Ever since Easter, the first readings at Mass have been taken from the Acts of the Apostles. The Acts of the Apostles is the second volume of Luke’s comprehensive presentation of the Gospel. For Luke, the account of God’s saving work in Jesus Christ cannot be separated from the life and ministry of the Christian […]
Acts Of The Apostles – We Begin Moving Outward “To The Ends Of The Earth” Read More »
This week we hear the story of Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus (John 3:1-15). Nicodemus is one of the few Pharisees who is sympathetic to Jesus and His teachings. In fact, Nicodemus so admires Jesus that he becomes Christ’s secret follower. Nicodemus finds compelling the truth taught by Jesus and is deeply moved by what
The Problem For Intellectuals – Nicodemus Does Something Right Read More »
This week, the readings at Mass remind us of God’s presence in our midst and within our lives. We are called to put our trust and faith in Him, especially during difficult and challenging moments. We are reminded that we have truly become God’s children whom He has gathered from all nations and received from
God Is Present In Our Midst – We Are ‘Reborn’ Into This New Life Read More »
In the Roman Catholic Church, Easter has always been a celebration of the great love that God has for His creation. This great love was shown when the Divine Son became incarnate and dwelt among us, sharing in our lot, showing us the way to the Father, and making the perfect offering of Himself in
Feast Of Divine Mercy – Mercy Is Love’s Second Name Read More »
Easter has come! Jesus is risen! In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 16:9‑15), Mary Magdalene excitedly brings the news that she has seen Jesus, but no one will share in her excitement. No one believes her. How disappointing that must have been to have such good news and not be believed. Then Cleopas and the other disciple
Do We Believe? – We All Have “Feet Of Clay” Read More »
Today we hear the continuation of the accounts of the Lord’s Resurrection and the early activities of the Apostles in spreading the faith in Jerusalem. We also hear the first steps towards taking the Gospel and spreading the Good News, not just to the Jews, but to all the peoples of the world. Our first
Let’s Catch Some Fish – Reach Out Into The Deep Waters Read More »
The Gospel readings this week have a common theme: After his resurrection, Jesus appears to his followers, but they do not recognize him. When Mary Magdalene, arguably the one who loved Jesus the most, encountered Jesus while outside the tomb, full of grief and despair that Jesus’ body was not there, she thought He was
Easter Thursday – Why Do You Have Questions In Your Hearts? Read More »
He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! During this octave of Easter, we recall the multiple appearances of Jesus to his followers after his resurrection. We also start to hear the stories of how the Good News begins to spread, first in Jerusalem, then throughout the known world. A common theme in these stories
Easter Wednesday – “Their Eyes Were Opened, And They Recognized Him.” Read More »
I wonder how many of you have seen what many regard as British comic actor Peter Sellers’ greatest movie. Being There was produced less than a year before his death in 1980. It tells the story of a guileless, simple-minded man named Chance. As the film opens, Chance’s entire world has been the protected environment of the
Easter Tuesday – They Have Taken Away My Lord Read More »
He is risen. He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Rev. Fr. Leon Juchniewicz, a student of our Patron Saint, St. John Paul II, drilled this greeting into us when he was Pastor of our Good Shepherd Catholic Church here in Elk Grove, California. The origin of this traditional Easter greeting appears in Luke 24:34 “The Lord
Easter Monday – Look To The Resurrected Savior Read More »