Commentary on the Readings for Sunday – April 18, 2010
The Third Sunday of the Easter Season
The Readings for this, the Third Sunday of the Easter Season, continue to tell us about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ but with emphasis on how this unique and miraculous event became the seed of faith necessary to convince many people to accept Christ as Lord and Messiah. Without the Resurrection there would have been no proof that Jesus was sent from God and so the Resurrection becomes the basis for our belief, as well as, our salvation.
The First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles (5:27 – 32, 40b – 41). The time of this scene is sometime after the Resurrection. The apostles cannot stop talking about Jesus being raised from the dead. Here they are defying the Sanhedrin, the temple rulers who, interestingly enough, claim that the apostle’s teachings might “….bring this man’s blood upon us.” And yet, that is what they accepted in an earlier event. (See: Matt: 27:25) Peter continues to explain: “We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” The time after the Resurrection and Ascension, even unto the present, is the time of the Holy Spirit who has been given to all the faithful in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. It is He who will teach us all things as the apostles did in the beginning.
The Responsorial Psalm is (30:2 – 13). Although this psalm is more about being rescued from physical illness near death, we can accept it as our song of praise for Jesus’ delivering us from the snares of spiritual death. His death was the source of our spiritual life and His resurrection was a sign that we too will rise on the last day if we are faithful and accept His teachings and directions in our life.
The Second Reading is taken from the Book of Revelation (5:11 – 14). The visions of the writer, John, are visions of the future in heaven for those who accepted Christ and struggled through this life by the grace of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit. We can be counted among “the countless number” present at the never-ending worshipping of Christ, “the Lamb that was slain.”
The Gospel Reading is from the Gospel of St. John (21:1 – 19). In this long and intriguing story, we see the apostles returning to their earlier occupations after the Resurrection of Jesus. Here they are out fishing but catch nothing. Then they are called to come and share a breakfast prepared by a stranger. It was Jesus, but they did not recognize Him for He was now in a glorified state. Finally, realizing it was “the Christ” they joined Him for a breakfast already prepared. Then Jesus questions Peter about his love and sincerity – three times. Was this to counter Peter’s denial of Jesus three times? Each time Peter is told to “…feed my lambs” or “…tend my sheep.” Here Jesus is renewing His giving to Peter the authority of ‘leader’ of the Church, but hints at Peter’s death as well.
How often has our Church leaders told us that this world is a temporary ‘journey’ in our walk with Christ? We must go about our occupations and duties as if we are going to live forever, but knowing that our ultimate goal is to live with God in heaven. Although Easter is now behind us and we are beginning to settle back into our usual routines, we must never lose sight of what has just been celebrated. Each day we should remind ourselves that Easter – the memorial celebration of the death and Resurrection of Our Lord – was for each of us – as if we were the only person on this earth. 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 18, 2010
The Third Sunday of the Easter Season
The Readings for this, the Third Sunday of the Easter Season, continue to tell us about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ but with emphasis on how this unique and miraculous event became the seed of faith necessary to convince many people to accept Christ as Lord and Messiah. Without the Resurrection there would have been no proof that Jesus was sent from God and so the Resurrection becomes the basis for our belief, as well as, our salvation.
The First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles (5:27 – 32, 40b – 41). The time of this scene is sometime after the Resurrection. The apostles cannot stop talking about Jesus being raised from the dead. Here they are defying the Sanhedrin, the temple rulers who, interestingly enough, claim that the apostle’s teachings might “….bring this man’s blood upon us.” And yet, that is what they accepted in an earlier event. (See: Matt: 27:25) Peter continues to explain: “We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” The time after the Resurrection and Ascension, even unto the present, is the time of the Holy Spirit who has been given to all the faithful in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. It is He who will teach us all things as the apostles did in the beginning.
The Responsorial Psalm is (30:2 – 13). Although this psalm is more about being rescued from physical illness near death, we can accept it as our song of praise for Jesus’ delivering us from the snares of spiritual death. His death was the source of our spiritual life and His resurrection was a sign that we too will rise on the last day if we are faithful and accept His teachings and directions in our life.
The Second Reading is taken from the Book of Revelation (5:11 – 14). The visions of the writer, John, are visions of the future in heaven for those who accepted Christ and struggled through this life by the grace of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit. We can be counted among “the countless number” present at the never-ending worshipping of Christ, “the Lamb that was slain.”
The Gospel Reading is from the Gospel of St. John (21:1 – 19). In this long and intriguing story, we see the apostles returning to their earlier occupations after the Resurrection of Jesus. Here they are out fishing but catch nothing. Then they are called to come and share a breakfast prepared by a stranger. It was Jesus, but they did not recognize Him for He was now in a glorified state. Finally, realizing it was “the Christ” they joined Him for a breakfast already prepared. Then Jesus questions Peter about his love and sincerity – three times. Was this to counter Peter’s denial of Jesus three times? Each time Peter is told to “…feed my lambs” or “…tend my sheep.” Here Jesus is renewing His giving to Peter the authority of ‘leader’ of the Church, but hints at Peter’s death as well.
How often has our Church leaders told us that this world is a temporary ‘journey’ in our walk with Christ? We must go about our occupations and duties as if we are going to live forever, but knowing that our ultimate goal is to live with God in heaven. Although Easter is now behind us and we are beginning to settle back into our usual routines, we must never lose sight of what has just been celebrated. Each day we should remind ourselves that Easter – the memorial celebration of the death and Resurrection of Our Lord – was for each of us – as if we were the only person on this earth. 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