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Bible Readings – Easter Weekday – VT Tragedy: As for me , and I will continue to seek Christ’s image in me, no matter what is said. And I will continue to pray that ‘me and my house will learn serve the Lord.

April 17, 2007

Dear Lord God, today as I deal with the issues and tribulations in daily life under the sun; the things beyond my control as well as the things directly resulting from the errors of my ways, I cannot help but recall Jesus’ words in Luke 12: 49-53 "I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be— Three against two, and two against three; Father against son, and son against father; Mother against daughter, and daughter against mother… Yet my heart and mind is taken up by the tragedy at VT, my prayers to go to the students, faculty, police, emergency and hospital workers, and especially to the families of the murdered and injured students and for the souls of the students who past away, that they all be with You now Lord Jesus. Life under the sun can be so tragic and there is so much we will never understand, so much we take for granted, so much we would do differently if we only knew. Yet we are what we are but for the grace of God, and if we are not constantly in touch with You Lord God then the evil and cruelty that lives within all of us and surface in horror able and tragic ways as at VT, or in a cruel act or word, or sometimes just as bad the lack of understanding and a kind act or gentle word. So we must all decide; how will we continue the race, the one thing You are teaching me Jesus is that the battle is within me and the answers are also within me. For Your Kingdom is inside all of us, the key to eternal life, and peace under the sun al these and more dwell inside us and Jesus is the key. As for me , and I will continue to seek Christ’s image in me, no matter what is said. And I will continue to pray that ‘me and my house will learn serve the Lord. In Jesus Christ name I pray and cry out! Amen

 

 

Praise and beauty are before Him: holiness and majesty in His sanctuary.

— Psalm xcv. 6

 

Acts 4:32-37

32 Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas (which means, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field which belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Bible Study: [32-37] This is the second summary characterizing the Jerusalem community (see the note on Acts 2:42-47). It emphasizes the system of the distribution of goods and introduces Barnabas, who appears later in Acts as the friend and companion of Paul, and who, as noted here (Acts 4:37), endeared himself to the community by a donation of money through the sale of property. This sharing of material possessions continues a practice that Luke describes during the historical ministry of Jesus (Luke 8:3) and is in accord with the sayings of Jesus in Luke’s gospel (Luke 12:33; 16:9, 11, 13).


Psalm 93:1-2, 5

1 The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength. Yea, the world is established; it shall never be moved; 2 thy throne is established from of old; thou art from everlasting. 5 Thy decrees are very sure; holiness befits thy house, O LORD, for evermore.

Bible Study: [Psalm 93] A hymn celebrating the kingship of God, who created the world (Psalm 93:1-2) by defeating the sea (Psalm 93:3-4). In the ancient myth that is alluded to here, Sea completely covered the land, making it impossible for the human community to live. Sea, or Flood, roars in anger against God, who is personified in the storm. God’s utterances or decrees are given authority by the victory over Sea (Psalm 93:5).


John 3:7-15

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicode’mus said to him, "How can this be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

Bible Study: [1-21] Jesus instructs Nicodemus on the necessity of a new birth from above. This scene in Jerusalem at Passover exemplifies the faith engendered by signs (John 2:23). It continues the self-manifestation of Jesus in Jerusalem begun in John 2. This is the first of the Johannine discourses, shifting from dialogue to monologue (John 3:11-15) to reflection of the evangelist (John 3:16-21). The shift from singular through John 3:10 to plural in John 3:11 may reflect the early church’s controversy with the Jews. [3] Born: see the note on John 1:13. From above: the Greek adverb anothen means both "from above" and "again." Jesus means "from above" (see John 3:31) but Nicodemus misunderstands it as "again." This misunderstanding serves as a springboard for further instruction. [14] Lifted up: in Numbers 21:9 Moses simply "mounted" a serpent upon a pole. John here substitutes a verb implying glorification. Jesus, exalted to glory at his cross and resurrection, represents healing for all. [15] Eternal life: used here for the first time in John, this term stresses quality of life rather than duration.

 

 

/      raangulo

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Check out my blog at http://raagroup.blogspot.com/ where daily readings and more are posted daily.

 

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Bible Readings – Easter Weekday – VT Tragedy: As for me , and I will continue to seek Christ’s image in me, no matter what is said. And I will continue to pray that ‘me and my house will learn serve the Lord.

April 17, 2007

Dear Lord God, today as I deal with the issues and tribulations in daily life under the sun; the things beyond my control as well as the things directly resulting from the errors of my ways, I cannot help but recall Jesus’ words in Luke 12: 49-53 "I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be— Three against two, and two against three; Father against son, and son against father; Mother against daughter, and daughter against mother… Yet my heart and mind is taken up by the tragedy at VT, my prayers to go to the students, faculty, police, emergency and hospital workers, and especially to the families of the murdered and injured students and for the souls of the students who past away, that they all be with You now Lord Jesus. Life under the sun can be so tragic and there is so much we will never understand, so much we take for granted, so much we would do differently if we only knew. Yet we are what we are but for the grace of God, and if we are not constantly in touch with You Lord God then the evil and cruelty that lives within all of us and surface in horror able and tragic ways as at VT, or in a cruel act or word, or sometimes just as bad the lack of understanding and a kind act or gentle word. So we must all decide; how will we continue the race, the one thing You are teaching me Jesus is that the battle is within me and the answers are also within me. For Your Kingdom is inside all of us, the key to eternal life, and peace under the sun al these and more dwell inside us and Jesus is the key. As for me , and I will continue to seek Christ’s image in me, no matter what is said. And I will continue to pray that ‘me and my house will learn serve the Lord. In Jesus Christ name I pray and cry out! Amen

 

 

Praise and beauty are before Him: holiness and majesty in His sanctuary.

— Psalm xcv. 6

 

Acts 4:32-37

32 Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas (which means, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field which belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Bible Study: [32-37] This is the second summary characterizing the Jerusalem community (see the note on Acts 2:42-47). It emphasizes the system of the distribution of goods and introduces Barnabas, who appears later in Acts as the friend and companion of Paul, and who, as noted here (Acts 4:37), endeared himself to the community by a donation of money through the sale of property. This sharing of material possessions continues a practice that Luke describes during the historical ministry of Jesus (Luke 8:3) and is in accord with the sayings of Jesus in Luke’s gospel (Luke 12:33; 16:9, 11, 13).


Psalm 93:1-2, 5

1 The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength. Yea, the world is established; it shall never be moved; 2 thy throne is established from of old; thou art from everlasting. 5 Thy decrees are very sure; holiness befits thy house, O LORD, for evermore.

Bible Study: [Psalm 93] A hymn celebrating the kingship of God, who created the world (Psalm 93:1-2) by defeating the sea (Psalm 93:3-4). In the ancient myth that is alluded to here, Sea completely covered the land, making it impossible for the human community to live. Sea, or Flood, roars in anger against God, who is personified in the storm. God’s utterances or decrees are given authority by the victory over Sea (Psalm 93:5).


John 3:7-15

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicode’mus said to him, "How can this be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

Bible Study: [1-21] Jesus instructs Nicodemus on the necessity of a new birth from above. This scene in Jerusalem at Passover exemplifies the faith engendered by signs (John 2:23). It continues the self-manifestation of Jesus in Jerusalem begun in John 2. This is the first of the Johannine discourses, shifting from dialogue to monologue (John 3:11-15) to reflection of the evangelist (John 3:16-21). The shift from singular through John 3:10 to plural in John 3:11 may reflect the early church’s controversy with the Jews. [3] Born: see the note on John 1:13. From above: the Greek adverb anothen means both "from above" and "again." Jesus means "from above" (see John 3:31) but Nicodemus misunderstands it as "again." This misunderstanding serves as a springboard for further instruction. [14] Lifted up: in Numbers 21:9 Moses simply "mounted" a serpent upon a pole. John here substitutes a verb implying glorification. Jesus, exalted to glory at his cross and resurrection, represents healing for all. [15] Eternal life: used here for the first time in John, this term stresses quality of life rather than duration.

 

 

/      raangulo

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Check out my blog at http://raagroup.blogspot.com/ where daily readings and more are posted daily.

 

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The Theologian’s Tale: The Legend Beautiful by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

April 15, 2007

“Hads’t thou stayed, I must have fled!”

That is what the Vision said.

In his chamber all alone,

Kneeling on the floor of stone,

Prayed the Monk in deep contrition

For his sins of indecision,

Prayed for greater self-denial

In temptation and in trial;

It was noonday by the dial,

And the Monk was all alone.

Suddenly, as if it lightened,

An unwonted splendor brightened

All within him and without him

In that narrow cell of stone;

And he saw the Blessed Vision

Of our Lord, with light Elysian

Like a vesture wrapped about him,

Like a garment round him thrown.

Not as crucified and slain,

Not in agonies of pain,

Not with bleeding hands and feet,

Did the Monk his Master see;

But as in the village street,

In the house or harvest-field,

Halt and lame and blind he healed,

When he walked in Galilee.

In an attitude imploring,

Hands upon his bosom crossed,

Wondering, worshipping, adoring,

Knelt the Monk in rapture lost.

Lord, he thought, in heaven that reignest,

Who am I, that thus thou deignest

To reveal thyself to me?

Who am I, that from the centre

Of thy glory thou shouldst enter

This poor cell, my guest to be?

Then amid his exaltation,

Loud the convent bell appalling,

From its belfry calling, calling,

Rang through court and corridor

With persistent iteration

He had never heard before.

It was now the appointed hour

When alike in shine or shower,

Winter’s cold or summer’s heat,

To the convent portals came

All the blind and halt and lame,

All the beggars of the street,

For their daily dole of food

Dealt them by the brotherhood;

And their almoner was he

Who upon his bended knee,

Rapt in silent ecstasy

Of divinest self-surrender,

Saw the Vision and the Splendor.

Deep distress and hesitation

Mingled with his adoration;

Should he go, or should he stay?

Should he leave the poor to wait

Hungry at the convent gate,

Till the Vision passed away?

Should he slight his radiant guest,

Slight this visitant celestial,

For a crowd of ragged, bestial

Beggars at the convent gate?

Would the Vision there remain?

Would the Vision come again?

Then a voice within his breast

Whispered, audible and clear

As if to the outward ear:

“Do thy duty; that is best;

Leave unto thy Lord the rest!”

Straightway to his feet he started,

And with longing look intent

On the Blessed Vision bent,

Slowly from his cell departed,

Slowly on his errand went.

At the gate the poor were waiting,

Looking through the iron grating,

With that terror in the eye

That is only seen in those

Who amid their wants and woes

Hear the sound of doors that close,

And of feet that pass them by;

Grown familiar with disfavor,

Grown familiar with the savor

Of the bread by which men die!

But to-day, they knew not why,

Like the gate of Paradise

Seemed the convent sate to rise,

Like a sacrament divine

Seemed to them the bread and wine.

In his heart the Monk was praying,

Thinking of the homeless poor,

What they suffer and endure;

What we see not, what we see;

And the inward voice was saying:

“Whatsoever thing thou doest

To the least of mine and lowest,

That thou doest unto me!”

Unto me! but had the Vision

Come to him in beggar’s clothing,

Come a mendicant imploring,

Would he then have knelt adoring,

Or have listened with derision,

And have turned away with loathing.

Thus his conscience put the question,

Full of troublesome suggestion,

As at length, with hurried pace,

Towards his cell he turned his face,

And beheld the convent bright

With a supernatural light,

Like a luminous cloud expanding

Over floor and wall and ceiling.

But he paused with awe-struck feeling

At the threshold of his door,

For the Vision still was standing

As he left it there before,

When the convent bell appalling,

From its belfry calling, calling,

Summoned him to feed the poor.

Through the long hour intervening

It had waited his return,

And he felt his bosom burn,

Comprehending all the meaning,

When the Blessed Vision said,

“Hadst thou stayed, I must have fled!”

/ raangulo

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Bible Readings – Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday

April 15, 2007

Dear Lord God, since yesterday’s readings and the words of Fr. John McAuley’s in the video reflection, You have had me thinking about just what it means to walk with Jesus, to truly let Him into my heart. It is like You knew I needed more understanding about the struggles I am having. Then last night while listening to the Pod cast of the EWTN’s Journey Home, Fr. Benedict Groeschel talked about our spiritual journey starting with the concept of our two conversions, the first being when we decide to give up deliberate sin, both mortal – serious sin as well as the little sin, the little things we do. This a moral decision to walk in God’s light, converting our hearts to You Lord God acknowledging our belief in You and accepting that our peace and happiness is only in You and through You; if we are fortunate this conversions comes early enough in our life’s for us to enjoy time under the sun walking You. For me Lord God I regret that I waited fifty years, but thank You each day that it came with time for me to share with my love ones. Then comes the second conversion, this is the process of dying to one’s self, our ego, the pride, the selfishness, the anger, the ambition, the feelings of self importance, resentment, the acts of unkindness that lives within all of us. This conversion as Fr. Groeschel explains, and as was taught and believed by St. Paul and St. Augustine may only end when we are with You Lord God in Your Kingdom of Heaven, and not under the sun. It is so appropriate that I am sharing this with You today, Divine Mercy Sunday. For it is all the more reason that I pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and pray, In the name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit, the prayers the Our Father, the Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed and pray to You, Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. O Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen

 

 

EWTN Pod cast – Journey Home http://www.ewtn.com/podcast/index.asp also see www.chnetwork.org 

 

 

The Father willed that his blessed and glorious Son, whom he gave to us and who was born for us, should through his own blood offer himself as a sacrificial victim on the altar of the cross. This was to be done not for himself through whom all things were made, but for our sins. It was intended to leave us an example of how to follow in his footsteps. Furthermore, let us produce worthy fruits of penance. Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin.

— St. Francis of Assisi

 

 

Acts 5:12-16

12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Bible Study: [12-16] This, the third summary portraying the Jerusalem community, underscores the Twelve as its bulwark, especially because of their charismatic power to heal the sick; cf Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37.


Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 3 Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 4 Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Bible Study: [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a victory procession of the king and the people into the temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Psalm 118:1-4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Psalm 118:5-9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Psalm 118:10-14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Psalm 118:15-18). Then follows a dialogue at the temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Psalm 118:19-25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Psalm 118:26-27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Psalm 118:28-29).


Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19

9 I John, your brother, who share with you in Jesus the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Per’gamum and to Thyati’ra and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to La-odice’a." 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden girdle round his breast; 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand upon me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Now write what you see, what is and what is to take place hereafter.

Bible Study: [9-20] In this first vision, the seer is commanded to write what he sees to the seven churches (Rev 1:9-11). He sees Christ in glory, whom he depicts in stock apocalyptic imagery (Rev 1:12-16), and hears him describe himself in terms meant to encourage Christians by emphasizing his victory over death (Rev 1:17-20). [19] What you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards: the three parts of the Book of Revelation, the vision (Rev 1:10-20), the situation in the seven churches (Rev 2-3), and the events of Rev 6-22.


John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Bible Study: [1-31] The risen Jesus reveals his glory and confers the Spirit. This story fulfills the basic need for testimony to the resurrection. What we have here is not a record but a series of single stories. [19] The disciples: by implication from John 20:24 this means ten of the Twelve, presumably in Jerusalem. Peace be with you: although this could be an ordinary greeting, John intends here to echo John 14:27. The theme of rejoicing in John 20:20 echoes John 16:22.

13 [20] Hands and . . . side: Luke 24:39-40 mentions "hands and feet," based on Psalm 22:17. 14 [21] By means of this sending, the Eleven were made apostles, that is, "those sent" (cf John 17:18), though John does not use the noun in reference to them (see the note on John 13:16). A solemn mission or "sending" is also the subject of the post-resurrection appearances to the Eleven in Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:47; Mark 16:15. 15 [22] This action recalls Genesis 2:7, where God breathed on the first man and gave him life; just as Adam’s life came from God, so now the disciples’ new spiritual life comes from Jesus. Cf also the revivification of the dry bones in Ezekial 37. This is the author’s version of Pentecost. Cf also the note on John 19:30. 16 [23] The Council of Trent defined that this power to forgive sins is exercised in the sacrament of penance. See Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18. 17 [28] My Lord and my God: this forms a literary inclusion with the first verse of the gospel: "and the Word was God." 18 [29] This verse is a beatitude on future generations; faith, not sight, matters. 19 [30-31] These verses are clearly a conclusion to the gospel and express its purpose. While many manuscripts read come to believe, possibly implying a missionary purpose for John’s gospel, a small number of quite early ones read "continue to believe," suggesting that the audience consists of Christians whose faith is to be deepened by the book; cf John 19:35.

 

/      raangulo

My status
    Get Skype it’s free.

 

Check out my blog at http://raagroup.blogspot.com/ where daily readings and more are posted daily.

 

Posted in Bible Readings, Daily Bible Readings, Richard Angulo | Leave a Comment »

Bible Readings – Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday

April 15, 2007

Dear Lord God, since yesterday’s readings and the words of Fr. John McAuley’s in the video reflection, You have had me thinking about just what it means to walk with Jesus, to truly let Him into my heart. It is like You knew I needed more understanding about the struggles I am having. Then last night while listening to the Pod cast of the EWTN’s Journey Home, Fr. Benedict Groeschel talked about our spiritual journey starting with the concept of our two conversions, the first being when we decide to give up deliberate sin, both mortal – serious sin as well as the little sin, the little things we do. This a moral decision to walk in God’s light, converting our hearts to You Lord God acknowledging our belief in You and accepting that our peace and happiness is only in You and through You; if we are fortunate this conversions comes early enough in our life’s for us to enjoy time under the sun walking You. For me Lord God I regret that I waited fifty years, but thank You each day that it came with time for me to share with my love ones. Then comes the second conversion, this is the process of dying to one’s self, our ego, the pride, the selfishness, the anger, the ambition, the feelings of self importance, resentment, the acts of unkindness that lives within all of us. This conversion as Fr. Groeschel explains, and as was taught and believed by St. Paul and St. Augustine may only end when we are with You Lord God in Your Kingdom of Heaven, and not under the sun. It is so appropriate that I am sharing this with You today, Divine Mercy Sunday. For it is all the more reason that I pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and pray, In the name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit, the prayers the Our Father, the Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed and pray to You, Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. O Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen

 

 

EWTN Pod cast – Journey Home http://www.ewtn.com/podcast/index.asp also see www.chnetwork.org 

 

 

The Father willed that his blessed and glorious Son, whom he gave to us and who was born for us, should through his own blood offer himself as a sacrificial victim on the altar of the cross. This was to be done not for himself through whom all things were made, but for our sins. It was intended to leave us an example of how to follow in his footsteps. Furthermore, let us produce worthy fruits of penance. Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin.

— St. Francis of Assisi

 

 

Acts 5:12-16

12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Bible Study: [12-16] This, the third summary portraying the Jerusalem community, underscores the Twelve as its bulwark, especially because of their charismatic power to heal the sick; cf Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37.


Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 3 Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 4 Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Bible Study: [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a victory procession of the king and the people into the temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Psalm 118:1-4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Psalm 118:5-9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Psalm 118:10-14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Psalm 118:15-18). Then follows a dialogue at the temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Psalm 118:19-25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Psalm 118:26-27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Psalm 118:28-29).


Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19

9 I John, your brother, who share with you in Jesus the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Per’gamum and to Thyati’ra and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to La-odice’a." 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden girdle round his breast; 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand upon me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Now write what you see, what is and what is to take place hereafter.

Bible Study: [9-20] In this first vision, the seer is commanded to write what he sees to the seven churches (Rev 1:9-11). He sees Christ in glory, whom he depicts in stock apocalyptic imagery (Rev 1:12-16), and hears him describe himself in terms meant to encourage Christians by emphasizing his victory over death (Rev 1:17-20). [19] What you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards: the three parts of the Book of Revelation, the vision (Rev 1:10-20), the situation in the seven churches (Rev 2-3), and the events of Rev 6-22.


John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Bible Study: [1-31] The risen Jesus reveals his glory and confers the Spirit. This story fulfills the basic need for testimony to the resurrection. What we have here is not a record but a series of single stories. [19] The disciples: by implication from John 20:24 this means ten of the Twelve, presumably in Jerusalem. Peace be with you: although this could be an ordinary greeting, John intends here to echo John 14:27. The theme of rejoicing in John 20:20 echoes John 16:22.

13 [20] Hands and . . . side: Luke 24:39-40 mentions "hands and feet," based on Psalm 22:17. 14 [21] By means of this sending, the Eleven were made apostles, that is, "those sent" (cf John 17:18), though John does not use the noun in reference to them (see the note on John 13:16). A solemn mission or "sending" is also the subject of the post-resurrection appearances to the Eleven in Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:47; Mark 16:15. 15 [22] This action recalls Genesis 2:7, where God breathed on the first man and gave him life; just as Adam’s life came from God, so now the disciples’ new spiritual life comes from Jesus. Cf also the revivification of the dry bones in Ezekial 37. This is the author’s version of Pentecost. Cf also the note on John 19:30. 16 [23] The Council of Trent defined that this power to forgive sins is exercised in the sacrament of penance. See Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18. 17 [28] My Lord and my God: this forms a literary inclusion with the first verse of the gospel: "and the Word was God." 18 [29] This verse is a beatitude on future generations; faith, not sight, matters. 19 [30-31] These verses are clearly a conclusion to the gospel and express its purpose. While many manuscripts read come to believe, possibly implying a missionary purpose for John’s gospel, a small number of quite early ones read "continue to believe," suggesting that the audience consists of Christians whose faith is to be deepened by the book; cf John 19:35.

 

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Saturday in the Octave of Easter

April 14, 2007

Dear Lord God, what would I do without You; how did I dare to try to walk without You for so long. Through Divine Mercy of Your Son Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit I have realized how important it is to start each day with You and to practice Your presence throughout the day. As faith yields understanding, time with You produces a desire for more time with You, a great thirst for Your Word, knowledge of Your truths and hunger for the secret wisdom that lies within Jesus Christ. A combination of practiced thought and behavior that seeks these truths and secrets to apply to my walk under the sun so that I may be an example however little and with all my weaknesses and faults that my love ones and others would see as one that seeks and always gets back up to seek Your image, no matter how many times I stumble and fall, dying to myself brings me closer to You, and this produces the fruit of the Spirit. For I know now how I must guard against my fallen nature, not only in the sins I have committed and mistake that I have made, but also through Your Holy Word. For as today’s Gospel reading tells us, even the 11 disciples who walked with Jesus for three years failed to believe until Jesus upbraided them directly and then commanded them to go forth and preach the Gospel to the world. So knowing how those who were there with Him stumbled, it is all the more reason to be guard against myself, and to practice dying to myself to be the image of Jesus Christ. For I do believe that for the sake of His sorrowful passion all should open theirs hears, hearts and minds to Him; if only for the fact of the Cross, as He, ‘Jesus Christ on the Cross, made oblation to His Father of His Wounds, His Blood, His Death for my salvation yours and the whole worlds’. O Lord I pray all those still making excuses as I did, I pray for all to have courage to overcome what ever is holding them back; for as today’s video reflections explains, with the example of doubting Disciples often the knowledge of just what it means to let Jesus into our hearts, is the very thing stopping us. For we know what He will ask of us and how hard it will be to walk in His ways and in His light, knowing He is always with us watching us, convicting us; but Dear Lord God I pray that in and through Your Divine Mercy all well find the way to over come and not miss Your knocking at their door. I am grateful that You knew me well enough to use my loving children and wife to open mine. Thank You Jesus! In Your Holy name I give thanksgiving. Amen

 

0h, if you could see the mystery of the altar as it really is after the Consecration, you would see Jesus Christ on the Cross, making oblation to His Father of His Wounds, His Blood, His Death for the salvation of your soul and the whole world.

— St. Peter Julian Eymard

 

Acts 4:13-21

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man that had been healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to any one in this name." 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for all men praised God for what had happened.


Psalm 118:1, 14-21

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, 16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!" 17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has chastened me sorely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank thee that thou hast answered me and hast become my salvation.

Bible Study: [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a victory procession of the king and the people into the temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Psalm 118:1-4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Psalm 118:5-9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Psalm 118:10-14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Psalm 118:15-18). Then follows a dialogue at the temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Psalm 118:19-25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Psalm 118:26-27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Psalm 118:28-29).


Mark 16:9-15

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

Bible Study: [9-20] This passage, termed the Longer Ending to the Marcan gospel by comparison with a much briefer conclusion found in some less important manuscripts, has traditionally been accepted as a canonical part of the gospel and was defined as such by the Council of Trent. Early citations of it by the Fathers indicate that it was composed by the second century, although vocabulary and style indicate that it was written by someone other than Mark. It is a general resume of the material concerning the appearances of the risen Jesus, reflecting, in particular, traditions found in Luke 24 and John 20. The Shorter Ending: Found after Mark 16:8 before the Longer Ending in four seventh-to-ninth-century Greek manuscripts as well as in one Old Latin version, where it appears alone without the Longer Ending. The Freer Logion: Found after v 14 in a fourth-fifth century manuscript preserved in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, this ending was known to Jerome in the fourth century. It reads: "And they excused themselves, saying, "This age of lawlessness and unbelief is under Satan, who does not allow the truth and power of God to prevail over the unclean things dominated by the spirits [or, does not allow the unclean things dominated by the spirits to grasp the truth and power of God]. Therefore reveal your righteousness now.’ They spoke to Christ. And Christ responded to them, "The limit of the years of Satan’s power is completed, but other terrible things draw near. And for those who sinned I was handed over to death, that they might return to the truth and no longer sin, in order that they might inherit the spiritual and incorruptible heavenly glory of righteousness. But . . . .’ "

 

 

/      raangulo

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Saturday in the Octave of Easter

April 14, 2007

Dear Lord God, what would I do without You; how did I dare to try to walk without You for so long. Through Divine Mercy of Your Son Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit I have realized how important it is to start each day with You and to practice Your presence throughout the day. As faith yields understanding, time with You produces a desire for more time with You, a great thirst for Your Word, knowledge of Your truths and hunger for the secret wisdom that lies within Jesus Christ. A combination of practiced thought and behavior that seeks these truths and secrets to apply to my walk under the sun so that I may be an example however little and with all my weaknesses and faults that my love ones and others would see as one that seeks and always gets back up to seek Your image, no matter how many times I stumble and fall, dying to myself brings me closer to You, and this produces the fruit of the Spirit. For I know now how I must guard against my fallen nature, not only in the sins I have committed and mistake that I have made, but also through Your Holy Word. For as today’s Gospel reading tells us, even the 11 disciples who walked with Jesus for three years failed to believe until Jesus upbraided them directly and then commanded them to go forth and preach the Gospel to the world. So knowing how those who were there with Him stumbled, it is all the more reason to be guard against myself, and to practice dying to myself to be the image of Jesus Christ. For I do believe that for the sake of His sorrowful passion all should open theirs hears, hearts and minds to Him; if only for the fact of the Cross, as He, ‘Jesus Christ on the Cross, made oblation to His Father of His Wounds, His Blood, His Death for my salvation yours and the whole worlds’. O Lord I pray all those still making excuses as I did, I pray for all to have courage to overcome what ever is holding them back; for as today’s video reflections explains, with the example of doubting Disciples often the knowledge of just what it means to let Jesus into our hearts, is the very thing stopping us. For we know what He will ask of us and how hard it will be to walk in His ways and in His light, knowing He is always with us watching us, convicting us; but Dear Lord God I pray that in and through Your Divine Mercy all well find the way to over come and not miss Your knocking at their door. I am grateful that You knew me well enough to use my loving children and wife to open mine. Thank You Jesus! In Your Holy name I give thanksgiving. Amen

 

0h, if you could see the mystery of the altar as it really is after the Consecration, you would see Jesus Christ on the Cross, making oblation to His Father of His Wounds, His Blood, His Death for the salvation of your soul and the whole world.

— St. Peter Julian Eymard

 

Acts 4:13-21

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man that had been healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to any one in this name." 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for all men praised God for what had happened.


Psalm 118:1, 14-21

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, 16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!" 17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has chastened me sorely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank thee that thou hast answered me and hast become my salvation.

Bible Study: [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a victory procession of the king and the people into the temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Psalm 118:1-4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Psalm 118:5-9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Psalm 118:10-14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Psalm 118:15-18). Then follows a dialogue at the temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Psalm 118:19-25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Psalm 118:26-27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Psalm 118:28-29).


Mark 16:9-15

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

Bible Study: [9-20] This passage, termed the Longer Ending to the Marcan gospel by comparison with a much briefer conclusion found in some less important manuscripts, has traditionally been accepted as a canonical part of the gospel and was defined as such by the Council of Trent. Early citations of it by the Fathers indicate that it was composed by the second century, although vocabulary and style indicate that it was written by someone other than Mark. It is a general resume of the material concerning the appearances of the risen Jesus, reflecting, in particular, traditions found in Luke 24 and John 20. The Shorter Ending: Found after Mark 16:8 before the Longer Ending in four seventh-to-ninth-century Greek manuscripts as well as in one Old Latin version, where it appears alone without the Longer Ending. The Freer Logion: Found after v 14 in a fourth-fifth century manuscript preserved in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, this ending was known to Jerome in the fourth century. It reads: "And they excused themselves, saying, "This age of lawlessness and unbelief is under Satan, who does not allow the truth and power of God to prevail over the unclean things dominated by the spirits [or, does not allow the unclean things dominated by the spirits to grasp the truth and power of God]. Therefore reveal your righteousness now.’ They spoke to Christ. And Christ responded to them, "The limit of the years of Satan’s power is completed, but other terrible things draw near. And for those who sinned I was handed over to death, that they might return to the truth and no longer sin, in order that they might inherit the spiritual and incorruptible heavenly glory of righteousness. But . . . .’ "

 

 

/      raangulo

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Check out my blog at http://raagroup.blogspot.com/ where daily readings and more are posted daily.

 

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