Sixth Sunday of Easter

Here are the readings for Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 29, 2011:

Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17
Psalm 66: 1-7, 16, 20
1 Peter 3: 15-18
John 14: 15-21

Always be ready to give an explanation
to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
but do it with gentleness and reverence,
keeping your conscience clear,
so that, when you are maligned,
those who defame your good conduct in Christ
may themselves be put to shame. (1 Peter)

 Many of us are fans of drama. Focus on the bad news, show us the cat fights, tease us with scandal... that'll keep our interest! And yet the results of living a life empowered by God's Holy Spirit promise us "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, self-control" (Galatians 5: 22-23): ho-hum, that'll never make the evening news!

Think of this passage from 1 Peter, and of these fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians the next time you are tempted to argue/defend your faith with another. Matching stubbornness for stubbornness reveals nothing positive about the Body of Christ. Worrying about proving the other wrong illuminates little about the good in your own being. Certainly we are called to correct misconceptions, but always in a spirit of charity and patience, respecting as much as possible the good intentions that both sides hold (however hard they may be to see at the time!).  The way you live your faith each day speaks far more eloquently than thousands of words - may your life be a clear and joyful Gospel!

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Here are the readings for Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2011:

Acts 6: 1-7
Psalm 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19
1 Peter 2: 4-9
John 14: 1-12

You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises” of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter)

• What does this declaration and invitation mean for you?
• In what ways do you praise God by your life?
• How are you different now than you were one year ago?

Mystagogia meets this Sunday from 10:45-11:30am in the Living Room of the CARE Center.
Inquiry meets on Tuesday in the Living Room at 7pm.
The Catechumenate group meets on Tuesday at 7pm in Room 208.

120 Years of Catholic Social Teaching

May 15 marked the 120th anniversary of the papal encyclical Rerum Novarum (The Condition of Labor), and this link summarizes a panel presentation at a recent conference marking this significant occasion.

At its most basic, the consistent social teaching of the church (which itself is rooted in Scripture from Genesis onward) is concerned with five themes:

1. Affirming Human Dignity
2. Valuing Work
3. Developing the Common Good
4. Creating Justice
5. Building Peace

Please don't think, 'oh how sweet, a nod to an old, out of touch document' and head straight back to updating your Facebook page. Please go to this recent editorial to read snippets of how both Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI have continued and developed the tradition of social teaching, affirming the right of laborers to expect just wages and fair working conditions. This teachings may be a challenge to our American capitalist individualistic mindsets, but they are certainly rooted in the message of Jesus Christ - the One who brings us life in all its fullness!

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Catacomb of Callixtus, 3rd century Rome

Here are the readings for Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2011:

Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
Psalm 23: 1-6
1 Peter 2: 20b-25
John 10: 1-10


The earliest paintings depicting Jesus were not of his crucifixion, or the last supper, or even his resurrection or ascension, but rather this image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In first-century Palestine, the sheep would be gathered at night into an enclosed space with one opening but no gate. The shepherd would sleep across the opening, becoming himself the gate and defender of the sheep.

In today's gospel passage, the description of Jesus ... may be summed up as follows: he protects his followers daily by laying down his own life for them, he gathers them into a unique relationship with himself, and he guides them by leading the way. (Foundations in Faith, RCL)

• In what way does the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd comfort you? In what way does it challenge you?
• Where are you called to protect, guard and lead, in the manner of the Good Shepherd?

Mystagogia continues on May 15, 22 and June 5 and 12, from 10:45-11:30am.

Third Sunday of Easter

Here are the readings for Third Sunday of Easter, May 8, 2011:

Acts 2: 14, 22-33
Psalm 16: 1-2, 5, 7-11
1 Peter 1: 17-21
Luke 24: 13-35

You will show us the path of life proclaims the psalmist, and in our Gospel we find Jesus walking the path with his disciples helping them to understand, through the eyes of faith, the events they've just experienced.
 

As you read through this Gospel story of the appearance of Jesus on the road to Emmaus, consider the similarities to what we do when we gather for Mass: bringing our joys and sorrows of the week together, interpreting them in the light of Sacred Scripture, and recognizing Jesus' real presence among us in the Eucharistic meal. Note also that their response to this recognition is to run out and share the Good News (Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!!)

• How does the presence of Jesus help you live your faith?
• What happens when you are able to recognize the presence of Christ in your midst?

There is no Mystagogia session this Sunday (Happy Mother's Day!). We will see you all on May 15 at 10:45am in the Living Room of the CARE Center.

Inquiry is this Tuesday at 7pm. Please contact Cathy Rusin for more information.