Tag Archives: Stone rejected by the builders

May 1, 2023

Study, Pray, Serve: 5th Sunday of Easter

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Tobias Bju00f8rkli on Pexels.com

Here are some of the key themes that surface in the readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter.

1st Reading – Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7

  • Seven reputable men are appointed to assist with the daily distribution as the Christian community grows.
  • Freed from these tasks, the Apostles continue to focus their efforts on prayer and the ministry of the word.

Psalm – 33:1-2,4-5,18-19

  • “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
  • We rejoice in the kindness and justice of the Lord, who preserves those who fear him.

2nd Reading – 1st Peter 2:4-9

  • Christ “the stone that the builders rejected, has become the cornerstone” calls us to become living stones that are built up into God’s spiritual house.
  • We are chosen by God, called to offer our lives by the one who leads us out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Gospel – John 14:1-12

  • Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” who prepares a place for us in heaven.
  • Christ, united to the Father, invites us to believe in him and carry out his work in the world.

Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Easter

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Easter, Podcast

April 19, 2021

Study, Pray, Serve: 4th Sunday of Easter

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Kat Jayne on Pexels.com

Study: What do the readings say?

Pray: What do the readings say to me?

Serve: What do the readings make me do or say…today?

Let’s take a look at some of the main themes that we find in the Scripture readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter, often known as Good Shepherd Sunday.

1st Reading – Acts 4:8-12

  • Peter preaches the Good News immediately after a healing miracle.
  • Jesus Christ is “the stone rejected by the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118)

Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28-29

  • This psalm is quoted by St. Peter in the passage of Acts.
  • God’s power and might transcends human limitations.

2nd Reading – 1 John 3:1-2

  • The baptized are “children of God” and have the same relationship as the first disciples.
  • Our relationship with the Father is in opposition with the world.
  • There is more to be revealed, and then we shall be like him and see him as he truly is.

Gospel – John 10:11-18

  • The Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.
  • There are “wolves” who catch and scatter the sheep.
  • The sheep (disciples) know the Lord, who also goes out and serves “other sheep” as well.

Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Easter

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Note: This post was first published on April 19, 2021.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Easter, Podcast, Retreats/Reflections

April 5, 2021

Study, Pray, Serve: 2nd Sunday of Easter

By Fr. Andrew Ricci
Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

Study: What do the readings say?

Pray: What do the readings say to me?

Serve: What do the readings make me do or say…today?

Let’s take a look at some of the main themes of the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter.

1st Reading – Acts 4:32-35

  • The Early Church shares all things in common; no one suffers from grave need.
  • The apostles offer their witness to the resurrection of Christ; they are filled with great power.

Psalm – 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

  • The “stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone” now applies to Jesus.
  • Christ was rejected, and submitted to the agony of the Cross; Christ’s resurrection now becomes the cornerstone of our faith in God.
  • Our strength and courage from the Lord, who is our savior.

2nd Reading – 1 John 5:1-6

  • Everyone who believes in Christ is empowered to love God and one another. Our love for the Lord empowers us to keep his commandments.
  • Our faith in Christ leads to a victory that conquers the world.

Gospel – John 20:19-31

  • Jesus appears to the disciples, offering them peace and the Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus appears to the disciples (this time with Thomas) and speaks about those who have not seen the Risen Lord but who in faith overcome their doubt and believe.

Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Easter

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Note: This post was first published on April 5, 2021.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Easter, Podcast

%d bloggers like this: