Tag: repentance

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Divine Mercy Sunday 2020

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Second Sunday of Easter / Sunday of Divine Mercy Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Psalm: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel: John 20:19-31

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041920.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! Today on this second Sunday during the octave of Easter we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. What is that all about? And what’s all this octave of Eater talk?

Let’s get the basics out of the way. Octave means eight. We count the eight days of Easter beginning on Easter Sunday until the following Sunday. This practice started early in the history of the church. The “eighth day” became another name for Sunday, the day we celebrate the resurrection. While we don’t commonly refer to every Sunday as “the eighth day”, we do treat every Sunday as Easter Sunday. That’s why during Lent, Sundays aren’t counted as a day of Lent. Ok, now that the basics are out of the way, let’s jump into the readings in the light of Divine Mercy.

If you’ve been keeping up with the daily readings since last Sunday, you’ll know that Jesus has already appeared three times to the disciples. As we read these accounts, we journey with the first disciples in the days and weeks following the Lord’s resurrection. Our first reading from Acts helps to paint that picture for us. Now, put yourself in their position for a few minutes.

Everyday that passes, the disciples slowly come to understand what Jesus is teaching them. Jesus is the Savior foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus buys salvation to heal the wrong of Original Sin with His own blood. The full weight of the undeserved and unmerited sacrifice – God’s only begotten Son – demonstrates the full extent of God’s mercy.

What an incredible sacrifice Jesus made for you and for me – His beloved! That’s what we find in or second reading from First Peter. His mercy gives us hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:3). So, on this eighth day, we pause to acknowledge the immensity of God’s mercy. But this reading also speaks for trials we might endure to prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Let’s look at that in the light of the Gospel.

In today’s Gospel, we find the familiar story of Thomas who refused to believe unless he could touch Jesus’ wounds. Thomas need proof or he says he will not believe, (John 20:25). Isn’t it easy to observe what happens in Scripture in a detached sort of way? For example, isn’t it easy to shake your head, giggle and say, “Poor doubting Thomas.” But I think there’s more to this Scripture passage.

For example, how would you describe your faith life before COVID-19? I don’t mean what you used to do, but what you believed. What does Christian faith mean to you? Is it just a moral philosophy – lessons about how to be good and get along with other people? I mean, that’s not bad in itself, but Christian faith is so much more than that.

The Christianity we find in Scripture and tradition teaches repentance, self-sacrificial love, and purity of heart. It commends joining our suffering to Jesus – carry your cross to follow the Way of the Cross – as the path to God.

I know that for many of us, “staying home” doesn’t necessarily mean we have had loads of time to contemplate the meaning of life, the universe and everything, but hopefully we’ve all slowed down a little. I encourage you to use the opportunity to explore your own faith. Are you like the Peter and the other disciples in Acts who boldly profess salvation in the name of Jesus Christ? Or are you more like Thomas who believes only to a certain point, but when push comes to shove, you got to have proof?

God’s mercy and salvation is available to all believers. But if you don’t believe, if you don’t really believe that Jesus really walked among us, taught and healed, was tortured, crucified and died and then rose from the dead, then are you really a believer? This is wildly important because in Revelation 3:16, Jesus warns that like a beverage that is neither hot nor cold but lukewarm, he will spit us out. Now is the time to recommit yourself to Jesus Christ before life starts to return to “normal”. Now, on this Sunday of Divine Mercy, is the time to open your heart to Jesus Christ. If you don’t have access to a priest or the mass, then ask forgiveness, and make an act of spiritual communion. Say it. Mean it. And from now on, walk the walk.

Homework! I ask you to reflect on the following two questions this week.

  1. In the Gospel we heard, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” What are the obstacles to my belief? How can I help others overcome their doubts?
  2. We also heard, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” How is my faith a blessing to me and my family? How can I accompany those who are skeptical?

I think doing our homework will help us live as Christians resolute in our faith. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

References:
1. Keating, Daniel. First and Second Peter, Jude. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
2. Kurz, William S. Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
3. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
4. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
5. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. Faith and assurance, 163
2. Appearances of the risen Jesus, 448, 641-46
3. Resurrection of Jesus, 651-55
4. Eschatology, 673-74
5. The Holy Spirit and the Church, 737-41
6. Apostles’ teaching, 857
7. Communal life, 949-53
8. Sanctifying presence of the risen Christ in the liturgy, 1084-89
9. Breaking of bread, 1329, 1342
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sins, 1441-42
11. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, 1461-67
12. Our new birth in the Resurrection of Christ, 1988 (also 654-55)
13. Christian spirituality, 2013-16
14. The Sunday Eucharist, 2177-78 (also 1342)
Prayer, 2624-25
15. Blessing, 2626-27
16. Communion of spiritual goods, 2790 (also 949-53, 1329, 2624)

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)
Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041920.cfm
Lectionary: 43

First Reading
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves
to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone,
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions
and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Responsorial
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
R. (1) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just:
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Second Reading
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Alleluia
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

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The Sin of Pride

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The Sin of Pride

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Readings

First Reading: Amos 6:1A, 4-7
Responsorial: Psalm 146:7-10
Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

In today’s Gospel, we hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Very often we look at this parable only from the perspective of renouncing greed and treating the poor with justice. Indeed, in our first reading from Amos, we hear a curse against the wealthy who are complacent and stuff themselves while starving spiritually (Amos 6:19-26). Just to be clear, this is not a parable against wealth. St. Thomas Aquinas says that we have the right to ownership, through our hard work or through inheritance. But he goes on to say that we must always be concerned for the common good before our ourselves. So, while this is an important dimension of the today’s readings, there’s something more going on here.

Before we get to that, let’s review. This parable and the parables we’ve heard over the past weeks have been taking place on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. Some of the lessons were put to the disciples; others to the crowds following Jesus; and still others for Pharisees and other religious leaders. Now between last week’s readings and this week is bridge, Luke 16:14-18. Unfortunately, we don’t hear that proclaimed. The Gospel says, “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at him. And he said to them, ‘You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.’”

Then, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This image would not have been unknown to the crowd. Lazarus who was lying at the rich man’s door because he was lamed or crippled and covered in sores is reminiscent of Deuteronomy 28:35. The dogs that licked Lazarus’ wounds, which added insult to injury, is similar to we find in 1 Kings 21:19 and 23; and Psalm 22:17.

When death comes, there is a reversal in situations. Lazarus was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man was sent to the netherworld which is interpreted as Hades or Sheol. Now this is a complete rejection of the prosperity Gospel. There are some who falsely preach that wealth and success are signs of God’s blessings. This suggests that poverty is a sign of God’s disfavor. Yet, in today’s Gospel it is the poor man who is rewarded in the afterlife and not the rich man.

The rich man calls out to “Father Abraham,” but remember that John the Baptist has already warned that it was not sufficient to say, “We have Abraham as our father,” (Luke 3:8), since you also had to “produce good fruits as evidence of … repentance.” So, having missed the opportunity to repent, the rich man is being tormented.

He begs that he be allowed to warn his five brothers, but Abraham says that they have Moses and the prophets, if they would just listen. Jesus, for example, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of listening to the Word of God, for example Luke 8:21; and Luke 11:28.

He makes one last plea asking that Lazarus be raised from the dead and sent to warn his brothers in person. Abraham again denies his request. If they aren’t convinced by Moses or the prophets, then they won’t be convinced by someone coming back from the dead.

Of course, the idea is that if the Pharisees who know and understand the Law, who understand the tradition from Abraham to their time, who don’t live the spirt of the Law, who don’t understand that they need repentance, then clearly, they will be blind to the Messiah in their midst – even at his resurrection. Why is that? This is the point I alluded to earlier. The Pharisees are blinded by their pride which gives them an inflated sense of their worth even over and against their claims of faith in God!

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis writes, “Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.”

Today’s parable about the rich man and Lazarus is meant to reach out the Pharisees then and today – those who are so consumed by their position in life – like their status and their wealth – that they can’t recognize God in their presence. Where do we find God today? Jesus tells us whatever you do to the least of these, you do unto me. Pride blinds us to God’s spark in everyone – what we refer to as human dignity rooted in being created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus challenges us to snap out of it! And that leads us to our homework today.

Homework! After being nourished by the Word of God proclaimed and by the Eucharist, I encourage you to consider one thing this week:

  1. Reflecting on today’s Gospel, if you were the rich person who ended up below, and God gave you the chance to write a letter to your family and friends so they wouldn’t end up like you, what would you write? What would you tell them? Maybe it would be helpful to actually write out a letter.

I think by doing our homework this week, we might recognize the sin of pride which often goes unrecognized in our own lives – recognize it, go to confession, and deal with it. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. +Amen!

Notes:
<1> The Gospel of Luke by Pablo T. Gadenz, Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, Baker Academic (2018).
<2> C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

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Third Sunday of Lent

picture of a fruitless fig tree, the landlord and the laborer

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Readings
First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8A, 13-15
Psalm: Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

Hello! Just a special note about the readings today and for the next two Sundays. For people preparing to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil, parishes have the option of selecting readings from the A Cycle. Today, I’m going to reflect on Gospel for the readings from the C Cycle, Luke 13:1-9, the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.

The central theme of all the readings today, speak to us about God’s mercy and compassion. In today’s Gospel, for example, we hear about an owner who asks his gardener to cut down a tree that will not bear fruit. But the gardener asks for one more year to see if he can cultivate. This represents God’s mercy.

Now I think it’s easy enough to look at that particular reading and to say to yourself, clearly, we’re talking about non-believers. But I think there’s another message here. There are many people who claim to have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they come to church all the time, but like our fig tree, their lives bear no fruit. What fruit? Well, St. Paul gives us some examples in his letter to the Galatians – the fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These fruits manifest in the way we live our lives. For example, doing good works – helping those who need help – is an example of how our fruits manifest.

In other words, is there any real conversion? Are they loving, or mean to those around them? Do they try to get along, or are they intolerant? Are they nice, or are they short-tempered or a bully?

Accepting Jesus Christ is more than just saying words. It has to mean real, authentic conversion. This time of Lent is a great opportunity to reflect on our faith life. Some people ask, why Lent? Lent isn’t in the Bible, so Lent is not necessary. Well, is biblically based, but you see, the Church in her wisdom knows that life is too busy and most of us don’t take the time to stop and reflect on the important things in our life – our families, our purpose, and our relationship with Jesus Christ. So Lent, and Advent for that matter, are times set aside to encourage us to slow down and think about this life that we’re blessed with – to think about our purpose. Is my life bearing fruit?

So, what prevents our life from bearing fruit? Sin. And I’m not talking about little sins. I’m talking about the big ones, like adultery and habitual sins like abusing drugs, alcohol or indulging in sins that exploit people like greed and pornography. This is a good time to ask ourselves if we burdened by sins like these and repent. Repentance doesn’t mean just asking for forgiveness. I can’t just sit on my back porch with a cup of coffee, watch the sunrise and say, “Jesus, forgive me!” I can’t just walk into a confessional without changing anything in my life. Repentance means more than that. Yes, we need to ask forgiveness, but it also means making amends to anyone we’ve hurt because of our sins and committing ourselves, with the grace of God, to not repeat these sins – to change our lives.

And that leads us to our homework today. Homework! Nourished by Jesus in the Word proclaimed in the Eucharist, ask yourself:

  1. What needs changing in my life right now?
  2. What steps am I taking this Lent to make sure that my faith bears fruit, perhaps through good works?

Got it? Are you going to do? Good! May each of us come to know the grace and peace of Jesus Christ. And may Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. +Amen!