Thursday, May 1, 2025

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

(Acts 5:27-33; John 331-36)

Muslim terrorists believe that they are doing the will of God when they kill so-called infidels.  Of course, as Pope Francis often said, no one committing acts of violence is doing God’s will.  When the apostles say in today’s first reading that they “must obey God, rather than men,” they need to verify that they are really carrying out God’s command.

It is not hard to do.  Before his Ascension, Jesus, who is God incarnate, told them to preach pardon of sins in his name to all nations. The apostles were only carrying out this command when they were arrested.    

Terrorism is not exclusively Muslim.  There have at times arisen Christian terrorists as perhaps terrorists of most religious movements.  Terrorists try to impose their will, not God’s, on others.  Perhaps some of us are guilty of forcing our will on others with whatever leverage we have.  We are wise then to do as Jesus proclaims here.  We are to seek pardon for this sin in prayer and with penitence.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

(Optional) Memorial of Saint Pius V, pope

(Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21)

The world awaiting the election of a new pope gives reason to consider the achievements of a former one celebrated today.  Pope St. Pius V was consecrated pope shortly after the reforming Council of Trent.  He led the Church only six years but accomplished much of the direly needed reform envisaged by the Council.  His formation as a Dominican friar strengthened his resolve to undo the courtly excesses that still surrounded the papacy.  He also published a catechism, provided uniformity to liturgy, and prioritized help to the poor.  Pius has been criticized for his excommunication of the English monarch, but on the Eastern front he was responsible for stopping the Turkish intrusion into Europe.

In today’s first reading Peter and the other apostles also show resolve to implement the greatest religious reform ever.  Despite warnings from Jewish leaders not to preach Jesus Christ, they continued to tell all Jerusalem about salvation in his name.  Of course, the Lord assisted their efforts.  Not only were they liberated from prison, but they were also empowered to win the hearts and minds of many Jerusalemites. 

Recent popes have been so successful that the papacy enjoys high stature in the world.  Practically, this means that the one who fills the office has grave responsibilities.  He must seek the reunification of Christian communities, maintain orthodoxy, model holiness, and pursue reconciliation and peace among peoples.  No matter who is elected the 267th pope, he needs our prayers.


Tuesday, April 29, 2025

 

Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and Doctor of the Church

(Acts 4:32-37; John 3:7b-15)

As much as any saint, except for Mary, the Mother of God, Catherine of Siena exemplifies the spiritual life.  Her spirituality is firmly rooted in a relationship with Christ, whom she considered her spouse.  The relationship presumes active engagement of the theological virtues.  Since they were not contemporaries, faith enabled Catherine to know the Lord, hope to look forward to his physical presence, and love to exhaust herself in his service.

As strong a personal feeling as she had for Christ, Catherine did not lose sight of the ecclesial dimension of spirituality.  Since the Church is Christ’s body, she dedicated her life to its integrity.  She became famous for her exhortations to the pope, hiding from the messy politics of Rome, to return to the Eternal City.  Perhaps more consequential was her forming a school of followers whom she instructed in prayer and ministry. 

No spiritual life is complete without a dimension of the cross and an outreach to others.  Catherine filled her life with penitence as she pleaded God for the Church.  She also performed both spiritual and corporal acts of mercy life.  She once counseled a condemned criminal to take refuge in the Lord and was well-known for her kindness to the indigent.  

In this time of papal transition, Catherine’s life indicates the Church’s need of a holy, wise, and courageous leader.  We should assiduously pray for the Spirit’s guidance in the papal election.  We also need to support whoever is elected by taking active interest in the Church community.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Monday of the Second Week of Easter

(Acts 4:23-31; John 3:1-8)

A Jewish man had, as a boy, been taken from his parents and imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. He survived only because a German soldier reached out to him in kindness.  He says that at one point he decided not to be bitter about his experience.  Rather, he would always return to Germans the kindness he had received from the soldier.  Well into old age the man’s countenance reflects his decisions.  He beams with peace.  Whether or not the man was ever baptized, he seems to have been born of the Spirit of which Jesus speaks in today’s gospel.

Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus that people must not follow the ways of the world.  Those ways dictate that people are to “look out for number one”; “get even with those who wrong you”; and follow a hundred other maxims of the dominant ego.  In contrast, Jesus teaches that people must love one another and forgive those who persecute them.  His message may be difficult for those who have undergone significant hardship.  But it leads to a life of everlasting peace for all.

The season of Lent has chastened us, and now Easter graces have been poured out on us.  We can commit ourselves to the hard teachings of Jesus.  Models like the Holocaust survivor exist.  More than ever it is time for us to live in the Spirit.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

SECOND EASTER OF EASTER (Divine Mercy Sunday)

(Acts 5:12-16; Revelation 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31)

Every year, this Second Sunday of Easter is increasingly known as “Divine Mercy Sunday.” Pope Saint John Paul II added the name in 2000 during the canonization of Sister Faustina Kowalska. The saint said that Jesus asked it of the Church. Certainly, the name corresponds to the Gospel today.

Before we look at the Gospel, however, let’s consider the origin of the word mercy. It is derived from three Latin words: misere, meaning need; cor, meaning heart; and ia, meaning toward.  Mercy is having a heart of solidarity toward those in need. Theologians consider mercy together with love as God's greatest attributes. Although He is superior to all, He has continually lowered Himself to ease the burden of His creatures.

God showed supreme mercy or solidarity with humans by sending His own Son to the world to rescue men and women from sin. Sometimes it seems as though our sins don't matter much. People continue to sin without concern, much less repentance. Yet, our sins place us outside of God's friendship. "So what?" some ask. If we are outside of a relationship with God, to whom will we turn in acute need?

Our sins also place us on a path of perdition. This consequence is evident with sensual vices like gluttony and lust, but it also applies to spiritual vices. Greed deceives the sinner into thinking of money more important than human beings. Sloth makes one indifferent to wonderful gifts like nature and literature because they require some effort to unlock.

When Jesus meets his disciples in the Gospel, he has just completed his Father's mission. In fact, his last words on the cross were: "It is finished." The phrase refers to the redemption of the world of its sins. This mission is the "cup" that Jesus said he had to drink from when Peter cut off the young man's ear in the garden.

In today's Gospel, Jesus shows how he brings forgiveness in the world. He breathes on his apostles, saying: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them..." The apostles are to go out into the world preaching the forgiveness of sin through Jesus' death and resurrection. They will baptize individuals to take away their sins. In time, their successors will dispense the sins committed after Baptism in the Sacrament of Penance.

Does the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the charge of going into the world sound familiar? Yes, it is the same commissioning seen at the end of the Gospel according to Matthew and at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. Each evangelist has his own way of describing how the disciples-apostles receive the Spirit that empowers them to preach forgiveness.

Finally, today’s gospel goes on to help us accept the reality of forgiveness in our age of unbelief. It makes two notes indicating that the testimony the Gospel gives is true. First, Jesus pacifies the doubting Thomas with his offer to be touched. And second, it assures that Jesus performed many signs beyond those found in the Gospel so that all people would believe. The passage ends not simply by recommending belief but by naming its desirable fruit.  Those who believe will have “life in his name.”

Friday, April 25, 2025

 Friday in the Octave of Easter

 (Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14)

 “The one who loves much, does much.”  The actions of Peter on behalf of Jesus in today’s Scriptures witness to this simple test of love.  Love moves the chief apostle in the reading from Acts to confront the Jewish leaders who recently negotiated Jesus’ execution.  In the gospel, love inspires him to rush into the water with clothes on to greet the risen Lord. 

 As courageous and spontaneous as Peter’s love for Jesus is, it only shadows Jesus’ love for him and for the rest of us.  St. Paul surely captures the heart of the gospel when he writes: “...God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).  His death has gained for us the forgiveness of sin.  But that is only half of the wonder of God’s love.  His resurrection – the other half – bestows on us life in abundance.

Peter’s actions suggest how we might show our love for Christ.  We too can confront sin by naming it and repenting of it.  There may be people in our lives for whom we harbor resentment.  We must acknowledge our deliberate dislike as sin, pray for healing grace, and make serious effort to approach those people in charity.  Likewise, we should lose no time in meeting the Lord in the Eucharist.  Coming early to pray quietly and to preview the Scripture readings will deepen our encounter with the risen Lord.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Thursday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1126; Luke 24:35-48)

The number of adult Baptisms often signifies a thriving parish.  The newly baptized were likely attracted to the parish community by enthusiastic members or by the parish’s evangelical reputation.  Such a parish fulfills Jesus’ implicit instruction in today’s gospel.

After demonstrating to his apostles that he has truly risen, Jesus explains how his death and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecies.  He then prophesizes himself saying, “…repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations…”  His Word has gone out quite effectively to the nations for two millennia.  However, in some places there has been a decrease in followers.  Hence there is need to tell others that Jesus Christ may be met in the Christian community. 

Particularly among the young, the Church has lost credibility.  We can enhance its appeal by living fully the Gospel.  Certainly, our attention to the sacraments will convey their importance.  Perhaps more so, our care, truthfulness, and joy will convince others that Christ has an important part to play in their lives. 

Wednesday, April23, 2025

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

Surely of all the accounts of resurrection appearances the one proclaimed today has most captured people’s attention.  Movements are named after the “the Road to Emmaus.”  More than the others, it coincides with the Christian’s personal experience of the risen Christ in the Eucharist.

Catholics attend mass on Sunday just as the two disciples walk to Emmaus on the first Easter.  They hear readings from Scripture, but how exactly the Word pertains to Christ, “mighty in deed and word,” is not always clear.  So, Jesus in the person of the priest explains the relationship between the two.  Then the priest, again substituting for Christ, breaks bread with the people.  As they eat the Bread, they realize that they are communing with the risen Christ.  Finally, they go to tell others of Christ by their own “deeds and words.”

The “Road to Emmaus” summons both people and priests to greater fidelity.  Catholics need to attend Mass anticipating encountering Christ in both Word and Sacrament.  Meanwhile, priests should recognize their awesome responsibility of representing Christ.  As we carry out these summonses, Christ will renew our lives in his glory.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

 

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18)

Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles reveals much more on examination than on first sight.  Peter’s sermon after receiving the Holy Spirit not only conveys the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection but also how the people should respond.

First, they are to repent of their faults.  This is no “once-and-for-all” experience but done continually throughout one’s life.  Second, they need to be baptized.  That is, they are to be connected to Christ through the Church.  Moreover, third, the baptism is to be made “in the name of Jesus Christ.” In other words, they are to claim Jesus as their teacher and Lord.  Finally, they are to receive the Holy Spirit, who will form them as equals with different roles within the Christian community.

Peter’s message applies to us as well as its first hearers.  We too need to continually reform not only to prevent slipping into old vices but to deflect coming temptations.  We also should strengthen our relationship with the Church that we might give support as well as receive it.  We want to conform more to the Lord by studying his actions and teachings in the gospels.  Finally, we should make every effort to conform ourselves to joy, peace, and love with which the Holy Spirit blesses us.

Monday, April 21, 2025

 Monday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 2:14.22-33; Matthew 28:8-15)

The gospels provide two types of evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection.  All of the four speak of disciples finding his tomb empty.  Of course, this is only circumstantial evidence.  The clincher is Jesus’ appearance to his disciples.  Not only the gospels, but also St. Paul testify that Jesus appeared to them.

Today’s passage from Matthew’s gospel hints of the empty tomb but describes unequivocally a resurrection appearance.  Jesus addresses the women who evidently came to be proximate to his remains.  They had been informed by an angel that he had been raised.  Still, they are afraid when they see him probably because they were not sure that he was not a ghost.  The account also explains why more Jews did not accept the disciples’ announcement of the Resurrection.  It says that the soldiers guarding the tomb were bribed by Jewish leaders.  They were paid to say that his body was stolen.

After two thousand years many are still not convinced that Jesus was raised.  They take the testimonies of disciples as disingenuous.  However, we must not doubt the resurrection.  The apostles accepted martyrdom rather than deny it.  Furthermore, we have already been beneficiaries in being accepted into the Church.  The Resurrection will also provide us an eternal home with God.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

 First Sunday of Easter

(Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Col 3:1-4; Luke 24:1-12)

Today we celebrate the culmination of our faith. Christ has conquered death to reign in glory forever. With his victory, we too hope to overcome death. In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul describes death as “the last enemy.” It is seen as “the last” in two senses. It is the only remaining opponent and the most potent. Before looking at the Mass readings, we should examine why death provides such a great challenge.

All things being equal, no one wants to die. It is true that some, because they are in pain, would prefer their lives to end. But we are made not only to exist but to flourish. The fact that we cannot remain forever in this world seems like an affront to us. We look for a way to avoid death. Some focus on living healthily by exercising and eating only the appropriate portions of recommended foods. If this regimen seems harsh, one can simply avoid the thought of death. Many today direct their relatives to organize "celebrations of life" instead of funerals when they die. Until then, they live eating and drinking like the Epicureans of ancient times.

Besides fearing the return to nonexistence, we Christians worry about death for another reason. We wonder about God's judgment of us upon our passing. Will He find us just? All of us have sinned, perhaps grievously. Will we spend eternity mourning our trespasses? The women who visit Jesus' tomb can help us overcome these anxieties.

The women have followed Jesus from Galilee. They have supported his ministry with both resources and presence. On Friday, they saw Jesus die on the cross. They also noticed the place where he was buried. At the moment, there was no time to embalm his body without transgressing the Sabbath law. But as soon as possible on the first day of the week, they come to the tomb with spices. There they find the unexpected. Not only has the stone that closed the tomb been removed, but also Jesus' body is missing. When the angel announces to them that Jesus has risen, the women believe. Their first impulse is to tell the eleven apostles the good news.

The women show us how to live as followers of Jesus Christ. Like them, we must abide by the moral law, even the precepts that do not suit us. More than this, we must render service with works of charity. As Mother Teresa said, the poor are Christ in disguise. We must also accept the resurrection of the Lord Jesus in faith. Although it may seem foolish to some, eyewitnesses gave their lives offering testimony to it. Finally, we must share our faith in Jesus with others. Living this way, we need not fear death or judgment afterward.

The first reading comes from a sermon by Saint Peter. It indicates the dynamic that brought about Jesus' resurrection. God anointed him with His Spirit to heal all those oppressed by the devil. When Jesus was crucified, God acted again. He sent the same Holy Spirit to raise him from the dead. This Spirit will resurrect all of us who follow Jesus Christ in faith and love.

To ensure that we do not stray from Jesus Christ, we have the advice of the second reading. It urges us not to cling to the things of the earth: pleasure, money, fame, and power. Rather, to seek the goods of heaven: love, joy, and peace. By acting in this way, we will manifest the glory of the risen Jesus.  In our present life and in eternity, we will manifest the glory of the resurrection.

Friday, April 18, 2025

 

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

(Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16.5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42)

At the beginning of John’s gospel, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  The description sounded strange then.  It was a prophecy that is fulfilled in the Lord’s Passion.

Jesus died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice offered to the Father for the world’s sins.  It is no accident then that his death sentence comes at noon on Preparation Day of the Passover.  At that moment the lambs are being slaughtered in the Temple precincts for the forgiveness of the people’s sins.  Nor is it coincidental that he is offered a sponge soaked in wine on “a sprig of hyssop.” Hyssop could hardly support a soaked sponge.  But it was the reed used to splash the blood of the Passover lamb on the Hebrew doorposts that made them immune to the pestilence killing the first-born.  John the Evangelist is saying that Jesus’ Passion likewise saves the world from punishment for their sins.

Why then are we so reluctant to admit our sins?  Relatively few people come to confession more than two or three times a year.  Often they come more needing to share with someone about how they have been offended than how they responded to the offenses badly.  Many also overlook the command to keep holy the Lord’s Day.  Even sexual sins – pornography, masturbation, fornication, to say nothing of contraceptives – are sometimes ignored.  We forget that Jesus died on the cross precisely as a sin offering.  Our sins are not forgiven if we do not acknowledge and ask pardon for them.  It is the forgiveness of our sins that makes this Friday “Good.”

Thursday, April 17, 2025

 

Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

(Exodus 12:1-8.11-14; I Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-11)

Washing another person’s feet is a very humble task.  In Jesus’ time it was not even required of Jewish slaves!  Jesus does it to impress upon his disciples the necessity of humbly serving one another.  A former high-ranking government official was admired for serving like Jesus.  When he became president of a high-tech company, Rear Admiral Bobby Inman announced that he would take his turn brewing coffee like the others in the office.

The first two readings this evening concern the origin of the Eucharist.  Exodus gives the roots of the sacrament in Israel’s Passover Supper.  First Corinthians describes the Eucharist’s establishment at Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.  John’s gospel supplies the meaning, the purpose, and the extension of that supper in the Church. 

The Eucharist signifies Jesus’ death on the cross to achieve the forgiveness of human sin.  Christians replicate it not only by celebrating it daily or, at least, weekly.  They also memorialize it by their own humble acts of service.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

 Wednesday of Holy Week

(Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 26:14-25)

The first reading today is one of the four “Servant Songs” of the Book of Isaiah.  It is unique in that the Servant here speaks for himself.  Just as Christ, the Servant comforts the weary and accepts the disdain of the world, including physical abuse.  Instead of evasion, he entreats his enemies to dialogue with him about their criticisms. Christ would have done the same with Judas.

Judas’ heart has grown bitter toward the Lord.  It has come to hate the one who loves everyone.  Rather than speak with Jesus about his problem, Judas seeks resolution by going to Jesus’ enemies.  He betrays his Lord by delivering him to his executioners!

Hopefully, we will never betray Jesus by giving up faith in him.  Nevertheless, we can act like Judas by not taking our difficulties with living justly and caringly to him in prayer.  He, the Suffering Servant, will comfort us.  He has given us the sacraments that we may experience physically his consolation.  As he is always faithful to us, let us be faithful to him.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Tuesday of Holy Week

(Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33.36-38)

The apocryphal “Gospel of Judas” says that Jesus instructed Judas to betray him.  It sees Judas not only as Jesus’ obedient disciple but the only one who truly understood his teaching.  Early on, the Church recognized this gospel as rubbish.  It seems to have been composed in the late second century when similarly strange ideas were circulating around the Mediterranean area.

The false gospel, however, does raise the question of whether Judas was ever a sincere disciple.  If not, then why did Jesus choose him?  John’s Gospel tells how Jesus all along recognized Judas’ evil nature (6:67-71).  Still, Judas might have shown some promise when Jesus selected him for his inner core of disciples.

We should be careful not to write off anyone as irredeemably good or bad.  All of us are capable of a deed as wicked as Judas’ betrayal.  Conversely, any of us may develop the courage to stand with Jesus at the cross like the beloved disciple.  Prayer to a good extent will determine what kind of acts we shall do and what kind of people we will become.  We want to ask God for a heart that marvels at His generosity to us and takes pity on those who suffer. 

Monday, April 14, 2025

Monday of Holy Week

(Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11)

“…the house was filled with the fragrance of oil.”  What the evangelist seems to say here is that the world will be soon filled with awe. Jesus, a young man who has never done anything to regret, takes upon himself the sins of the world. He will die shortly on the cross in a sacrifice so great that it justifies a world of sinners.

By his act of subjection to the Father, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah in today’s first reading.  His goodness is like a light that opens the eyes of the world.  The giving up of self for the benefit of others brings people out of the confinement of themselves. They see the unsurpassable beauty of selfless love.

As we have benefited from Christ’s love, we should tell others about it.  This is best done by imitation.  It is not easy to give of self for the sake of others, but it has lasting benefit.  It facilitates their salvation as it moves us along the path of eternal life.


Sunday, April 13, 2025

 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

(Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56)

The Passion of Jesus in the Gospel according to Luke stands out for several reasons. Among others, it has what one biblical scholar calls “the most beautiful sentence in the Passion Narratives.” It has practical lessons as well. We can extract from the narrative a way of dying that is peaceful and perfect. Here we will try to name the elements of a happy death in Saint Luke’s version of Christ’s Passion.

As he goes to his death, Jesus never stops thinking of others. The women weeping by the side of the road desire to show solidarity with Jesus. But knowing that their children will experience injustices similar to his, Jesus comforts them. “Do not weep for me,” he says, “weep for yourselves and for your children.” Even more magnanimous, Jesus promises the criminal who admits his sin a place in eternal life.

We too should desire to die helping others. If we have possessions, we could leave some to charity. It will also be eminently helpful to share our affection with our loved ones. Once a dying mother called to her deathbed each of her nine children one by one. She told each of her love and hopes for him or her. Of course, we don't have to wait until we have a fatal diagnosis to tell our loved ones of our affection.

In dying on the cross, Jesus not only rewards those who respond favorably to him but also blesses his executioners. Without a doubt, his words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," command our attention. They are both the most beautiful and most quoted of the Savior's "seven last words."

We must be just as noble when we are about to die. Forgiveness is what defines God's love. A poet wrote, "To err is human; to forgive divine." Jesus insists that we will not be forgiven for our sins if we do not forgive our offenders. If they do not ask for our forgiveness, we should at least pray for them. We could ask the Lord to move them to repentance. At the time of our death, we should also confess our sins to a priest if possible.

Finally, we want to die placing our trust in God. Jesus does this with the metaphor: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit!" He is certain that the care the Father gave him through the angel on the Mount of Olives, as at every step of his mission, will not dry up at his death. Quite the contrary, it will raise him to glory.

In our secular age, doubts can crowd our minds like clouds in the sky on a spring day.  Atheists and materialists are everywhere, challenging those who believe and pray. However, especially when death approaches, we want to dispel our doubts with an act of faith. God exists, and he loves us. Let us be clear and firm about this. Then, we can die in peace.

Friday, April 11, 2025

 

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

(Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42)

In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus cannot cure the sick unless they believe in him.  The gospel of John sees his cures and other marvelous deeds differently.  They are signs to induce belief in him as God’s agent.  In today’s passage from John the Jews reject him despite the many signs he has worked.

As with Jeremiah in the first reading, the Jews have turned their minds and hearts against Jesus.  He would gladly have the Father dwell in them as He does in himself.  But, blinded by evil, they want to kill him.

Jesus will make the same offer to his disciples at the Last Supper and now to us.  If we follow his ways, we will experience the Father’s bliss.  It is the culmination of the spiritual life.  It begins here with the experience of God’s joy, peace, and love.  And it reaches completion beyond death in the glory of the resurrection. 

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

(Genesis 17:3-9; John 8:51-59)

The bitter debate in today’s gospel between Jesus and “the Jews” likely reflects early New Testament times.  The Jews were reforming after the destruction of the Temple.  They saw Christians of Jewish heritage as apostates.  Like those in the passage attempting to stone Jesus, later Jews wanted to remove Christians from their synagogues.

Today many educational and commercial leaders have dismissed Christian beliefs as false claims.  Like “the Jews” of the gospel they do not believe that Jesus was divine or, for that matter, that a personal God exists.  They don’t accept his resurrection and ridicule the Eucharist as “hocus pocus.”  Particularly at this time of year Christians need to renew their commitment to Christ.

At the Mass on Easter we do just that.  Renewing our Baptismal vows, we, like Jesus responding to “the Jews,” declare our belief in a merciful God who became like us so that we may be like Him.  Like the founders of the American republic to the government they created, we pledge “our lives, our fortunes, and our honor” to our faith in Jesus Christ.


Wednesday, April 9, 2025

 Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

 (Daniel 3:14-20.91-92.95; John 8:31-42)

"There is not any reasoning which can convince me, contrary to my senses, that three is one, and one three," wrote Abigail Adams rejecting the Christian doctrine of the Trinity.  She was not a theologian but the upright, intelligent wife of the second president of the United States.  The same difficulty vexes anyone who relies on common sense.   It is why the Jews reject Jesus in the Gospel of John.

The Jews know where Jesus is leading them when he says in today’s gospel, “I tell what I have seen in the Father’s presence…”  Earlier in the gospel it was stated that they tried to kill Jesus because he “called God his own father, making himself equal to God.”  Being monotheists, as today’s first reading amply testifies, they will not tolerate any suggestion of two Gods.  Neither should Christians.

It is hardly imaginable, much less intuitive, how the Son and the Father are one God.  Virtually skipping logic, we call it “mystery” but hold to the concept firmly as the guarantor of our redemption.  Indeed, we posit a third figure of the one God, the Holy Spirit who completes the work of our salvation.  It is because Jesus is God that his death and resurrection have universal application.  It is because he is God with the Father that our deaths as well will blossom into resurrection.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

 

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

(Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30)

The Israelites were not lost in the desert.  They did not need forty years to reach their goal.  They required such a lengthy time to be transformed into God’s people.   Today’s first reading presents a critical lesson in their transformation. 

God’s merciful hand has fed the Israelites.  Still, eating the same fare everyday is trying.  When they grumble, God sends poisonous snakes to teach them humility and patience.  Beyond the hard lesson, God shows mercy again.  He cures those bitten by the serpents when they look upon an image of what caused them misery.

In the gospel Jesus predicts a similar salutary effect when he is lifted on the cross.  Those who look on him should realize how he is there to replace them.  We are the ones who have sinned and deserve death.  However, Jesus, innocent of all crime, has taken our place in the death chamber.  Above all, he deserves our thanks, praise, and imitation.

Monday, April 7, 2025

 

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

(Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62; John 8:12-20)

Jesus calls himself “the light of the world.”  He means that he brings clarity to a confused society.  Like Daniel in today’s first reading, Jesus enables the people to discern truth from falsehood.  On the surface Susanna, a beautiful woman who dismisses her servants, seems like an adulteress.  Likewise, the elderly men appear honorable.  Fortunately, Daniel discerns who is guilty and who is innocent.

In today’s gospel Jesus is in the position of Susanna.  At this point in the gospel his opponents have motives to want him dead.  He is winning the hearts of the people with his cures, his teaching, and his claim to be God’s Son.  When Jesus is raised both on the cross and from the dead, he will cast full light on the situation.  He will be vindicated of crime and, indeed, recognized as Savior of the world.  On the other hand, his accusers will be recognized as manipulators.

We will see the drama of Jesus’ trial and triumph unfold during Holy Week.  It is more than interesting.  It is our salvation if we recommit ourselves to him.  Let us prepare to do just that.

Sunday, April 6, 2025

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

(Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:7-14; John 8:1-11)

We are nearing the end of Lent. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The light shines with the hope that we may be renewed people. Our fat is not as limp as before. Our speech has been purified. We perform works of mercy with less resistance. But it is not yet time to cease the struggle. We must run the entire course as marathoners must complete 42 kilometers.

To take advantage of today's readings, let us reflect on a now famous saying. It is not from the Bible, Shakespeare or the sages of antiquity. It is attributed to the English Catholic playwright Oscar Wilde, although it is not exactly found in his writings. Nevertheless, it is full of wisdom as if it came from the lips of Mother Teresa. The saying goes, “Every saint has a past; every sinner has a future.” That is, saints were not born saints. They became so by overcoming temptations like those which confront us. Sinners, too, once they recognize their offenses, can reform and become saints.

Saint Paul was not always an apostle of Jesus Christ. In fact, he knew himself as Christ’s number one enemy. He persecuted Christ by imprisoning Christians. Then, he met the risen Lord in an unexpected encounter. As today's second reading says, “Christ has won me over.” It's not that he changed Paul’s life in the sense that he lost his zeal. But he directed his zeal in the opposite direction. Instead of persecuting Christ, Christ became the sole focus of his life. Instead of punishing Christians, he created them through his preaching. Instead of hating Christ, he wanted a “sharing of his sufferings.”

The woman who confronts Jesus in the Gospel committed a grave sin. Although adultery is not the worst of sins, its effects can be disastrous. It can destroy marriages and will undermine the upbringing of children. Furthermore, it leads other couples to suspicion and distrust. But this woman is not the only sinner in the Temple area that day. Jesus' challenge to the Pharisees reveals that they too have sinned.

Jesus offers the woman an opportunity to repent. As he will say in the next chapter of the Gospel according to John, he came not to "judge" (that is, to condemn), but to save. The woman, now forgiven by Jesus, has an open future. Now she can choose the path of holiness.

The first reading from Second Isaiah proclaims the spirit of Easter. God is “doing something new." He is, as it were, creating "a path in the mighty waters " of the sea of evil that often characterizes the world. Instead of giving in to impure, greedy, or aggressive desires, we live differently. Our hope is not in “happy thoughts” like partying and telling jokes. Rather, it is the fulfilling of the deepest longings of our hearts. We are looking forward to a life that knows no disappointment, much less death. We are talking about the reunion with our loved ones who have departed from the earth. Above all, we have in mind knowledge of Christ, our teacher, redeemer, and truest friend.

Yes, eternal life sometimes seems impossible. But the apostles have attested with their lives that this goal is achievable. Only with Christ, who has justified us and provides us with the Holy Spirit, is it possible. Only with the power of his resurrection can we be changed into God’s true sons and daughters.

Friday, April 4, 2025

 Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

(Wisdom 2:1a.12-22; John 71-2.10.25-30)

In today’s gospel the people of Jerusalem are divided on Jesus’ identity.  Some believe him to be the Messiah sent from God.  Others find that proposition impossible.  They say that since they know where Jesus comes from, he cannot be from God.  Then Jesus declares himself.

He says that the people only think they know him.  They may say that he comes from Nazareth.  But he has origins beyond that town or the world, for that matter.  He came from God with a mission to carry out.  Until that mission is accomplished, he cannot be detained.

Many today similarly question Jesus’ identity.  They see him as a human person without a divine nature.  They often admire his wisdom but cannot accept his resurrection from the dead.  This makes a convenient argument for those who do not want to comply with his teaching.  However, those who believe he comes from God know that his ways will bring them happiness.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

 

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

(Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47)

In the Book of Deuteronomy (18,15) Moses promises the people a prophet like himself.  He says that the Lord will put His words into the prophet’s mouth.  Furthermore, the Lord will hold responsible anyone who does not heed the prophet’s teaching.

In today’s gospel Jesus claims to be the prophet Moses spoke of.  The Jews harassing him, of course, do not accept him so.  But, as if it were a court case, Jesus piles on evidence.  John testified to Jesus calling him the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Jesus’ cures give witness to his being sent by God.  More vivid testimony yet will be his death on the cross and his resurrection.  Finally, the Father has given testimony in the many prophecies that described his coming and his mission.

We must ask ourselves if we accept Jesus.  We say we do.  But do we love our enemies as he taught? Do we tell about him as our Savior and our friend to others?  If we have not added our testimony to the list Jesus gives, let us try to do so.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

 

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

(Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30)

The law prohibiting work on the sabbath is derived from the Third Commandment.  Rabbis, however, were aware that God needs to work on the sabbath to prevent the world from falling apart.  Jesus uses this awareness to defend his curing the paralytic on a sabbath.  He tells the Jews that as God’s Son, he too can work on the sabbath.  He only does what he sees the Father doing – giving life.  Of course, the Jews hear Jesus as blaspheming.  How can a man – they think – make himself out to be God?

In Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin in Matthew, Mark, and Luke he is condemned for equating himself with God.  John does not have a Jewish trial, but he repeatedly has scenes like this one.  On some of these occasions the Jews try to kill him. In this way John verifies what happens at the Jewish trial.

As Jesus invites the Jews to believe in him, so he wants us to believe. We ask ourselves, is he the Son of God, equal to the Father?  Or is he an imposter or, perhaps, a lunatic?  Many people have difficulty accepting Jesus as God.  Some of these consider the ethic that he preached too restrictive.  Hopefully, we will accept Jesus because the ethic is life-giving not detracting. It brings not only fulfilment on earth but also happiness in heaven.