to you? Why? |
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as always, Cat--a great post for today's Good news!
• How at home are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your life? Are they more like owners or temporary guests?
We had a men's retreat at our parish and Fr. Larry Richards from Erie, PA, was there. Fr. Larry "tells it like it is." No baloney. He said something which hit home and I adopted: "No Bible, no breakfast. No Bible no bed." So each and every morning before my first cup of coffee, I read and absorb the Daily Readings. Same thing at night before I turn in, I reflect on how the daily readings worked in my life that day. Sometimes it's really amazing how I see teachings our Blessed Lord gave in the Bible which are going on in my everyday life. So, to answer the question: Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always with me. They are my "pathfinders." They show me the way each day when I have problems or issues. I can see and hear that lead scout and "Ranger," Jesus looking always ahead, motioning me always forward and saying: "Follow me!" He leads, I follow. Quite frankly, it me who is the one inhabiting THEIR HOME, my body and my soul. I have to love, honor and respect them when I am in their presence. More than once, this 65+ year old drops to his knees and thanks the Good Lord for all He's done for me each and every day. 
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