| March 30, 2008 | Second Sunday of Easter |
| April 6, 2008 | Third Sunday of Easter |
| April 13, 2008 | Fourth Sunday of Easter |
| April 20, 2008 | Fifth Sunday of Easter |
| April 27, 2008 | Sixth Sunday of Easter |
| May 4, 2008 | Ascension of the Lord |
| May 11, 2008 | Pentecost Sunday |
Sharing of life: During this Easter season, our Church celebrates the victory of life over death, evil and sin. Name one thing that drains life from you (e.g., fear) and one thing that gives you life and energy.
Facilitator reads focus statement: During the Easter Season, the first reading is always from the Acts of the Apostles authored by Luke. Acts, among other things, illuminates for us the mystery of the church as it developed from its beginnings at Pentecost. This week’s readings identify several characteristics of the communal life of the first Christians. During Cycle A of the Easter season, the second reading is from the First Letter of Peter. The letter is addressed to Christians who were suffering harassment and persecution from their non-Christian neighbors. The author of the letter encourages his readers to persevere in faith so that their detractors would marvel at the good things God had done for them, and be motivated to turn from their sinful ways and live lives of goodness. During the Easter season the Gospel is nearly always from John with one exception on the Third Sunday. Two experiences of the Risen Christ are included in this week’s reading. The second Sunday of Easter is also Divine Mercy Sunday. Divine Mercy Sunday celebrates the wonderful mercy of God – popularized in recent times by St. Faustina Kolwaska, a Polish nun who had apparitions of Jesus concerning his mercy for humanity.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:42-47
These verses are the first of three summary statements on the community life of the early Christians. Four characteristics are identified: instructions/teaching, table-fellowship, prayers, and sharing all things in common. These verses are an idealized version of how a community filled with the Spirit should live.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 118
This is a prayer of thanksgiving to God for deliverance.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 1:3-9
This letter is addressed to several Gentile Christian communities living in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), recently converted to Christianity. The communities were suffering harassment and ostracization for being followers of Christ. They were experiencing themselves as marginal people, "aliens" in the society in which they lived. A very existential question for them would have been: how can a person continue to be faithful to Christ in such a hostile environment? This Pastoral Letter seeks to encourage Christians living in such a hostile environment. The letter also contains a list of exhortations of such things as: household duties, husband/wife relations, and concern for the public face of the church living in a pagan society. In this reading, the God of Jesus Christ is praised for giving us, through Jesus, a new birth, a new hope and an imperishable inheritance (Heaven). The gift offered to us is very precious and worth suffering for. The "inheritance" of the believer is God himself. This is cause for rejoicing even in the midst of trials. God’s presence does not mean that we will not suffer; but it does mean that we will have the strength to endure it. The power of the Resurrection at work in us gives us the power to endure whatever comes our way. "Faith" is described in terms of a love and a trust without sight (v.8). Joy in the midst of trial springs from the realization that the road to salvation has been secured.
GOSPEL: John 20:19-31
In this gospel, John shares with us two resurrection appearances of Jesus. The first appearance is sometimes called John’s Pentecost because during it Jesus imparts his Spirit. Prior to Jesus’ coming, the disciples were filled with fear (of the authorities, hence the locked doors), guilt (for abandoning Jesus) and depression (because of Jesus’ death). With Jesus’ entry into their lives, the fear, guilt and depression are replaced with joy and peace. Then Jesus commissions his disciples to continue his work, but not before he gives them his Spirit. He also gives them the power to forgive sins, something that the Catholic Church acts on in and through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sins would only be "retained" if one were not truly sorry for one’s sins or was unwilling to embrace the teachings of Jesus.
Some scholars see Jesus’ appearance to Thomas as representing the second generation of Christians, those called to believe on the testimony of others. Even though Thomas refused to believe the testimony of others, those following him would be called to come to faith on the testimony of others.
Though we may judge Thomas harshly, Jesus took him where he was at. From Thomas we learn how to be honest with our doubts. If Thomas needed to touch the wounds of Christ, Jesus would oblige him. The gospel does not say that Thomas actually touched the wounds only that he cried out in faith: "My Lord and my God". It is a story for all of us who may sometimes experience doubt concerning matters of faith. Jesus too will be patient with us and will help us overcome our doubts if we cooperate with his grace-filled touch upon our lives. To believe in Jesus resurrection means more an intellectual assent. It also means that we too are sent to share the Good News with others.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1. What verse spoke to you most? Why?
2. What can we learn about Christian community from the communal life of the first Christians (first reading).
3. How would you rate your faith level in Jesus and the church at this time? If strong, what factors or experiences have helped you to have a strong faith?
4. Scripture scholar, William Barclay, suggests that Thomas initially lost out because he had withdrawn from the community. We miss out when we absent ourselves from the community. What do you think?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Pray for or reach out to someone who has separated him/herself from the parish community.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Pray for all having faith struggles and for all who are persecuted for their faith. ©
Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this past week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: The first reading is the first of six major homilies, which Peter gives in the Acts of the Apostles. In the second reading, Peter exhorts his readers to "conduct themselves with reverence" and to refrain from "futile conduct." In the Gospel, Jesus opens the eyes of two disciples to his presence in the Eucharist as they travel with him to the village of Emmaus.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14, 22-33
In Acts, Luke builds a bridge between Jesus and the Church. In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus breathed on the Apostles transmitting to them the Holy Spirit and empowering them to preach the Good News. In this reading, we witness Peter and the other Apostles doing just that -- preaching the Good News about Jesus, one sent by God to bring salvation to all the people. Even though Jesus was able to work signs and wonders, he was rejected by his own people (but raised up by God). His death, though terrible, was mysteriously accounted to God’s set plan and purpose. The reading concludes with a quotation from Psalm 16:8-11. The New Testament writers often quoted the Old Testament to show their readers that Jesus’ coming and death was foretold in their own Hebrew scriptures.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 16
This psalm expresses confidence and trust in God.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 1:17-21
Although the earliest believers in Jesus did find themselves "at home" in their newly found way of living. They also found that because of their faith in Jesus, they were no longer "at home" in the world. They experienced themselves as "sojourners in a strange land". In today’s reading, Peter urges these sojourners to "conduct themselves with reverence". They must remember that they were delivered from a "futile way of life" not by silver and gold but by the "precious blood of Jesus".
GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35
This is Luke’s well-known and loved Emmaus journey story. It is a story in which we notice a movement from the darkness of unbelief to the light of faith, a movement from despair to hope. It is also a beautiful instruction on the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The first part of the story is like our "Liturgy of the Word". Jesus proclaims a word to the two despairing disciples. He also opens their eyes to the meaning of the Scriptures. Then we have a "Liturgy of the Eucharist". Just as he did at the Last Supper, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to the disciples. In the "breaking of the bread", the eyes of the disciples are opened and they come to believe in Jesus’ presence. Some commentators note that Luke used this story to communicate to those who were missing the physical presence of Christ, that their celebration of the Eucharist was the new way that Jesus was going to be with them. Just as he fed them prior to the resurrection with his teaching, now he would continue to feed and nourish them in and through the proclamation of the scriptures and the breaking of the bread. When they (and we) gather together to listen to his Word and break bread, Jesus is truly in our midst.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1) What verse, idea or image spoke to you and why?
2) In the second reading Peter speaks about being ransomed from "futile conduct". What might be examples of "futile conduct" in today’s world"? What kind of "futile conduct" are you tempted to engage in?
3) Coming to believe that a dead person had come back to life must have been a huge challenge for early believers. Knowing your level of faith and maybe your tendency to be skeptical of outrageous stories, how do you think you may have reacted when the news came your way that Jesus had risen from the dead?
4) In the beautiful Emmaus story, Jesus "opens the minds" of the two disciples to the Scriptures and "open their eyes" to his presence in the ‘breaking of the bread’ (an early name for the Eucharist). Over the years, how has Jesus opened your mind to the meaning of the Scriptures and opened the eyes of your faith to his presence in the Eucharist? What has helped or facilitated this opening process?
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestions: The next time you attend Mass, try to be more attentive to the awesome event that you are privileged to participate in. Also, see if you are presently engaged in any "futile conduct". If so, turn away from it.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Especially pray for persecuted Christians, for a new awakening to Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. ©
Opening prayer: God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, though your people walk in the valley of darkness, no evil should they fear; for they follow in faith the call of the Shepherd whom you have sent for their hope and strength. Attune our minds to the sound of his voice, lead our steps in the path he has shown, that we may know the strength of his outstretched arm and enjoy the light of your presence forever. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: Traditionally, the fourth Sunday of Easter has been called "Good Shepherd Sunday" because the Gospel in all three cycles is taken from the tenth chapter of John, in which Jesus uses the image of a shepherd to describe his relationship to us. In the first reading Peter stresses the importance of repentance and baptism for those who want to participate in the salvation won for us by Jesus. In the second reading, Peter seeks to give meaning to the sufferings of Christians. In the gospel, Jesus uses the images of Good Shepherd and Sheepgate to describe his ministry.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Jesus’ death revealed humankind’s complicity with evil and God’s immeasurable love for humankind. Duly convinced of their own sin and of God’s love for them, Peter’s audience is "deeply shaken" and asks, "What must we do?" Peter tells them that they must "Repent, be baptized, receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit who is given for you and for all who are afar off".
In the Gospel Jesus speaks about the Good Shepherd. In this reading, Peter is showing himself to be a good shepherd by trying to save people from "a generation gone astray".
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 23
In this well-loved psalm, the psalmist expresses a tremendous trust in God, our Good Shepherd.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2:20b-25
In this reading, Peter is addressing slaves who have become Christians. He does not condemn the evil institution of slavery. He simply takes it for granted as Christians did until quite recently. Accepting that slavery was going to be around for a long time and that some slaves would continue to become Christian and continue to suffer, Peter seeks to help them find some meaning in their suffering. He sets before them the example of Jesus who also suffered unjustly. Jesus’ attitude toward suffering was: if done for the right reason or motive, it could drastically change lives. A suffering servant could effect changes in the lives of those inflicting the hardships and pain.
GOSPEL: John 10:1-10
This gospel follows chapter 9 of John in which the Pharisees are depicted as blind leaders. They not only fail to recognize Jesus as the "Light of the world" but they excommunicate from the synagogue the blind man who did recognize and accept Jesus.
In this gospel, Jesus replaces these blind guides and assumes leadership of his flock. He is the Good Shepherd who does not abuse his flock by tossing them out; rather he lays down his very life for them. His willingness to put his life at risk for his followers makes Jesus a much more qualified leader than the Pharisees who are "thieves and robbers" who do not really care for the sheep.
Jesus also speaks of himself as the "Sheepgate". Jesus, as the Sheepgate, is the divinely constituted and sole avenue to the Father. As the sheepgate, Jesus will provide safety for the flock by fending off threats of danger. Jesus also provides food for the hungry by opening the gate onto pastures of plenty.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1) What verse, idea or image spoke to you and why?
2) In the second reading, Peter seeks to give meaning to the sufferings, which slaves had to endure. How helpful would Peter’s words be to you in a time of suffering?
3) Which stanza of Psalm 23 speaks to your heart the most? Why?
4) What qualities do you hope to find in the shepherds of your parish? How can you be a good shepherd to the people in your life?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act on God’s word found in these readings. Suggestion: Be there for someone going through a tough time.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for all who are suffering and for their caregivers. ©
Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: The first reading tells us how the Deaconate ministry came to be. The second reading offers words of encouragement to a persecuted Christian community. In the gospel, Jesus offers some words of comfort to his Apostles who are sad because he has begun to speak about leaving them.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 6:1-7
As the Christian community continued to grow, so did the conflict that usually accompanies growth. The growth placed an added burden on the Apostles, who, while caring for widows, didn’t have time to preach the word of God. This led to the creation of a new ministry -- the deaconate. "Need is often the mother of invention." The reading also highlights the tension between Palestinian Jews and Greek- speaking Jews. The latter felt that widows were being neglected in the distribution of the food. Finally, the first reading highlights how the preaching of the Word of God must have priority.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 33
This psalm applauds God’s fidelity.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2:4-9
The author tells his readers that their high standing in God’s eyes more than compensates for their low standing in the eyes of society. These "resident aliens" may be rejected by the world but they are precious in God’s eyes. These "nobodies" are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people God claims as his own". The author is saying to a people who may be feeling that they do not belong, that they very much belong to God. The reading reminds those who are homeless that they have a home in God. A "stumbling block" in Isaiah 8:4 seeks to convey notions of strength and challenge in adversary. The "rejected stone" that becomes the "corner stone" (Ps 118:2) speaks of how Israel was considered insignificant by the empires over the centuries. The Christian in hostile Asia-Minor would be a "stumbling block" and a "rejected stone" in their environment. Recall that Peter is writing to a community living in an unbelieving, and often hostile, environment.
GOSPEL: John 14:1-12
This is an excerpt from the Last Discourse of Jesus. Just before this passage, Jesus had spoken about his departure. Such talk made the Apostles anxious and afraid. Here Jesus tells them not to be afraid, but rather to place their trust in him. Trust is always the Gospel answer to fear. "Many dwelling places" is not reference to a "heavenly motel." Motel rooms can be very lonely places, as any salesperson can tell you. Rather, "dwelling places" refers to a relationship with God, a relationship that begins here and now with the God who lives in our hearts. Heaven is not something we begin to experience after we die. Rather, it is something we experience the moment we begin to have a relationship with God. The "way" to this relationship is through Jesus.
Jesus is the Way by which we travel to the fullness of God. United to Jesus, we enter into the life of God. Jesus as the Way includes the Way of the Cross. Jesus is the Truth: he not only speaks the truth, but the fullness of truth resides in him alone. The Truth, which Jesus offers, is not "catechism truth" or some system of thought. Rather, it is a person. Jesus reveals to us the true nature of God and the truth about humanity. Jesus is the Life. As John announced at the beginning of the Gospel: Through him all things came to be; not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him. (1:3-4)
We exist and live because of Jesus. Our very life is his gift. This is why we regard life as sacred from beginning to end. The Gospel clothes all life with dignity and respect. Our life is totally wrapped up in the life of Jesus. "In him, we live, move and have our being."
Philip’s question gives Jesus the opportunity to speak about the closeness and intimacy that exists between him and the Father. The intimacy is so close that to see Jesus is to see the Father and to "know" Jesus is to experience the Father.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1) What verse, idea or image spoke to you and why?
2) The deaconate was a new ministry created to meet a special need. Do you see the need for a new ministry in your parish to meet a need that is presently not being met? If so, what is the needed ministry?
3) In the second reading Peter tells us we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own." What responsibility does this privilege call us to?
4) "Do not let your hearts be troubled; have faith in God." How easy or hard is it for you to act on this exhortation of Jesus?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Be a Deacon this week; serve the needs of all around you. Let the deacons in your parish know that you appreciate their ministry.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Pray for Deacons and their wives, especially those in your parish. ©
Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: Filled with the Spirit (promised in the Gospel), Philip brings the Good News to Samaria (first reading). The second reading is an exhortation to be faithful despite suffering.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17
The death of Stephen unleashes a persecution of the early church in Jerusalem that sends some of its members scurrying for safety in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). God uses this bad event to bring the Good News to the people of Samaria – a people despised by Jews. These verses focus on the evangelization ministry of Philip, one of the first Deacons. Philip’s preaching is accompanied and confirmed by signs and wonders which, in turn, is the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy: "You shall do greater works than I." A second important thing to note in this passage is how these "diaspora" ("the dispersed ones") communities stayed connected to the Mother Church in Jerusalem. Finally, it seems that the laying on of hands for the coming of the Spirit is something reserved for the Apostles.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 66
A theme of universalism, God’s care for all people is dominant in this psalm.
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 3:15-18
These verses from 1 Peter are taken from a section which exhorts the recipients to continue to do well even in the face of hostility. If questioned about their faith by authorities, the Christians should be able to explain the hope that is in them – doing so with respect and reverence and not with antagonism. The people are exhorted to be faithful Christians so that their witness will be effective. There is no need to seek suffering; but if suffering comes our way, know that Christ suffered and that his sufferings should be an inspiration for us. It’s not necessarily God’s will that we should suffer; but it is God’s will that we do good, that we do what is right and just, and if suffering comes our way because of that, then we are called to suffer patiently, knowing that our suffering is the cost of discipleship and it is God’s will that we join in his sufferings. Jesus’ sufferings, i.e., his death/ resurrection is the pattern for us. Just as Jesus’ sufferings brought him to a new life, so will ours. Jesus suffered for the unrighteous to bring them to God. In a similar way, followers of Christ are called to suffer at the hands of the unrighteous and trust God will use such suffering to bring the unrighteous to God.
GOSPEL: John 14:15-21
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus promises the "Paraclete" to his disciples. "Paraclete" literally means "alongside of". Its secondary meaning has to do with speaking, exhorting, begging, consoling, encouraging, instructing. In John, the Paraclete witnesses (15:6), teaches (14:26), encourages (16:6), guides (16:13) and proves wrong (16:8-11).
Notice Jesus says, "I will give you another Paraclete", Jesus was the first one. In today’s gospel, the Paraclete is the "spirit of truth" who will remind the Apostles what Jesus taught and help them to understand what he taught. In various situations, the Spirit will help Jesus’ disciples in different ways, for example: if a disciple is in court, the Spirit will act as his inner defense attorney. In dealing with the world, the Spirit will act as his prosecutor. The Spirit is the very presence of Jesus within us. Jesus hasn’t orphaned us. Rather, he is within us in a new way. The Spirit is a new presence of Jesus. The Spirit is our companion playing different roles at different times. For example, when we are sad he is our comfort, when we are confused, he will guide. This Spirit cannot be recognized without the eyes of faith or without a heart of love. Without these qualities we will not recognize the Spirit. His presence will remain concealed from us. True knowledge of Jesus is always linked to loving Jesus.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1) What verse, idea or image spoke to you and why?
2) The first reading speaks of "unclean spirits". Name some "unclean spirits" operating in our world today.
3) In the second reading, Peter says, "Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope". If asked, what gives you hope, how would you answer the question? How easy or hard is this for you to explain our Catholic beliefs and practices?
4) How do you experience the Paraclete or the Holy Spirit?
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Try to be more aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit within. In preparation for the Feast of Pentecost, consider making a Novena to the Holy Spirit, beginning this Friday. A suggested novena is offered at the end of this week’s commentary.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION ©
Beginning next Friday, you are invited to pray the following Novena to the Holy Spirit for whatever intention you decide. You are encouraged to also pray for our church family that we will have a greater sense of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit is God’s greatest gift to us. For the next nine days, make a particular effort to be attentive to the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in your daily life and respond to his promptings.
Opening Prayer
Meditate on Scripture assigned to each day (see next page).
Pray one decade of the Rosary asking Mary to help you to become more attentive and responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Closing Prayer
Day One
Luke 1:35 Mary conceives Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 3:21-22 Jesus is baptized with the Holy Spirit.
"Jesus, baptize me anew with your Holy Spirit.’
Day Two
John 7:37-39
John 16:37-39 Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit.
"Come Holy Spirit, possess my whole being."
Acts 2:1-12 The promised Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples.
"Holy Spirit, awaken in me the fire of your love."
Acts 3:42-47 Led by the Holy Spirit, the first followers of Christ join together in a Small Christian Community to share life and God’s deeds in their midst.
Acts 10:44-48 The Holy Spirit is poured out on the Gentiles.
Acts 13:1-12 Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas are discerned to go on their first missionary journey.
Rom 8:26-27 The Holy Spirit helps us in our prayer.
"Holy Spirit, teach me to pray."
1Cor 3:10-16 The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the deep things of God.
"Holy Spirit, show me God’s path for my life."
Galatians 5:16-26
Paul names some of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We are holy and Spirit-filled to the extent that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are operative in our lives.
"Holy Spirit, help me to grow in love, peace, joy."
Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: The first reading describes the Ascension of Jesus and his promise of the Holy Spirit. In the second reading, Paul describes the meaning of the Ascension, how God raised Jesus above all earthly powers and made him Head of the Church and Lord of creation. The gospel is the Great Commission – Jesus sending his Apostles to preach the Good News to the whole world.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 1:1-11
In Kings 2:4-15 the prophet Elijah told his disciple Elisha that he would receive a double portion of the Holy Spirit if he saw Elijah being taken up into heaven. It came to pass; Elisha witnessed the flaming chariot take up Elijah into heaven in a whirlwind. Thus Elisha received the spirit of Elijah and proceeded on to Jericho to continue his mission.
In Acts 1:9 the disciples saw Jesus being taken up into the clouds only to return to them in the Spirit in chapter two. They were to carry on the mission of Jesus just as Elisha continued the ministry of Elijah.
This reading shows us that the Ascension of Jesus marks the end of his journey on earth and signals the beginning of a new era. The mission of the Church begins under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 47
This is a prayer of praise and creation for a liturgical celebration celebrating the enthronement of God.
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1:17-23
This is an excerpt from a prayer of thanksgiving. Paul begins by praying that all believers in Jesus will be blessed by wisdom and revelation of his ways. Then Paul prays that believers may be enlightened about three things: hope which is rooted in the possession of the Holy Spirit; the inheritance of God’s life ("glory") as definitely assured; the tremendous power of God’s abiding in believers. Just as God marvelously raised Jesus from death to life in the resurrection, so too will Christians experience radical change in their own lives. What happened to Jesus will happen to those who believe in him.
GOSPEL MATTHEW 28:16-20
The Gospel reading from Matthew, known in the tradition as "the Great Commission", shows Jesus sending his followers out to preach and baptize in the name of the Trinity. The scope of their mission is universal. They are sent to "all nations", not only to Israel. At the opening of the passage, Jesus appears as Lord of the universe. The very sight of him dispels the last lingering doubts of his followers. He speaks in regal fashion, with a word of command. Yet his promise to remain with them always affirms the intimacy of the disciples with their Lord. On a mountaintop, with all the world and the ages before them, the last words of Jesus recall the promise made at his birth (Matthew 1:23):"… they shall call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God is with us.’" (Foundations in Faith, Cycle A)
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1) What verse spoke to you and why?
2) After the Ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. What new or fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit do you desire at this time for your parish and for yourself?
3) Jesus’ last message to his disciples was a commission to evangelize every creature. To what extent is your parish faithful to this Great Commission? How faithful are you? How can both you and your parish carry out more faithfully this commission of Jesus?
4) What is some evidence from the past or today that Jesus has been faithful to his promise to be with his church always?
5) The Ascension was a time of transition for the Apostles. What has been one of the biggest transitions you have had to go through? What helped you to negotiate the transition?
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestions: This week be on the look out for someone who has fallen down and try and lift them up. Lift up prayers of praise to our God.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Pray for all who are graduating from school at this time. Pray for all who are in transition. ©
Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings speak of the Holy Spirit’s coming. The second reading tells us that the Holy Spirit grants the Church a diversity of gifts.
If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before of after you read each reading.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:1-11
Luke situates the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost. In John’s Gospel, the Holy Spirit comes on Easter Sunday evening. In scripture, it is the theological meaning of events that matter and not their historical chronology.
In Jewish tradition, Pentecost was a harvest feast, which celebrated the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai. Pentecost celebrated Israel’s covenant with God, the birth of Israel. Pentecost (a word meaning fifty) took place 50 days after Passover.
Luke has the Holy Spirit come on Pentecost to announce the beginning of a new Israel. The Church will be universal in scope. People of every nation will be invited to join this new People of God.
The arrival of the Holy Spirit is described in both visual and auditory terms reminiscent of the Old Testament theophanies, (i.e., appearances of God). God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and God spoke to Job from a whirlwind (Job 38:1). The first gift the Spirit imparts is the gift of tongues. Perhaps the most miraculous thing about this whole event is the inner change it worked in the disciples. A group of fear-filled disciples now became bold proclaimers of the Gospel.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 104
This is a hymn of praise to the Creator, God – the One who gives us new life in the Spirit.
SECOND READING: 1Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Paul seeks to make two important points in these verses. First, all the gifts come from the same Spirit. This One Spirit is the unifying factor in a community in which the many gifts were threatening to create chaos. Second, the gifts are given for the common good and not given for one’s own self-aggrandizement.
GOSPEL: John 20:19-23
"On the evening of that first day of the week . . . Jesus came." This appearance happens on Easter Sunday evening, the evening of the resurrection. Jesus comes to a group of frightened disciples ("the doors were locked for fear of the Jews"). The fact that Jesus could come through locked doors shows that "resurrected life" is totally different, not confined by physical obstacles. Yet, by showing them "his hands and his side" Jesus is saying that there is a connection and continuity between the crucified Christ and the resurrected Christ. Also, by showing them his pierced hands and side, Jesus is communicating the cost of glory.
Then Jesus imparts three gifts: peace, joy and the spirit. The "peace" or shalom which Jesus brought replaced the feelings of guilt the disciples must have had for abandoning Jesus in his hour of greatest need. The gift of peace or shalom restores harmony to a broken or wounded relationship. Joy: the disciples rejoiced when they saw Jesus. This joy at the presence of Jesus replaced the feelings of depression the disciples must have been feeling because of Jesus’ absence. Then Jesus imparts his spirit: "He breathed on them." This gesture is seen as reminiscent of God breathing the breath of life into Adam (Gen. 2:7). Pentecost is the beginning of a new creation. By his gesture of breathing, Jesus brings to birth his Church. Then Jesus commissions those gathered to go forth and forgive sins. "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them and whose sins you retain are retained." Originally, these words were probably seen as the Church’s prerogative to confer or withhold baptism from those seeking entry into the Church. People who were judged as not truly repented of sin or who were not embracing the message of Jesus were refused baptism, which, among other things, cleansed the recipient of sin. Later, our Church saw in these words of Jesus, the foundation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What verse spoke to you? Why?
2. Who is the Holy Spirit to you? If you have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, how did it begin and develop?
3. What gift of the Holy Spirit do you most desire or need at this time in your life?
4. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence and activity in your life?
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: This week spend some time reflecting on how God has empowered you to do some work in our church or world. If you don’t experience the Holy Spirits presence and activity in your life consider speaking with a priest or spiritual guide about this important matter.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
This week consider praying briefly over each member of your group for a fresh out pouring of the Holy Spirit. Gather around each person and lay hands on them. You can pray quietly in silence or vocalize a prayer. Ask each person what gift or fruit (peace, joy, love, etc.) of the Holy Spirit they would like to receive or grow in.©
`As light strikes the eyes of [one] who comes out of darkness into the sunshine and enables him to see clearly things he could not discern before, so light [of the Spirit] floods [our souls] and enables [us] to see clearly things
. . . beyond the range of human vision, things hitherto undreamed of.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem
(Quoted in Essentials of the Faith, p. 79, Fr. Alfred McBride)