|
Kay's
Commentaries
on the gospels Provide Three Levels for Readers:
READING, REFLECTING AND PRAYING
 READING:
Explore
the context of the text - What does the
author intend to say to the reader?
REFLECTING:
How does God's
word
invite me to love and serve my
family, friends and community?
PRAYING:
How do the Scriptures help deepen my relationship
with Jesus?
Reprinting
of commentaries in any form without
permission
is prohibited
without
request.
Email Kay:
murdyk@netscape.net
COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK. SCROLL TO BOTTOM OF PAGE AND
GO TO HOME BIBLE STUDY. CLICK ON MARK.
|
|
Lent is a forty-day
period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when
we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on Holy
Thursday with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper. Lent
originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time
for Easter when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for
baptism, and the faithful
deepened
their commitment to Christ.
By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates
Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.
Older Catholics, who remember Lent in the 1930s, 40s or 50s may first
think of this season as a time of penance. Lent was when you gave up
something—like food or going to the movies— in order to do penance for
sin. Since the Church has restored the rite of initiating adults into
the Christian faith, Lent has taken on a different meaning—one that goes
back to the fourth and fifth centuries. At that time, the 40 days before
Easter were the final stage of preparation for those about to be
baptized. The rest of the Church prayed and fasted in solidarity with
them.
Today, with the presence in most Catholic parishes of a group of adults
visibly making ready to receive the sacraments of initiation at the
Easter Vigil, Lent has regained that "baptismal" emphasis. We still can
decide on a Lenten observance—fasting, prayer, almsgiving—but we do it
with the purpose of recalling our Baptism, and
we do it in solidarity with those preparing to be baptized or received
into the Church.
Preparation for Baptism and for renewing baptismal commitment lies at the
heart of the season of Lent. Since Vatican II Council, the Church has
reemphasized the baptismal character of Lent, especially through the
restoration of the Catechumenate and its Lenten rituals.
Fasting & Abstinence
REGULATIONS FOR LENT
Fasting:
All Catholics from their
18th birthday until
the beginning of their 60th
birthday are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. One full
meal is allowed on the days of fast. Two other meatless meals,
sufficient to maintain strength, are allowed. Together the two meals
should not exceed the full meal. Drinking of ordinary liquids does not
break the fast.
Abstinence:
All
Catholics who have completed their fourteenth year are obliged to
abstain from meat,
and soups and gravy made from meat,
on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and the Fridays of Lent.
 A
CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS
by Kay Murdy
A simple and
practical lectionary-based guide
for enriching the
Lenten season
Are you searching for a
meaningful way to observe Lent for yourself or for your
prayer or Scripture study group? Kay Murdy guides us
with meaningful commentary and insightful
reflection/discussion questions. This book is designed
to be used by groups, and it offers the option of
continuing individual Lenten reflection for the rest of
the week. It can also be used daily by individuals alone
without the group dynamic.
Based on the Lectionary readings, "A Closer Walk with
Jesus" is written to bring us into the spirit of the
season and to enable us to grow through personal and
group engagement with the word which we will encounter
again at Mass.
Paper, $9.95 You
can order my book from Resource Publication
http://www.rpinet.com/products/cwj.html
|
 LUKE
13:1-9
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
(Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians
10:1-6,
10-12)
KEY VERSE: "Unless you repent, you will all
perish as they did" (v 13).
READING: In Jesus' time, those who hoped for a
triumphant Messiah
who would reestablish Israel in power found his
teaching on the cross difficult to accept. Jesus pointed out recent disasters
that people believed to be the consequence of sin. In one incident, Pontius
Pilate's men killed some
Jewish Galileans in cold-blood while they were offering sacrifice in the
Jerusalem Temple at Passover. In another case, several construction workers were
accidentally killed when a water tower fell on them. These individuals did not
die because of their own sins. Although they were innocent of wrongdoing, they
nonetheless suffered the reality of evil in the world. Without faith, these
calamities would be seen as terrible tragedies, but with
faith, all events in a person's life, whether good or bad,
can be sanctifying and redemptive. Jesus
told a parable about a fruitless fig tree planted in
the vineyard (the fruitless tree was a symbol of barren Israel, Jer 8:13;
Is 5:1-7). God was merciful and patient in waiting for it to bear
fruit,
but time was running out. The kingdom of God
was at hand and God's people should repent while
there
was still time.
REFLECTING: Do I view the trials in my life as opportunities for growth?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to uproot sin in my life so that I might
bear good fruit.
 SCRUTINY
RITES -- EXAMINING OUR LIVES: The primary way that
the Church assists those preparing for baptism (the
catechumens, called the elect after the celebration of the
Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent) in the
conversion process during Lent is through the celebration of
the rites called Scrutinies. These ritual celebrations are
held on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent. On the
Third Sunday we hear the story of the woman at the well and
her thirst for God. On the Fourth Sunday we hear the story
of the man born blind and the healing power of God in his
life. On the Fifth Sunday we hear the story of the raising
of Lazarus, which reminds us of our own dying and rising
with Christ in Baptism. The Scrutiny rites of Lent are
communal prayers celebrated to strengthen the elect to
overcome the power of sin in their lives and to grow in
virtues. To scrutinize something means to examine it
closely. The community does not scrutinize the elect; they
scrutinize their own lives and allow God to scrutinize them
and to heal them. Since all of us are called to continual
conversion throughout our lives, we join with the elect in
scrutinizing our own lives and praying to God for the grace
to overcome the power of sin that still has a hold on us,
and to be strengthened in the virtues. |
 JOHN
4:5-42
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
FIRST SCRUTINY FOR THE ELECT PREPARING FOR BAPTISM
(Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8)
KEY VERSE: "The water that I will give will become in them a spring of
water gushing up to eternal life" (v 14).
READING: Christ offered life-giving water to
all who thirsted on
their spiritual
journey. St. Augustine said, "It was for you that Jesus was weary from
the journey." Perhaps the Samaritan woman
at the well was nameless as she represented
each person with whom Jesus
had a personal encounter. The woman who met Jesus at
the well was despised as a heretical Samaritan. Furthermore, her life was arid
because of sin. At first, the woman was suspicious
of Jesus and argumentative, but as
he revealed her inner need, the woman changed her attitude.
She addressed him as "sir" and then as "prophet," but
as the woman gradually recognized Jesus as the Messiah,
she finally saw him as her personal Savior. Leaving her water jar behind,
the woman ran off to tell
the people in the village that she found the Lord.
Many believed on the strength of the woman's testimony. Jesus' disciples
had gone to the city to buy food. When they returned,
he asked them to pray for others, who like the woman, would harvest the ripe
field of souls that lay before them.
REFLECTING: Have I shared Christ's life-giving water with others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be thirsty
for you.
On the Third Sunday of Lent,
we celebrate the First Scrutiny and Exorcism for the Elect
(RCIA, 150). When the elect, catechumens and candidates are present, the
story of the Woman at the Well is read (Jn 4). In the
Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil as well as the
entire assembly are called to examine the areas in their lives where they
thirst for God and need God's healing love. During the week the
presentation of the creed is celebrated with the elect
(RCIA, 157).
LUKE 4:24-30
(2 Kings 5:1-15b; Psalm 42)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native
place" (v 24).
READING: The people of Nazareth were amazed at Jesus' teaching, but they
were skeptical as to where he got his authority. If he performed so many miracles elsewhere, why had he not worked any in
his own hometown? Jesus said that prophets were never accepted by their own people. He
compared his ministry to the prophets Elijah and Elisha who were rejected by their own, yet brought
healing and hope to Gentiles (1 Kgs 17; 2 Kgs 5). The people were angered by Jesus' words.
They dragged him from the synagogue and attempted to throw him over a cliff, yet
he miraculously
eluded
them. This incident prefigured the persecution that Jesus continually faced. He would find
no escape from his ultimate fate on Calvary.
REFLECTING: Pray for missionaries around the world who face suffering, persecution and
death for the sake of the gospel.
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to listen to your voice today.
 Optional
Memorial of
John of God, religious
John
was born Juan Ciudad in Portugal on
March 8,1495. The greater part of his
life was spent as a wanderer, working as a shepherd,
soldier, laborer and bookseller. When John finally settled
in Granada around the age of forty he underwent a conversion
and he decided to devote the rest of his life to caring for
those in need. Before he died on March 8th,1550,
his fifty-fifth
birthday, his selfless dedication to the sick brought him to
be known as "John of God". By faithfully following his
example, the Order of Brothers formed after the death of St.
John of God has passed on John's way of serving. He
gave what he had, begged for those who couldn't, carried
those who could not walk, and
converted both his patients and those who saw him work with
them. It is called "Hospitality" and after five centuries it
remains the charism of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of
God. Canonized in 1690 he is patron saint of the sick,
hospitals and nurses. His motto
is: "Labor without stopping. Do all the good works
you can while you still have the time."
MATTHEW 18:21-35
(Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Psalm 25)
KEY VERSE: "So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each
of you forgives his brother from his heart" (v 25).
READING: Discipline is important within the Christian
community, but it is more important that the Church manifest the
mercy of God. As a leader of the community, Peter asked Jesus how
often he must forgive a fellow disciple. In the Old Testament,
Lamech, a descendant of Cain, exacted a "seventy-sevenfold"
vengeance, meaning unlimited retaliation for injury (Gn 4:23-24).
The rabbis of Jesus' time taught that forgiveness should be offered
another person at least three times, and Peter increased the number
to seven. However, Jesus said that Christian forgiveness must be
infinite ("seventy-seven times," Matt 18:22). He illustrated this
with a parable in which a master forgave his servant a huge debt
that he had no way of repaying. But later, when the man met a fellow
servant who owed him a much smaller debt, he demanded immediate
payment. When the debtor begged for mercy, the servant refused and
cast him into prison. Jesus warned his followers that Gods'
compassion toward us would correspond to our own willingness to
extend mercy and forgiveness to others (Mt 6:14-15).
REFLECTING: Who do I need to forgive today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to ask for
forgiveness of those I have offended.
 Optional
Memorial of Frances of Rome, religious
One of the greatest mystics of the fifteenth
century, Frances was born at Rome, of a noble family, in 1384. Her
desire was to enter the religion life, but at her father's wish she
married Lorenzo de' Ponziani at the age of twelve. Frances was
remarkable for her charity to the poor and her zeal for souls. She
brought many Roman ladies into an association of oblates which later
became the Benedictine Oblate Congregation of Tor di Specchi. Its
members led the religious life, but without the strict cloister or
formal vows, and gave themselves to prayer and good works. Frances
had the gift of miracles and ecstasy, as well as the vision of her
guardian angel, had revelations concerning purgatory and hell, and
foretold the ending of the Western Schism. She was remarkable for
her her obedience and patience, exemplified on the occasion of her
husband's banishment, her son's death, and the loss of all her
property. On the death of her husband (1436) she retired among her
oblates at Tor di Specchi and was made superior. On the occasion of
a visit to her son, she fell ill and died on the day she foretold.
Paul V declared her a saint on 9 May,1608, though long before that
the faithful venerated her body in the church of Santa Maria Nuova
in the Roman Forum, now known as the church of Santa Francesca
Romana. On her feast day priests bless cars due to her patronage of
drivers. Although Frances never drove, legend says that when she
went abroad at night, her guardian angel went before her lighting
the road with a lantern, keeping her safe in her travels.
MATTHEW 5:17-19
(Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147)
KEY VERSE: "But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called
greatest in
the kingdom of heaven" (v 19b).
READING: Like Moses, Jesus taught his followers that the
Law of God
had lasting validity and must be obeyed. Jesus emphasized the permanency of God's
Law by saying that not even the tiniest flourish
(yod) of the smallest letter (iota) in the Hebrew alphabet would pass from the
Law until
its fulfillment in the
final age. Jesus' dispute with the religious leaders was not with the
Law itself, but with
their legalistic
interpretation. Jesus deepened
and widened the meaning of the Law through his words and works.
He said that those who
taught
others to
understand
that justice and charity was the true purpose of God's Law,
and practice it through love of God and one
another, would inherit a place in God's kingdom. Those who willfully disregarded God's
Law
would
be excluded from God's reign.
REFLECTING: Do I give good example by my respect for God's Law?
PRAYING: Holy Spirit, help me to be guided by God's Law in all I do.
LUKE 11:14-23
(Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95)
KEY VERSE:
"Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will
fall against house" (v 17).
READING:
Jesus was accused of casting out devils by the power of "Beelzebul" (meaning
'lord
of the lofty dwelling,' the pagan god Baal of Syria). Jesus pointed out the absurdity of this accusation.
He
asked the crowd
whether their own people performed exorcisms in the name of God or in Satan's
name. If Satan (meaning adversary) used
his power to cast out demons, then Satan was working against himself and would eventually be
defeated. Jesus was the "one mightier" prophesied by John the Baptist
(Lk 3:16).
Every word and act of Jesus' ministry was an attack on Satan's stronghold. Like Moses,
Jesus power came from the "finger of God" (Ex 8:15). Whoever
did
not join Jesus in his opposition of evil assisted the adversary in his attempt to destroy
God's realm.
REFLECTING:
Do I trust in God's power to protect my household from evil?
PRAYING:
Lord Jesus, help me to oppose evil wherever I see it.
MARK 12:28-34
(Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 81)
KEY VERSE: "There is no other commandment greater than these" (v 31).
READING: The scribes were the learned interpreters of the Law of Moses.
They expanded the Ten Commandments given to Moses into 613 greater and lesser
rules and regulations. One scribe recognized Jesus' skill as a teacher, and
asked him which one of the Mosaic Laws was the greatest. Jesus recognized the
scribe's sincere search for truth, and he summed up the entire Law with two
basic decrees that he saw as inseparable. They were the laws upon which all the
other commandments were based: to love God with one's entire being, and to love
one's neighbor as oneself. The scribe declared that the love of God and love of
neighbor was worth more than any religious acts that one could perform. Because
the scribe understood this principle, he moved a step closer to God's reign.
REFLECTING: Is my love of God demonstrated by the way I love my neighbor?
Do I have a healthy self love?
PRAYING: Lord God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and
strength.
LUKE 18:9-14
(Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51)
KEY VERSE: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who
humbles himself will be exalted" (v 14).
READING: The Pharisees were a sect within Judaism
that carefully observed the written law. In opposition to the Sadducees, the
Pharisees also followed the traditional oral law, the 613
decrees beyond the
Ten
Commandments. Pharisees regarded themselves as the
"separated ones" because of their staunch adherence of the law in
contrast to what they assumed was the sinful behavior of
the rest of humanity. Jesus
compared the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee with that of a humble tax-collector
(Publican). This Pharisee regarded himself as superior to others, especially the tax-collector whom he
held in contempt. The arrogant Pharisee
did not even ask God to pardon his sins. The tax
collector, on the other hand, acknowledged his sinfulness, and humbly prayed that God
would forgive him. Jesus declared that it was this tax-collector that was justified before God because he
repented of his sins
and confessed his need for salvation.
REFLECTING: Does my pride get in the way of serving God and others?
PRAYING: Pray
the
ancient Jesus Prayer: Lord
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
With broken heart and contrite sigh, a trembling sinner, Lord, I cry. Thy pardoning grace is rich and free,
O God, be merciful to me!
 LUKE 15:1-3,11-32
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
(Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
KEY VERSE: "But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and
has come to life again" (v 32).
READING: In the
parable of the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son, Jesus
taught his followers that he
came to save all those who had
gone astray. When the prodigal son squandered his father's gifts,
he realized the error of his ways, turned around
(to repent, literally, "to rethink") and headed toward home. While
he was still a long way off, his father
caught sight of him and ran out to meet
him. The prodigal believed that he
was no more than a slave and no longer deserved
to be called a son. But before
he could make his confession, the father welcomed him back with a joyful celebration.
We can all apply this story of repentance and reconciliation to our own lives.
How often we waste God's gifts. We may even feel as though we have lost God's
love. But grace is always initiated by God. If we take a few small steps by
confessing our sinfulness, we discover that God is ready to meet us at the
Eucharistic banquet of mercy and love.
REFLECTING: Have I discovered the amazing grace available
in confession?
PRAYING: Loving Father, thank you for welcoming me home.
 JOHN 9:1-41 (or 9:1,6-9,13-17,34-38)
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
SECOND SCRUTINY FOR THE ELECT PREPARING FOR BAPTISM
(1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14)
KEY VERSE: "One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see"
(v 25).
READING: Jesus told his disciples that no follower of his would walk in
darkness but would have the "light of life" (Jn 8:12). During the seven day feast of "Tabernacles," the temple area
was illuminated with torches. On the last day, water from the pool of Siloam was
poured on the altar in thanksgiving for the rain that assured
them of a good harvest. Jesus
declared that he was the
fountain of "living water" that brought forth new life (7:37-38).
He was the "light of the world" who enlightened those in darkness (9:4). The story of the man born blind illustrated
these two sayings of Jesus. When Jesus met a man
who was blind from birth he made
a mixture of clay and salvia and put it on the blind man's eyes. Then
Jesus told the man
to wash in the pool of Siloam, and when he did so, he was cured. The Pharisees were spiritually
blind, and they accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath
Law by healing the man. But the
man knew that his healing had come from God, and he fell at Jesus' feet and
acknowledged him as
"Lord." This story was a popular feature of Baptismal ceremonies in
the early Church. St. Augustine said, "The blind man is the whole human
race."
REFLECTING: In what ways am I
helping to guide those journeying to baptism in my parish?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, you are a lamp to my feet, leading me to the waters of your
healing grace.
Note: On
the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the Second Scrutiny
and Exorcism for the Elect (RCIA, 165). When the elect, catechumens and candidates are present, the
story of the Man Born Blind is read (Jn 9). In the Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for
baptism at the Easter Vigil as well as the entire assembly are called to
examine the areas in their lives that block God's love and blind them to God's
healing presence.
JOHN 4:43-54
(Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30)
KEY VERSE: "Jesus said to him, `Your son will live,' and he and his whole
household came to believe" (v 53).
READING: Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee where he
had
changed water to wine (Jn 2:1-12), the first
"sign" or self-revelation of God's mighty work. A royal official approached
Jesus and begged him to heal his dying
son. Jesus was dismayed because the people refused to believe in him unless they
witnessed "signs and wonders" (v 48). When the man begged him a second
time, Jesus told him that his son would live. On the strength of Jesus' word,
the official returned to his home. On the way, his servants
met him and announced that the
man's son had recovered at the very hour that Jesus declared his son would live. The
official and his whole household believed in Jesus' saving power. This was the second sign that Jesus
performed in Cana in Galilee.
REFLECTING: Do I put my trust in God's Word?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to have faith even when I don't see your
"signs."
JOHN 5:1-16
(Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; Psalm 46)
KEY VERSE: "Rise, take up your mat, and walk" (v 8).
READING: The healing of the paralytic by the pool of Bethesda was Jesus'
third "sign," or self-revelation, in John's gospel. Modern excavations
have uncovered the Bethesda pool with its five porticos where Jesus healed the
man who had been crippled
for 38 years. A popular belief of this time was that when the water became turbulent (caused by a sudden inflow through the
drain) the first person to get into the
pool would be cured (Note: v 4, an explanation of an angel who stirred up
the waters is missing from early
Greek manuscripts and is probably a later addition). When Jesus asked the
crippled man if he wanted to be healed, the man explained that no one ever helped
him into the water (a baptismal symbol). Jesus' powerful word restored the man
to full health, but the healing was surrounded by disbelief and accusations that
Jesus violated the law by curing on the Sabbath. Jesus warned
them that it
was
sin more than physical infirmity that prevented a person from responding to
God's grace.
REFLECTING: In what ways do I need to "rise and walk"?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, heal me of everything that makes me weak and unable to
rest in your grace.
JOHN 5:17-30
(Isaiah 49:8-15; Psalm 145)
KEY VERSE: "My Father is at work until now, so I am at work" (v
17).
READING: In Jesus' day, a son learned his trade by watching his father at work.
Thus, Jesus learned carpentry from his earthly father Joseph.
Similarly, Jesus imitated his heavenly Father's creative and redemptive work in
everything he said and did. When Jesus was accused of violating the
Sabbath law by
healing a cripple (Jn 5:1-16), he declared that God's activity was ongoing. Jesus
did not act on his own accord; he only did what the Father did. Jesus received divine power from the Father to exercise judgment and authority over
life and death. Jesus' word brought healing and life to those who believed in the
One who sent
him, and condemnation to those who did not. At the last judgment, all who hear his voice and obey his word
will be raised to eternal life.
REFLECTING: Do I reveal God's saving work by what I say and do?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be a faithful son or daughter to your Father.
 Optional
Memorial of
Patrick, bishop
Patrick was kidnapped from the British mainland around age
16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. After six years as a
shepherd, he had a dream in which he was commanded to return
to Britain, and seeing it as a
sign, he escaped. Patrick
studied in
monasteries, was ordained a Priest, and consecrated as a
Bishop. Pope Celestine sent him to evangelize England, then
Ireland, and in 33 years he effectively converted Ireland.
In the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of
Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the
great repositories of learning in Europe, all a consequence
of Patrick's ministry.
Saint Patrick' Breastplate:
Christ shield me this day: Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ
above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when
I lie down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of
every person who thinks of me, Christ in every eye that sees
me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY --
St. Patrick's Day was first publicly celebrated in America
in 1737, in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, people celebrate
the day with parades, wearing of the green, and drinking
beer. One reason St. Patrick's Day might have become so
popular is that it takes place just a few days before the
first day of spring. One might say it has become the first
green of spring. The Irish greeting, Go méadaí Dia thú [guh
maydee Jee-ah hoo], means "May God increase you". Much Irish folklore
surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Some of this lore includes the
belief that Patrick gave a sermon from a hilltop that drove
all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever
native to Ireland, and this may be a metaphor for the
conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy
day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular
holiday. One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock.
And this stems from an Irish tale of how Patrick used the
three-leafed shamrock to explain how the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of
the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing
a shamrock on his feast day.
JOHN 5:31-47
(Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106)
KEY VERSE: "If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be
verified" (v 31).
READING: Jewish law prohibited persons from testifying on their own behalf.
Two
or three witnesses were needed to give evidence regarding any offense that may have been
committed (Dt 19:15). However, Jesus presented four valid witnesses for the truth of his
words.
John the Baptist was a "lamp" that gave witness to the
"light" that Jesus came to reveal (Jn 1:7). The works that the Father
gave Jesus to accomplish testified that God had sent him. The scriptures gave witness to
Jesus, but while people searched the scriptures to find life, they
refused to come to Jesus who was God's life-giving word (Jn 1:1). Finally, God
the Father gave the conclusive testimony. No one had ever seen the
invisible God, nor heard God's voice,
yet God was fully revealed in Jesus Christ,
God's Son.
READING: Do I give testimony to Jesus by what I say and do?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to recognize you in your word and works all around
me.
 Optional
Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church
St. Cyril was raised a Christian in Jerusalem. He was well
educated, especially in religion. He was ordained a priest
and became the Bishop of Jerusalem in 348. Cyril's famous
twenty-three catechetical lectures (Gk. Katecheseis), which
he delivered while still a presbyter, contain instructions
on the principal topics of Christian faith and practice.
They are full of a warm pastoral love and care for the
catechumens to whom they were delivered. These documents are
of great importance for the light that they throw on the
method of instruction usual in that age, as well as upon the
liturgical practices of the period.
The symbolism of the
Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusaders Cross, has been
explained in a variety of ways: The five crosses represent
the five wounds Jesus received on the cross. The large
center cross stands for the wound in
Jesus' side while the four smaller crosses (one in
each corner) represent the wounds he
received in his hands and feet. The large center cross
represents Jesus and the four smaller crosses represent the
four Gospel writers. It also represents the four corners of
the earth to which the gospel is preached.
In addition, the five crosses
represent the five nations active in the Crusades: Great
Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, and also the five
principalities of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Godfrey de Bouillon, who became the first ruler of Jerusalem
after it was captured from the Moslems in 1099, wore the
Jerusalem Cross as his symbol.
 MATTHEW 1:16,
18-21, 24a
SOLEMNITY OF JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
(2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Psalm 89; Romans 4:13, 16-18,
22)
KEY VERSE: "When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before
they lived together, she was found with child through the power of the Holy
Spirit" (v 18).
READING: While Luke's gospel narrated the nativity from Mary's
perspective, Matthew recounted the infancy story from Joseph's point of view.
When Joseph discovered that Mary was with child, he decided to divorce her (a
betrothed couple were considered spouses). Joseph was a "righteous
man" (one who followed the Mosaic Law), but he was unwilling to subject Mary
to the charge of adultery as she would be put to death (Dt 22:23-24). In a
dream, God's messenger appeared to Joseph and told him he should not fear to
take Mary as his wife since she had conceived the child through
the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph
accepted guardianship for the child who was to be named Jesus (Hebrew, Yeshua) meaning "Yahweh saves."
Jesus was also "Emmanuel," meaning "God is with us"
(v 23). Like Mary, Joseph
responded with faithful obedience to the divine messenger's words.
REFLECTING: Do I seek the Lord's guidance when I have a difficult
decision to make?
PRAYING: St. Joseph, help me to follow your example of humble
obedience to God's Word.
SOLEMNITY OF JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Everything we know about Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster
father of Jesus, comes from Scripture. We know he was a carpenter
(Matt 13:55), yet despite his humble work, he came from a royal
lineage, David, the king of Israel (Matt 1:1-16). Joseph was a
compassionate man. When he discovered Mary was pregnant after they
had been betrothed, he was unwilling to expose her to shame and a
cruel death (Matt 1:19-25). Joseph was man of faith, obedient to
whatever God asked of him without knowing the outcome (Matt
2:13-23). We know that he followed God's commands in going to
Jerusalem to have Jesus circumcised and Mary purified after Jesus'
birth, and that he took his family to Jerusalem every year for
Passover (Luke 2:21, 42). Since Joseph does not appear in Jesus'
public life or at his death (Jn 19:26), many historians believe that
he probably had died before Jesus entered public ministry. While
there is much more we wish we could know about Joseph, Scripture has
left us with the most important knowledge: he was "a righteous man"
(Matthew 1:18). Joseph is patron of the universal Church, fathers
and carpenters.
Memorare to Saint Joseph: Remember, O most chaste spouse of the
Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your
help and sought your intercession was left unassisted. Full of
confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection.
Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but
in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
JOHN 7:40-53
(Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7)
KEY VERSE: "So a division occurred in the crowd because of him" (v
43).
READING: The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew, Sukkot)
was
a commemoration of the exodus and a thanksgiving for the rain
that brought forth the harvest.
While Jesus was attending the festival, he proclaimed that he was the source of
the "living water" of the Spirit (Jn 7:37-38; 1 Cor.10:4). The
people were divided in their opinion of Jesus, as it was believed that the
Messiah would come from David's city of Bethlehem in
Judea (Mi 5:1). Jesus was
from Galilee (Hebrew, g'lil haggoyim, "the region of the nations"),
which was belittled because of its large pagan population.
The Temple police did not
arrest Jesus because they were impressed by his words. The religious
leaders contemptuously retorted that only the unlearned crowd believed in Jesus. Nicodemus, a
doctor of the law who had a personal encounter with Jesus (Jn 3:1-21), defended
him. The religious leaders sarcastically told Nicodemus to look in the
Scriptures and find out the Messiah's origin for himself. Although they searched the scriptures
to find eternal life, they did not realize that God's Word gave testimony to Jesus
who was
the resurrection and the life.
REFLECTING: Do I defend my faith when others demean it?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to know you in a personal way
as
Nicodemus did.
 SPRINGTIME
Spring is the season between winter and summer,
when most plants begin to grow, and usually thought of in the
Northern hemisphere as consisting of the months
from March to May inclusive, and in the Southern
hemisphere as September to November. The liturgical
season of Lent coincides with Spring. The word "Lent"
means Springtime, calling to
mind the new life and growth, the hope and change that should characterize
this time of prayer, penance and conversion. This is the season of
initiation into the grace-life of the Church. For 40 days, the Church
invites us to start afresh. Just as Nature renews
herself every spring, so during the Church’s springtime
we are encouraged to begin anew.
 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
JOHN 8:1-11
(Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:8-14)
KEY VERSE: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw
a stone at her" (v.7).
READING: Idolatry, murder and adultery were considered the three gravest
sins, and each was punishable by death. The law stated that both the adulterer
and the adulteress "shall be put to death" (Lv 20:10). The scribes and
the Pharisees tried to entrap Jesus by bringing a woman caught in adultery to
him, and asking him what should be done with her. Jesus
was caught in a
dilemma. If he pardoned her it might appear as if he condoned her sin and had no
regard for the law of Moses. To condemn her would put him in opposition to Roman
law that did not allow Jews to administer capital punishment. Jesus
bent over
and wrote in the sand. The Greek word used
was "katagraphein,"
which meant to write down something against a person. Perhaps Jesus
wrote the sins of the religious leaders. The woman's accusers
were unable to
bring themselves to admit their own guilt. Beginning with the elders, they
slowly drifted away. St. Augustine
said, "There remained a great misery and a
great pity for the sinner from the sinless one." Although Jesus passed no
judgment on the woman, he sent her away to start a new life free from sin.
REFLECTING: Am I quick to judge the faults of others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for setting me free from my sins.
 JOHN 11:1-45 (or 11:3-7,17,20-27,33-45)
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
THIRD SCRUTINY FOR THE ELECT
PREPARING FOR BAPTISM
(Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11)
KEY VERSE: "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me,
even if he dies, will live" (v 25).
READING: Jesus heard that his good friend Lazarus was dying.
Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary, had sent
word for Jesus to come immediately to the village of Bethany
where they lived. The disciples feared for Jesus' life as
the town was near
Jerusalem. Jesus knew his fate awaited him in the Holy City, yet he declared
that God's glory would be revealed so that all might believe. Upon his arrival in
Bethany, Jesus learned that Lazarus had died. Martha reproached Jesus for not coming sooner, yet she was confident
that God would grant whatever he asked. Jesus told her that he
was the resurrection with power over
life and death. Like Peter, Martha confessed her faith in Jesus as the
"Messiah, the Son of God" (Mt 16:16). With a powerful command, Jesus
raised Lazarus to life, a symbol of Christ's own resurrection and our dying and
rising in Baptism. Ironically, it was this gift of life that
would lead to Jesus' own death.
REFLECTING: Does my parish have a bereavement ministry to
assist those grieving over loss of a loved one?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, raise me to new life in you.
Note: On the Fifth Sunday
of Lent, we celebrate the Third Scrutiny of the
Elect (RCIA, 171). When the elect, catechumens and candidates are present, the story of the Raising of Lazarus
is read (Jn 11). In the
Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil as well as the
entire assembly are called to examine the areas in their lives that block God's
love and discover where they are entombed in sin and need to experience the life
of the risen Christ. During this week the Presentation of the Lord's Prayer is
celebrated with the elect (RCIA, 178).
JOHN 8:12-20
(Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30, 33-62; Psalm 23)
KEY VERSE: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk
in darkness, but will have the light of life" (v 12).
READING: On the first night of the feast of Tabernacles, a ceremony was held in
the temple in which four great torches were set ablaze in the darkness. Jesus
was teaching in the temple during the celebration, and he loudly announced that he
was the "light of the world." When referring to himself Jesus used the divine name of God
"I Am" (ego eimi). The Pharisees reacted with hostility
declaring that such a claim could not be verified without witnesses. Jesus
asserted that his
own witness was enough, but he had another, the Father who sent him, the One whom they
did
not know. The light from the torches would flicker
and die, but those who followed Jesus would not walk in darkness.
They would possess the
eternal "light of life" (v 12).
REFLECTING: Am I a source of Jesus' light to those in darkness?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, illuminate my life with your divine light.
JOHN 8:21-30
(Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102)
KEY VERSE: "When you lift up the Son of Man, you will realize that I AM,
and that I do nothing on my own" (v 28).
READING: Jesus uttered a warning against those who
persisted in their unbelief. Only those who believed in him could go with him to
the Father. Those who opposed him would die in their sins. The unbelievers
sarcastically asked if Jesus intended to kill himself. The irony was that Jesus
would freely lay down his life on the cross. He compared his being
"lifted up" on the cross to the bronze serpent that Moses elevated in
the desert to heal those who had been bitten by poisonous
snakes (Nm 21:4-9). The cross was a
paradoxical symbol of life and death, sin and grace,
suffering and healing. Once Jesus was
exalted on the cross, unbelievers would realize that he and the Father were
one; Jesus did nothing on his own.
REFLECTING: Gaze upon a crucifix and contemplate its meaning
for your life.
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, heal me by the grace of your cross.
 Solemnity of Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop
Together with
Rose of Lima, Turibio de Mogrovejo is the first known saint
of the New World, serving the Lord in Peru, South America,
for 26 years. Toribio, also spelled Turibius, was born in
Spain around the year 1538 and received an education in
civil law as a young man. During the Spanish Inquisition at
Grenada, Toribio was called upon to serve as the chief
judge, and while filling this post quickly gained a
reputation for intelligence and holiness. Toribio was
ordained to the priesthood, then consecrated bishop and then
sent to Lima to battle poverty, and scandal. After Toribio
got a handle on these situations, he began to work to travel
through his diocese to learn the languages and the customs
of those who he was leading. Through this work, his example,
and boundless charity, Toribio became a key figure in the
spreading of Christianity through the New World. Before his
death in 1606, Toribio founded the first seminary of the New
World, and presided over the Third Council of Lima. St.
Toribio is the patron of Latin American bishops.
JOHN 8:31-42
(Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Psalm: Daniel 3)
KEY VERSE: "So if the son frees you, then you will truly be free"
(v 36).
READING: Throughout history, Israel had been enslaved by one foreign nation
after another. In the time of Jesus they were subject to the Roman Empire. Jesus
said that if
people really lived by his words, they would be free from oppression. Thinking that Jesus
meant political freedom, his enemies boasted that they had never been subjected to
anyone. They were free sons of Abraham, and needed no liberator. Jesus told
them that ancestral heritage did not make one a child of Abraham. Abraham's
children were the true believers who followed his example of faith and trust in God the Father. Jesus said that if they really knew God as
their Father, they would believe that God had sent him.
REFLECTING: Does slavery to sin
hold me in bondage?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, free me from everything that enslaves me.
 30th
Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero
March 24, 1980 ̶ 2010
When Oscar Romero was named archbishop of San Salvador in
1977, his native El Salvador was embroiled in a civil war
that would eventually claim 75,000 lives. Wealthy
landowners, backed by the military, were fighting a
grassroots guerrilla movement. However the military made no
distinction between killing guerrilla fighters and peasants,
the majority of whom were desperately poor. Over 75,00
Salvadorans would be killed, one million would flee the
country, another million left homeless—and this in a country
of only 5.5 million. By publicly condemning the slaughter of
innocent people, as well as a political system in which "a
few have everything and the majority live in destitution,"
Romero, like many priests, Sisters and church workers,
became targeted as an enemy of the state. On March 24, 1980,
Oscar Romero gave his last homily while offering the mass in
the Divine Providence Hospital chapel when a shot rang out
and a bullet pierced his heart. The day before he took the
terrifying step of publicly confronting the military.
Although Romero begged for international intervention, he
was alone. All Romero had to offer the people were weekly
homilies broadcast throughout the country, his voice
assuring them that the church of the poor would live on.
Archbishop Romero said, "Beautiful is the moment in which we
understand that we are no more than an instrument of God; we
live only as long as God wants us to live; we can do only as
much as God makes us able to do."
 LUKE
1:26-38
SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
(Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 10:4-10)
KEY VERSE: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor
with God" (v 30).
READING: Nine months before the Feast of the Nativity, the
Church honors the Annunciation of the Lord's birth. After centuries
of longing for the Messiah, God's messenger, the angel Gabriel,
announced the glorious event to a young woman who lived in the
obscure village of Nazareth. The virgin's name was Mary (Hebrew,
Miryam, "the exalted one"). The angel told Mary that she found favor
with God and would bear a son whom she was to name Jesus (Hebrew,
Yeshua, "Yahweh saves"). Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's
message, and she was told not to be afraid since God's Son was
conceived by the Holy Spirit. This "Son of the Most High" (v 32)
would rule eternally over the "house of Jacob" (v 33) fulfilling the
promises made to King David (2 Sm 7:16). Mary responded with
faithful submission to the will of God (fiat, "Let it be done").
Mary's dispositions of listening, waiting, humility, faithfulness
and praise are necessary virtues for all Christians who minister in
the Church.
REFLECTING: Am I able to say with Mary: "Be it done unto me
according to your will"?
PRAYING: Mary of Nazareth, help me to obey God's will as you
did.
JOHN 10:31-42
(Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18)
KEY VERSE:
"I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of
these are you trying to stone me?" (v 31).
READING:
At the time the festival of the Dedication (Hanukah), Jesus was
walking in the temple precincts. People gathered around and asked,
"How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell
us plainly" (v 24). When Jesus announced that he and the Father were
one (v 30), they charged him with blasphemy for claiming to be equal
to God and they tried to stone him. Jesus told them that he had
spent his days healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting
the sorrowing, which showed that he had come from God. For which of
these deeds did they wish to stone him? They answered that it was
not for anything he had done; it was the claim that he was the Son
of God. Jesus declared that even the judges of Israel were likened
to "gods" because they mediated God's words and justice (Ex 21:6; Ps
82:6). Jesus was consecrated by God and acted in the power of the
divine name ("I AM"). He told his enemies that if they could not
believe in him, at least they should believe in his works. At these
words, they tried to arrest him, but he eluded them again. Like the
prophet Jeremiah, Jesus suffered rejection because of his message.
REFLECTING:
Am I grateful that Christ has sent me to do his work?
PRAYING:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the divine life you share with me.
JOHN 11:45-56
(Ezekiel 37:21-28; Psalm: Jeremiah 31)
KEY VERSE: "It is better for you that one man should die instead of the
people, so that the whole nation may not perish" (v
50).
READING: When Jesus raised Lazarus to life (Jn
11:44), many came to believe in him.
Others informed the Sanhedrin ("Great Assembly")
about Jesus' deed. This religious council was composed of the elders, the priests
(mostly Sadducees) and the Scribes (mostly Pharisees). They
feared that if Jesus was
allowed to continue his teachings, the people would acclaim him
to be the Messiah. If that happened, the
wrath of the Roman Empire would be brought down upon
them. Therefore, a plot was contrived to
kill Jesus. Without realizing the importance of his words,
Caiaphas, the high
priest at the time (18-36 CE), said
that it would be better for one man to die in order to
preserve the entire nation. It is ironic
that the gift of life offered to Lazarus would lead to Jesus' own death.
REFLECTING: How do I give myself for the sake of others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to trust my life to God's plan.
 LUKE 22:14
-- 23:56 (or
23:1-49)
palm Sunday OF THE LORD'S
Passion
(Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11 *Note: Luke
19:28-40 is read before the solemn procession of palms into the
church)
KEY VERSE: "This cup that is poured out
for you is the new covenant in my blood" (22:20b).
READING:
The Passover was a meal shared in remembrance of
Israel's liberation from slavery. At the
table of the New Covenant, Jesus was
betrayed by Judas, one of his own
disciples. In the garden of
Gethsemane, Jesus became the new Adam
by his faithful obedience to God's
will. When Jesus was arrested, his companions attempted to
defend him with a sword. Jesus told them that when
evil was fought evil with evil,
evil always won. At Jesus' trial, a criminal named Barabbas
(meaning "son
of the father"), was set free in place of Jesus, the true "Son of the
Father." On Calvary, Jesus was
crucified between two thieves, one who rebuked him and one who repented. Jesus died
forgiving
his enemies, and commended his soul into the hands of his loving Father.
By his life and death
he made possible a new relationship between
sinful humanity and God. Jesus was the new Moses who led his people through the sea of salvation, and freed
them from slavery to sin. Jesus
would
"pass over"
from life to death and to life again.
REFLECTING: Am I able to commend my life
into God's hands?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, by your holy cross you have redeemed the
world.
JOHN 12:1-11
(Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27)
KEY VERSE: "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial"
(v 7).
READING: After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead
(Jn 11:44), he joined his friends
Martha and Mary for a joyful
celebration of life in Bethany (“house of figs”). This
would be his last visit with them, for Jesus was on his way to
Jerusalem and his passion at Calvary. True to their unique natures, Martha helped with the serving and
Mary knelt at the feet of her friend Jesus (Jn 11:31-32; Lk.10:39-40). As Jesus
reclined at table, Mary anointed his feet with expensive oil (in Luke, the woman
is a penitent sinner, Lk 7:36-38). The house was filled with the fragrance of
her generosity. Yet Judas saw this as an extravagant waste, and declared that
the money could be better used for the poor. Jesus commended the woman's deed as
an act of charity that had been done in preparation for his burial.
While there would always be the poor, they would not always have Jesus with
them.
REFLECTING: Is my devotion to the Lord reflected in my service to the poor?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, let my life be a sweet aroma to draw
others to you.
JOHN 13:21-33,
36-38
(Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me"
(v 21).
READING: During the Passover meal, Jesus made a solemn declaration that one of
his own disciples would betray him. Reclining at table
(the Greek style of dining
of the day), John leaned his head on Jesus' chest in anguish. Just as Jesus
reposed in the heart of the Father, the disciple abided in the bosom of the
Lord. As a last gesture of love to Judas, Jesus handed him a morsel of bitter
herbs dipped in salt water (a symbol of the tears shed by the
slaves in Egypt). Judas took the
offering and quickly departed. To
illustrate the darkness of Judas' deed, John wrote poignantly, "and it was night"
(v 30). Jesus warned Peter that he would also betray him. Though Peter protested that he would lay down his life for his Master,
Jesus knew that Peter would fail him. It was left to Jesus to make his final
journey alone.
REFLECTING: Can I be reconciled with someone that I have
hurt or who has injured me?
PRAYING:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the many ways I betray your love.
 PASSOVER
BEGINS AT SUNSET
Passover is known to the Jews as "Pesach," a Hebrew word that
means "to pass over" or "to spare." Passover is an eight-day
religious celebration symbolizing the Jewish people's freedom from
slavery and exile in Egypt in 1300 BCE. It is a celebration not only
of a specific historical event, but of freedom itself. It is also a
time of thanksgiving and family and community solidarity. Passover
is one of the most significant observances on the Jewish calendar,
and individuals of the Jewish faith worldwide celebrate with family
gatherings. The highlight of the Passover celebration is the
ceremony of Seder performed on the first two evenings of Passover.
Passover starts at sundown on the 15th day of the Jewish lunar month
Nissan, which typically falls in March or April. In 2008 of the
Gregorian calendar, Pesach begins at sunset on March 29 this year.
MATTHEW
26:14-25
(Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 69)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me" (v 21).
READING: The prophet Zechariah prefigured Christ in that although he was
a good shepherd to his flock his service was rejected. To show how poorly
Zechariah was regarded, he was paid "thirty pieces of silver," the price of an
injured slave (Ex 21:32; Zec 11:12). Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve Apostles,
plotted with the chief priests to betray Jesus for the same petty sum. Matthew
suggested that Judas' motive was greed. But perhaps Judas never truly understand
who Jesus was. The other disciples called Jesus "Lord" while Judas addressed him
as "Rabbi" or "teacher." Although God used Judas' treacherous act to fulfill the
divine plan, the disciple was not absolved from personal responsibility for his
sin.
REFLECTING: Have I participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for
the ways I have denied the Lord?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to be faithful in your service.
 STUDY
THE BIBLE AT HOME
with Kay Murdy
* Gain skills in
reading and understanding the Bible
* Grow in appreciation of God's Word
* Apply God's Word to your daily life
GO TO DIRECTORY AT AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
TO ACCESS HOME BIBLE STUDY
 WHAT
EVERY CATHOLIC NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIBLE
A Parish Guide to Scripture by Kay Murdy
This is a wonderful introductory tool for the average person. It presents
the Bible in its literary, historical and religious context and provides a
valuable framework for continued learning. $9.95 -- Order from Resource Pub.,
Inc. 160 E. Virginia St., #290, San Jose, CA 95112-5848
http://www.rpinet.com
|
|
AUDIO DAILY MASS READINGS NOW ON-LINE
The daily Mass readings are now downloadable
from the Web site of the
United States Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign. Copy and
paste into your browser:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/
The program was prepared in association with the
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine using audio recordings of the readings
from the New American Bible. The program was prepared in association with
the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine using audio recordings of the
readings from the New American Bible. Archbishop George Niederauer of San
Francisco, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Communications, said: “The
internet is now a part of our lives, and a medium which can help provide for
spiritual enrichment. The new service responds to the many requests for the
readings. Several readers, including bishops, clergy, and laity from
different ethnic backgrounds, have lent their voices to the project, so
listeners will hear at least three different voices on any given day.”
 The
Catholic Calendar Page
This handy little calendar lets you know the readings, vestment colors,
liturgical seasons and years and even rosary mysteries for any given day far
into the future. Need to know what day of the week the Feast of the Assumption
falls on in 2014? Not only will the calendar tell you it's a Friday, it will
also give you the gospel reading for the day (Luke 1:39-56). A helpful planning
tool for those who need to know Catholic calendar. Copy and paste into
your browser:
http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/
 Modern
Catholic Dictionary Now On-Line
Trinity Communications has released a new website that houses a complete
Modern Catholic Dictionary (authored by the late Fr. John A. Hardon) in
cooperation with Eternal Life. The dictionary is presented in a simple but
attractive format that can be both browsed and searched.
Copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.CatholicReference.net
 ST.
ISIDORE, SAINT OF THE INTERNET
St. Isidore of Seville (601) was one of the most learned men of his day. As
bishop he required seminaries in every diocese of Spain. Among his prolific
works, he wrote a rule for Religious Orders, a dictionary, an encyclopedia,
a history of the Goths, and a history of the world beginning with creation.
He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1722 (Feast
Day April 4). St. Isidore is being considered as patron saint of computer
users and the Internet. He writes: All spiritual growth comes from reading
and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by reflection we
retain what we have learned. Reading the Holy Scriptures confers two
benefits. It trains the mind to understand them; it turns our attention from
the follies of the world and leads us to the love of God.
"We need to enter into this modern and increasingly active network of
information with realism and trust, knowing that if it is used with
competence and attentive responsibility, it can offer valid opportunities
for the spreading of the Gospel message" Pope John Paul II, May 12,
2002
|
|
|
| |