In this second of six presentations we hear about some of the key elements that have been a part of the Mass from the very beginning of the Church, in particular the reading of Sacred Scripture and the elements of bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Christ.
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In this first of six presentations we explore how the Lord Jesus defines the Eucharist as his Body and Blood and commands his disciples to receive it. May we renew our commitment to Christ and draw near to the altar to receive this awesome sacrament.
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As we continue to hear the “Bread of Life” discourse from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, we reflect on how our spiritual health is renewed by the frequent and worthy reception of Holy Communion. We are what we eat!
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
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Here are some of the main themes present in the readings for the 19th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – 1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm – 34:2-9
2nd Reading – Ephesians 4:30-5:2
Gospel – John 6:41-51
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
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In the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus says that he is the Bread of Life, and as we hear these words in the context of the New Testament and the early Church we come to the awareness that this bread – our reception of Holy Communion at Mass – is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ!
Mass Readings – 18th Sunday of the Year
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Today’s reading from Exodus reveals how the Lord directed the Passover Meal to Moses and Aaron. This passage thus establishes the Passover as a central part of Jewish prayer which will ultimately set the context for the Eucharist. It was during a Passover Meal with his disciples that Jesus offers the New Covenant through his Body and Blood…which frees us from the bondage of sin and leads us to eternal life.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 15th Week of the Year
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At every Mass the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, what we call the Real Presence. In his teaching to the disciples, the Lord defines and commands us to receive him in Holy Communion. In light of the past year with the pandemic, we have discovered just how crucial it is for us to carry out this command of Christ.
Mass Readings – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
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On this feast of the Body and Blood of the Christ (Corpus Christi), let’s take a look at some of the themes that surface in the readings.
1st Reading – Exodus 24:3-8
Psalm – 116:12-13,15-16,17-18
2nd Reading – Hebrews 9:11-15
Gospel – Mark 14:12-16,22-26
Mass Readings – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
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Jesus offers a mystical reflection on his Flesh and Blood, the true food and drink that bring us eternal life.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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Pastoral Note: This post was originally given on April 12, 2014. I share it once again in the hope that all of us will enter more fully into the gift of this sacred time. Fr. Andrew
Study: Recall a time in your life when you experienced death and new life. Where did you find the strength? Who helped you through this time?
Pray: Spend some time reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus this week. Read Mark 14-16; Matthew 26-28; Luke 22-24; and John 18-21. Take in as many prayer opportunities as possible in your parish.
Serve: Who in your life is dealing with life and death issues right now? How might you be present to them to offer help, comfort, or strength?
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We enter into the heart of the Christian mystery: Holy Week offers us a time to pause, reflect, and pray as the Church ponders on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This mystery, often called the Paschal Mystery, recalls us to the saving work of the Lord. His death frees of from the burdens of sin and death, and his resurrection opens for us the path to eternal life. This mystery is profoundly experienced over the Triduum – the 3 Great Days:
On Holy Thursday we find ourselves in Jerusalem, eating with the disciples at the Lord’s Supper and feeling awkward as he washes their feet – wondering how we would react if he did that for us. We might identify with Peter or Judas – especially when we consider the times we have willingly betrayed or turned our back on the Lord.
On Good Friday we experience the physical pain, emotional abandonment, and personal humiliation on the path to Calvary (also called Golgotha or Skull Place) and look on with horror at the cruel death of Jesus. We might also consider the times we have helped others – as Simon did when he was forced to carry the Cross of Christ. And then we stand in profound sorrow with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, helpless as the innocent suffer injustice.
On Easter we wait in vigil and rise early in the morning with Mary Magdalen, only to find to our wonder and joy that the tomb is empty: Christ is alive! Our world, like that of the apostles, is changed forever as we experience new hope and life.
A word to the wise – we get out of Holy Week what we put into it. Here are some simple ways for an incredible experience.
May this be a time for all of us to grow closer to the Lord and one another.
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Walking with the Lord in Holy Week (March 9-12, 2015 – Our Lady of the Valley – Green Valley, AZ) This parish mission takes the listener on a journey with Christ – from his entry into Jerusalem, through the Last Supper, his Passion, and his Resurrection.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 