Commentary on the Readings for Sunday – April 11, 2010
The Second Sunday of the Easter Season
Sometimes our faith is lifted by certain events or liturgical celebrations and we get a spiritual rush or ‘high.’ Last week was certainly one of those times. If we have truly participated in the liturgies of the Easter Triduum we earned that Joy of the Resurrection, but now that it has past we might settle back into our routine schedules where we experience doubts and the ‘lows.’ In fact, this Sunday use to be called ‘Low Sunday’ for that very reason. We need to keep up our Lenten resolutions and, in prayer, ask Jesus to bless us with a mature faith that carries us through all our emotions.
The First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles (5:12 – 16). This scene is after the first Pentecost when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit and were infused with faith to the point of being daring. Their preaching and working of miracles attracted many to the faith. What a change from just a short time before when some of these same people must have shouted “Crucify Him.” Emotions play a significant part in our everyday life, but our spiritual life should be strong enough to sail smoothly through the physical emotions.
The Responsorial Psalm is (188:2 – 24). This is the same psalm from Easter Sunday. It is an important liturgical poem to both Jews and Christians alike. It recalls how the Israelites implored the God of Israel for help during a time of suffering and how God came to their rescue. The psalmist, speaking on behalf of the whole community, goes on to offer praises of thanksgiving acknowledging God’s divine benevolence. The Church uses this Psalm in its celebrations to acknowledge God’s rescuing us from spiritual death through the death and resurrection of His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Second Reading is taken from the Book of Revelation (1:9 – 19). This passage describes how John, the visionary of this writing, was “caught up” in the spirit and taken to heaven where he “saw” the Glorified Jesus. Can you imagine the emotional rush he must have had? Little wonder that he fell on his face as if dead, but Jesus comforts him and explains His eternal existence and power. We might never be as fortunate as John (at least during our lifetime), but through prayer we can deepen our relationship with Jesus and be ready whenever and wherever He calls us.
The Gospel Reading is from the Gospel of St. John (20:19 – 31). Put yourself into this scene. It is the night of the Resurrection and Jesus appears in all His divine Glory before the apostles. Can you imagine the joy after the shock subsides? They must have been bouncing all over the room. Then Thomas, who wasn’t there, throws cold water on that event when he learns about it but refuses to believe. It takes another appearance of Christ to convince Thomas who then utters the great phrase of humility, “My Lord and my God!” Do you have doubts like that? It is natural, but we must not harbor them for long. Prayer is the answer.
Emotions and doubts are not wrong or sinful, but to leave them as such without doing anything about them is wrong. Sometimes God puts doubts into our head in order for us to get moving toward finding the truth through prayer or study or both. Something to think about during your Prayer Time this week!
If you have comments or questions regarding the above commentary, please send them, in writing, to the parish office. We will try to respond as quickly as possible.
MFB
Sunday Commentary
Commentary on the Readings for Sunday – April 11, 2010
The Second Sunday of the Easter Season
Sometimes our faith is lifted by certain events or liturgical celebrations and we get a spiritual rush or ‘high.’ Last week was certainly one of those times. If we have truly participated in the liturgies of the Easter Triduum we earned that Joy of the Resurrection, but now that it has past we might settle back into our routine schedules where we experience doubts and the ‘lows.’ In fact, this Sunday use to be called ‘Low Sunday’ for that very reason. We need to keep up our Lenten resolutions and, in prayer, ask Jesus to bless us with a mature faith that carries us through all our emotions.
The First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles (5:12 – 16). This scene is after the first Pentecost when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit and were infused with faith to the point of being daring. Their preaching and working of miracles attracted many to the faith. What a change from just a short time before when some of these same people must have shouted “Crucify Him.” Emotions play a significant part in our everyday life, but our spiritual life should be strong enough to sail smoothly through the physical emotions.
The Responsorial Psalm is (188:2 – 24). This is the same psalm from Easter Sunday. It is an important liturgical poem to both Jews and Christians alike. It recalls how the Israelites implored the God of Israel for help during a time of suffering and how God came to their rescue. The psalmist, speaking on behalf of the whole community, goes on to offer praises of thanksgiving acknowledging God’s divine benevolence. The Church uses this Psalm in its celebrations to acknowledge God’s rescuing us from spiritual death through the death and resurrection of His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Second Reading is taken from the Book of Revelation (1:9 – 19). This passage describes how John, the visionary of this writing, was “caught up” in the spirit and taken to heaven where he “saw” the Glorified Jesus. Can you imagine the emotional rush he must have had? Little wonder that he fell on his face as if dead, but Jesus comforts him and explains His eternal existence and power. We might never be as fortunate as John (at least during our lifetime), but through prayer we can deepen our relationship with Jesus and be ready whenever and wherever He calls us.
The Gospel Reading is from the Gospel of St. John (20:19 – 31). Put yourself into this scene. It is the night of the Resurrection and Jesus appears in all His divine Glory before the apostles. Can you imagine the joy after the shock subsides? They must have been bouncing all over the room. Then Thomas, who wasn’t there, throws cold water on that event when he learns about it but refuses to believe. It takes another appearance of Christ to convince Thomas who then utters the great phrase of humility, “My Lord and my God!” Do you have doubts like that? It is natural, but we must not harbor them for long. Prayer is the answer.
Emotions and doubts are not wrong or sinful, but to leave them as such without doing anything about them is wrong. Sometimes God puts doubts into our head in order for us to get moving toward finding the truth through prayer or study or both. Something to think about during your Prayer Time this week!
If you have comments or questions regarding the above commentary, please send them, in writing, to the parish office. We will try to respond as quickly as possible.
MFB