One Walk

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.

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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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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 . . . .’ "

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Dear Lord God, once again You deliver me up from myself and bless me with Your grace and mercy. All the more reason I seek to know Your will and purpose for me in all things and with all those You place in my path under the sun. O Lord guide my discernment, help me to reflect the fruit of Your Holy Spirit and to let You in Your awesome power and  omnipresence do the judging; for I am not able to walk on my own without stumbling and falling, crippled by my own weaknesses, selfishness and pride; having to die to myself each day. So Lord help me to honor You and proclaim Your glory, so that as with the cripple in today’s readings of the Acts; ‘be it known to all, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom was crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him and only him am I standing before you well, able to get up and continue my walk under the sun, forgiven through His Divine Mercy, healed by His sorrowful passion. To Him belongs all the glory and honor now and forever. Amen

Whoever is humble, on being humiliated, humbles himself the more; on being rejected, rejoices in the disgrace; on being placed in low and mean occupations, acknowledges himself to be more honored than he deserves, and performs them willingly; and only abhors and avoids exalted and honorable offices.

— St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Acts 4:1-12

1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sad’ducees came upon them, 2 annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the morrow, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 5 On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Ca’iaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, 10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Bible Study: [12] In the Roman world of Luke’s day, salvation was often attributed to the emperor who was hailed as "savior" and "god." Luke, in the words of Peter, denies that deliverance comes through anyone other than Jesus.

Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! 2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 4 Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever." 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. 25 Save us, we beseech thee, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech thee, give us success! 26 Blessed be he who enters in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. 27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar!

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).

John 21:1-14

1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri-as; and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a-el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." 6 He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Bible Study: [1-23 There are many non-Johannine peculiarities in this chapter, some suggesting Lucan Greek style; yet this passage is closer to John than John 7:53-8:11. There are many Johannine features as well. Its closest parallels in the synoptic gospels are found in Luke 5:1-11 and Matthew 14:28-31. Perhaps the tradition was ultimately derived from John but preserved by some disciple other than the writer of the rest of the gospel. The appearances narrated seem to be independent of those in John 20. Even if a later addition, the chapter was added before publication of the gospel, for it appears in all manuscripts.  [9,12-13] It is strange that Jesus already has fish since none have yet been brought ashore. This meal may have had eucharistic significance for early Christians since John 21:13 recalls John 6:11 which uses the vocabulary of Jesus’ action at the Last Supper; but see also the note on Matthew 14:19. 5 [11] The exact number 153 is probably meant to have a symbolic meaning in relation to the apostles’ universal mission; Jerome claims that Greek zoologists catalogued 153 species of fish. Or 153 is the sum of the numbers from 1 to 17. Others invoke Ezekiel 47:10.

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Dear Lord God, well Lord today I will be walking with You with anticipation, waiting to learn Your will, seeking to honor Your in what I do and how I handle all that unfolds; hoping and expecting that my faith will carry me. Looking that as St Gregory proclaims today that by a diligent life of virtue, I can wash away the film of dirt that covers my heart, then the Your divine beauty will shine forth in me, the image of Jesus. O Lord give me a discerning mind and heart, focused on pleasing You. O Lord God for the sake of His sorrowful passion have mercy on me and on the whole world. This I ask In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If by a diligent life of virtue, you wash away the film of dirt that covers your heart, then the divine beauty will shine forth in you.

— St. Gregory of Nyssa

Acts 3:11-26

11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s, astounded. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people, "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith which is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 "And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. 22 Moses said, `The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came afterwards, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God gave to your fathers, saying to Abraham, `And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you from your wickedness."

Psalm 8:2, 5-9

2 by the mouth of babes and infants, thou hast founded a bulwark because of thy foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. 5 Yet thou hast made him little less than God, and dost crown him with glory and honor. 6 Thou hast given him dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the sea. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth!

Luke 24:35-48

35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36 As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37 But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

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Dear Lord God, You are all powerful, the source of source, its is no wonder that once someone finds You and understands the teachings and secrets of Your Son Jesus Christ that they would feel blessed, yet while still exposed to the ways under the sun influenced into thinking that the faith that leads to understand, could lead to one seeking as to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand just like the disciples asked in ( ). But I believe that as rare as we may hear about it there are many, and have been many prophets and saints that with them faith leads to understanding, and with that understanding a greater love and appreciation that without You we are nothing. A humbling thought, one difficult to think about let alone accept. For we are not blessed as humans above all creations, or as Christians above anyone else. Our blessing is in that You loved us above all creations and in the love we can find and have access to all we need. The key is to seek Christ’s image through Him and in Him, controlling our fallen nature that is seated in a prideful self pleasing instinct. O Lord help me not to quit, break under the sun, but through the Sacred Heart of Jesus receive His divine mercy and embrace the challenges that will continue the work You have begun in me. So that in seeking, I would lead others to seek, in practicing Jesus’ teachings I will open the doors to hearts that have been closed to Him. This is my prayer, this is my hope in what ever I bring upon myself or is Your will; dying to my earthly self so I can rise to and with You in spirit. In Jesus name I pray and continue to seek, Amen.

There is nothing which is hid from God, but our very secrets are near to Him. Let us therefore do all things as those who have Him dwelling in us, that we may be His temples, and He may be in us as our God, which indeed He is, and will manifest Himself before our faces. Wherefore we justly love Him.

— St. Ignatius

Acts 3:1-10

1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Bible Study: [3:1-4:31] This section presents a series of related events: the dramatic cure of a lame beggar (Acts 3:1-10) produces a large audience for the kerygmatic discourse of Peter (Acts 3:11-26). The Sadducees, taking exception to the doctrine of resurrection, have Peter, John, and apparently the beggar as well, arrested (Acts 4:1-4) and brought to trial before the Sanhedrin. The issue concerns the authority by which Peter and John publicly teach religious doctrine in the temple (Acts 4:5-7). Peter replies with a brief summary of the kerygma, implying that his authority is prophetic (Acts 4:8-12). The court warns the apostles to abandon their practice of invoking prophetic authority in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:13-18). When Peter and John reply that the prophetic role cannot be abandoned to satisfy human objections, the court nevertheless releases them, afraid to do otherwise since the beggar, lame from birth and over forty years old, is a well-known figure in Jerusalem and the facts of his cure are common property (Acts 4:19-22). The narrative concludes with a prayer of the Christian community imploring divine aid against threats of persecution (Acts 4:23-31). [6-10] The miracle has a dramatic cast; it symbolizes the saving power of Christ and leads the beggar to enter the temple, where he hears Peter’s proclamation of salvation through Jesus.

Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9

1 O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works! 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! 4 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually! 6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He is mindful of his covenant for ever, of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 the covenant which he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac,

Bible Study: [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people. Cf Psalm 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Psalm 105:1-6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Psalm 105:7-11). In every phase of the national story–the ancestors in the land of Canaan (Psalm 105:12-15), Joseph in Egypt (Psalm 105:16-22), Israel in Egypt (Psalm 105:23-38), Israel in the desert on the way to Canaan (Psalm 105:39-45)–God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants.

Luke 24:13-35

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma’us, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cle’opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning 23 and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." 25 And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34 who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Bible Study: [1-53] The resurrection narrative in Luke consists of five sec tions: (1) the women at the empty tomb (Luke 23:56b-24:12); (2) the appearance to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35); (3) the appearance to the disciples in Jerusalem (Luke 24:36-43); (4) Jesus’ final instructions (Luke 24:44-49); (5) the ascension (Luke 24:50-53). In Luke, all the resurrection appearances take place in and around Jerusalem; moreover, they are all recounted as having taken place on Easter Sunday. A consistent theme throughout the narrative is that the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus were accomplished in fulfillment of Old Testament promises and of Jewish hopes (Luke 24:19a, 21, 26-27, 44, 46). In his second volume, Acts, Luke will argue that Christianity is the fulfillment of the hopes of Pharisaic Judaism and its logical development (see Acts 24:10-21). [13-35] This episode focuses on the interpretation of scripture by the risen Jesus and the recognition of him in the breaking of the bread. The references to the quotations of scripture and explanation of it (Luke 24:25-27), the kerygmatic proclamation (Luke 24:34), and the liturgical gesture (Luke 24:30) suggest that the episode is primarily catechetical and liturgical rather than apologetic.

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Dear Lord God, You know I am struggling with myself, with others and with Your calling me. There is so much I want to talk about and feel I need to express; all that I am thinking, trying to doing, dealing with and want to pray for. As always even in the this time of tribulation, self doubt and feeling of isolation Your Words speaks to me whether in my readings, study or through the daily video reflection, bringing all the new information about You, Jesus, the Apostles, the Church and Your Holy Bible into perspective for me. It is just as today’s gospel reading tells us about Mary Magdalene, even in her despair, darkness and loneliness after the crucifixion of Jesus she sought and found Him, as I (we) can today. She is our first apostolic witness to our Lord’s resurrection and her role and impact as with the other apostles, the Blesses Mother and early church leaders is something to be meditated on and about. We must trust our faith and allow our beliefs to be challenged if we are to truly grow in You and find understanding in the secrets of Jesus’ teachings. Just as the challenges under the sun test our faith in the earthly (physical) world, we must allow ourselves to be challenged and tested if we are to find ourselves and who we are in the spiritual world; for I am beginning to see Your will applies to both, You have a purpose for us under the sun and in Your heavenly kingdom. We must keep seeking if we are to find. We must have faith if we are to understand. So Lord again today I pray that for the sake of Your beloved Son’s sorrowful passion, have mercy on me (us) and on the whole world. Help me not to give up, continue the work You have begun in me, and let Your will be done with me, and let my faith in Jesus and trust in You as the source of source, my source carry me forward no matter what tomorrow brings. And let all the glory and honor be Yours now and forever. Amen.

References:

History Channels Banned from The Bible Series

The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels (Anyone wanting a copy of audio book just let me know.)

To love our neighbor in charity is to love God in man.

— St. Francis de Sales

Acts 2:36-41

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him." 40 And he testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Bible Study: [1-41] Luke’s pentecostal narrative consists of an introduction (Acts 2:1-13), a speech ascribed to Peter declaring the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic significance (Acts 2:14-36), and a favorable response from the audience (Acts 2:37-41). It is likely that the narrative telescopes events that took place over a period of time and on a less dramatic scale. The Twelve were not originally in a position to proclaim publicly the messianic office of Jesus without incurring immediate reprisal from those religious authorities in Jerusalem who had brought about Jesus’ death precisely to stem the rising tide in his favor. [14-36] The first of six discourses in Acts (along with Acts 3:12-26; 4:8-12; 5:29-32; 10:34-43; 13:16-41) dealing with the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic import. Five of these are attributed to Peter, the final one to Paul. Modern scholars term these discourses in Acts the "kerygma," the Greek word for proclamation (cf 1 Cor 15:11). [38] Repent and be baptized: repentance is a positive concept, a change of mind and heart toward God reflected in the actual goodness of one’s life. It is in accord with the apostolic teaching derived from Jesus (Acts 2:42) and ultimately recorded in the four gospels. Luke presents baptism in Acts as the expected response to the apostolic preaching about Jesus and associates it with the conferring of the Spirit (Acts 1:5; 10:44-48; 11:16). [42-47] The first of three summary passages (along with Acts 4:32-37; 5:12-16) that outline, somewhat idyllically, the chief characteristics of the Jerusalem community: adherence to the teachings of the Twelve and the centering of its religious life in the eucharistic liturgy (Acts 2:42); a system of distribution of goods that led wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs of the community’s poor required it (Acts 2:44 and the note on Acts 4:32-37); and continued attendance at the temple, since in this initial stage there was little or no thought of any dividing line between Christianity and Judaism (Acts 2:46).

Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22

4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield. 22 Let thy steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in thee.

Bible Study: [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Psalm 33:1-3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Psalm 33:4-5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Psalm 33:6-9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Psalm 33:10-11). The greatness of human beings consists in God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Psalm 33:12-22).

John 20:11-18

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo’ni!" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18 Mary Mag’dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

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. [1-10] The story of the empty tomb is found in both the Matthean and the Lucan traditions; John’s version seems to be a fusion of the two. [11-18] This appearance to Mary is found only in John, but cf Matthew 28:8-10 and Mark 16:9-11. [17] Stop holding on to me: see Matthew 28:9, where the women take hold of his feet. I have not yet ascended: for John and many of the New Testament writers, the ascension in the theological sense of going to the Father to be glorified took place with the resurrection as one action. This scene in John dramatizes such an understanding, for by Easter night Jesus is glorified and can give the Spirit. Therefore his ascension takes place immediately after he has talked to Mary. In such a view, the ascension after forty days described in Acts 1:1-11 would be simply a termination of earthly appearances or, perhaps better, an introduction to the conferral of the Spirit upon the early church, modeled on Elisha’s being able to have a (double) share in the spirit of Elijah if he saw him being taken up (same verb as ascending) into heaven (2 Kings 2:9-12). To my Father and your Father, to my God and your God: this echoes Ruth 1:16: "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." The Father of Jesus will now become the Father of the disciples because, once ascended, Jesus can give them the Spirit that comes from the Father and they can be reborn as God’s children (John 3:5). That is why he calls them my brothers.

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