JESUS WALKING ON THE LAKE

SATURDAY SECOND WEEK IN EASTER

MEN OF WISDOM AND GOOD REPUTATION

First Reading Acts 6:1-7  

They elected seven men full of the Holy Spirit

About this time, when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenists made a complaint against the Hebrews: in the daily distribution their own widows were being overlooked. So the Twelve called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom; we will hand over this duty to them, and continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.’  Lectures

The whole assembly approved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 

The word of the Lord continued to spread: the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly increased, and a large group of priests made their submission to the faith.

Responsorial Psalm: May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you 

Gospel  John 6:16-21 They saw Jesus walking on the lake

In the evening the disciples went down to the shore of the lake and got into a boat to make for Capernaum on the other side of the lake. It was getting dark by now and Jesus had still not rejoined them. The wind was strong, and the sea was getting rough. They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.’ They were for taking him into the boat, but in no time it reached the shore at the place they were making for. Reflections

Loving Father to serve you one must be of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and wisdom. Father I ask of you to give me your Holy Spirit that I may be qualified to serve in your household and family.  Inflame me by the Holy Spirit that I may follow the footsteps of my Master Jesus Christ.

You are compassionate and merciful, draw me closer to you. Fill me with your love. I offer you every challenge and situation that may seems overwhelming to me. Lord with you everything is possible. Lord you said 'Do not be afriad' give me the courage, take away every fear and anxiety from me.

Lord Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Guide and guard me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Hail Mary. Ave Maria. Hail Holy Queen. 

Your Birthday Saints: Sts. Pius V, Pope and Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, Priest. May they pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.

FIGHTING AGAINST GOD

FRIDAY SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

SUFFERING IN THE HONOR OF JESUS' CHRIST NAME

First Reading Acts Acts 5:34-42  Readings Lectures

They were glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name

One member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee called Gamaliel, who was a doctor of the Law and respected by the whole people, stood up and asked to have the apostles taken outside for a time. 

Then he addressed the Sanhedrin, ‘Men of Israel, be careful how you deal with these people. There was Theudas who became notorious not so long ago. He claimed to be someone important, and he even collected about four hundred followers; but when he was killed, all his followers scattered and that was the end of them. And then there was Judas the Galilean, at the time of the census, who attracted crowds of supporters; but he got killed too, and all his followers dispersed. What I suggest, therefore, is that you leave these men alone and let them go. If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.’ 

His advice was accepted; and they had the apostles called in, gave orders for them to be flogged, warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. And so they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name.

They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27

Gospel John 6:1-15 The feeding of the five thousand Reflections

Jesus went off to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, of Tiberias and a large crowd followed him, impressed by the signs he gave by curing the sick. Jesus climbed the hillside, and sat down there with his disciples. It was shortly before the Jewish feast of Passover. 

Looking up, Jesus saw the crowds approaching and said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?’ He only said this to test Philip; he himself knew exactly what he was going to do. Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would only buy enough to give them a small piece each.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?’ 

Jesus said to them, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass there, and as many as five thousand men sat down. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing gets wasted.’ 

So they picked them up, and filled twelve hampers with scraps left over from the meal of five barley loaves. The people, seeing this sign that he had given, said, ‘This really is the prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, who could see they were about to come and take him by force and make him king, escaped back to the hills by himself.

My God, may your Holy Spirit guide me, direct my actions. Father instruct me on your mysteries, about spiritual things and the knowledge of your existence. May I never argue or deny their existence. Most especially the mystery of Chirst's birth, his death, his resurrection and salvation. Father give me insight and knowledge of you and your Son Jesus Christ. 

Father increase my faith in the face of suffering and challenges. May I submit to your holy will, and offer them to you. May I willingly accept my share of suffering for my purification, sanctification and salvation. Father my provider I give you thanks for your Son Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Lord Jesus feed me. Make me generous. Make me humble.

Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me, guide and guard me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Ave Maria. Hail Mary. Hail Holy Queen. Blessed Virgin Mary bring us to your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Your Birthday Saint: St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor. May she pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.

DO NOT SPEAK IN HIS NAME

THURSDAY SECOND WEEK OF EASTER: GOD ENTRUSTED EVERYTHING TO CHRIST

First Reading Acts 5:27-33 

We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit

When the officials had brought the apostles in to face the Sanhedrin, the high priest demanded an explanation. ‘We gave you a formal warning’ he said ‘not to preach in this name, and what have you done? You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and seem determined to fix the guilt of this man’s death on us.’ In reply Peter and the apostles said, ‘Obedience to God comes before obedience to men; it was the God of our ancestors who raised up Jesus, but it was you who had him executed by hanging on a tree. By his own right hand God has now raised him up to be leader and saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins through him to Israel. We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ 

This so infuriated them that they wanted to put them to death.

 

Gospel John 3:31-36  The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him

John the Baptist said to his disciples:

‘He who comes from above is above all others;

he who is born of the earth is earthly himself

and speaks in an earthly way.

He who comes from heaven

bears witness to the things he has seen and heard,

even if his testimony is not accepted;

though all who do accept his testimony

are attesting the truthfulness of God,

since he whom God has sent

speaks God’s own words:

God gives him the Spirit without reserve.

The Father loves the Son

and has entrusted everything to him.

Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life,

but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life:

the anger of God stays on him

Loving Father, fury is deadly, unhealthy for the spirit, soul, mind, and body. It is an exhibition of jealousy, anger, hatred,  insecurity, that leads to lies, wickedness and evil.  Father deliver me, fill me with your Holy Spirit. 

Loving Father there are people who get angry at the mention of the name of your Son Jesus Christ. There are some who live in denial they say Jesus Christ is a myth that Christ birth never happened. Some do not respect His Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, yet they would'nt want any to disrespect their mothers.

Ready to believe lies and living in denial, your Holy Spirit speaks to our spirits and souls to convince us. Arrogance prevents us from accepting the truth. Father truth is truth. Truth can never hide. In the midst of denial - foolishness and evil are exposed. In our world today,  denial persists,  we experience it. Yet they do not believe in your Son Jesus Christ, some say it is a myth.

Holy Spirit, Spirit of God be our inspiration, teacher and guide. Make us witnesses of the true God, and His Son Jesus Christ for we will speak in His Holy Name. We believe in God, we believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God Most High.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God's Holy Angels pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Guide and guard me. Be my protection.

Pray the Holy Rosary. Ave Maria. Hail Mary. Hail Holy Queen.

Your Birthday Saints: Sts. St. Louis Grignion de Manfort, Priest. St. Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr. St. Gianna Beretta Molla, Laywoman and St. Pius V, Pope. May they pray for you as you celebrate your birthday today. May they pray for us also.

GOD GAVE US HIS SON JESUS CHRIST

WEDNESDAY SECOND WEEK OF EASTER: 

JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR

First Reading Acts 5:17-26 

The men you imprisoned are in the Temple, 

preaching to the people

The high priest intervened with all his supporters from the party of the Sadducees. Prompted by jealousy, they arrested the apostles and had them put in the common gaol. Readings

But at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison gates and said as he led them out, ‘Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new Life.’ They did as they were told; they went into the Temple at dawn and began to preach. Lectures

When the high priest arrived, he and his supporters convened the Sanhedrin this was the full Senate of Israel and sent to the gaol for them to be brought. But when the officials arrived at the prison they found they were not inside, so they went back and reported, ‘We found the gaol securely locked and the warders on duty at the gates, but when we unlocked the door we found no one inside.’ When the captain of the Temple and the chief priests heard this news they wondered what this could mean. Then a man arrived with fresh news. ‘At this very moment’ he said, ‘the men you imprisoned are in the Temple. They are standing there preaching to the people.’ The captain went with his men and fetched them. They were afraid to use force in case the people stoned them.

Gospel John 3 :16-21

God sent his Son into the world so that through him the world might be saved

Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved. No one who believes in him will be condemned; but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already, because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son. Reflections

On these grounds is sentence pronounced: that though the light has come into the world men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong  hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed; but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’

Loving Father thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to our world to save and redeem us. We believe that Jesus Christ is God's image, He is God. Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray to me. My Angel Guardian pray for  me. Protect me. Guide and guard me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Hail Mary. Ave Maria. Hail Holy Queen.

Your Birthday Saint: Saint Zita Lucca, Laywoman. May she pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

 TUESDAY SECOND WEEK IN EASTER: UNITY OF PURPOSE

First Reading Acts 4:32-37  Readings

The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul

The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common. Lectures

The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and they were all given great respect. 

None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any members who might be in need. 

There was a Levite of Cypriot origin called Joseph whom the apostles surnamed Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He owned a piece of land and he sold it and brought the money, and presented it to the apostles.

Gospel John 3:7-15 Reflections

No-one has gone up to heaven except the Son of Man who has come down from heaven

 Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘Do not be surprised when I say: You must be born from above. The wind blows wherever it pleases; you hear its sound,but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.That is how it is with all who are born of the Spirit.’

‘How can that be possible?’ asked Nicodemus. ‘You, a teacher in Israel, and you do not know these things!’ replied Jesus.‘I tell you most solemnly, we speak only about what we know and witness only to what we have seen and yet you people reject our evidence.

 If you do not believe me when I speak about things in this world, how are you going to believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’

Heavenly Father thank you for your Son Jesus Christ. Father unit all your creatures irrespective of our differences in religion, color, tribe, race and nationality. Make us one. May your Holy Spirit abide in us. Father pour out your Holy Spirit and recreate our world. Grant us peace in our hearts, in our families, in our homes and in our world.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Guide and guard me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary. Hail Mary. Ave Maria

Your Birthday Saint: Saint Pedro de San Jose B. Religious. May he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday today.

 

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST

MONDAY SECOND WEEK IN EASTER:  25/04/2022

GO OUT TO THE WHOLE WORLD PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS

First Reading 1 Peter 5:5-14  My son, Mark, sends you greetings Readings

All wrap yourselves in humility to be servants of each other, because God refuses the proud and will always favour the humble. Bow down, then, before the power of God now, and he will raise you up on the appointed day; unload all your worries on to him, since he is looking after you. Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith and in the knowledge that your brothers all over the world are suffering the same things. You will have to suffer only for a little while: the God of all grace who called you to eternal glory in Christ will see that all is well again: he will confirm, strengthen and support you. His power lasts for ever and ever. Amen. Lectures

I write these few words to you through Silvanus, who is a brother I know I can trust, to encourage you never to let go this true grace of God to which I bear witness.

Your sister in Babylon, who is with you among the chosen, sends you greetings; so does my son, Mark.   Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Responsorial Psalm: I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

Gospel Mark 16:15-20 Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News

Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them: 

‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’ 

And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Guide and guard me. God's Holy angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary. Ave Maria. Hail Mary.

Your Birthday Saint: St. Mark the Evengelist: May he pray for you as you celeberate your birthday.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER 

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD, 

HIS LOVE HAS NO END

First Reading  Acts 5:12-16 Readings 

The numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily

The faithful all used to meet by common consent in the Portico of Solomon. No one else ever dared to join them, but the people were loud in their praise and the numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily. So many signs and wonders were worked among the people at the hands of the apostles that the sick were even taken out into the streets and laid on beds and sleeping-mats in the hope that at least the shadow of Peter might fall across some of them as he went past. People even came crowding in from the towns round about Jerusalem, bringing with them their sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were cured. Lectures

Responsorial Psalm: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end

Second Reading  Apocalypse 1: 9-13, 17-19 I was dead, and now I am to live for ever and ever

My name is John, and through our union in Jesus I am your brother and share your sufferings, your kingdom, and all you endure. I was on the island of Patmos for having preached God’s word and witnessed for Jesus; it was the Lord’s day and the Spirit possessed me, and I heard a voice behind me, shouting like a trumpet, ‘Write down all that you see in a book.’ I turned round to see who had spoken to me, and when I turned I saw seven golden lamp-stands and, surrounded by them, a figure like a Son of man, dressed in a long robe tied at the waist with a golden girdle. Reflections

When I saw him, I fell in a dead faint at his feet, but he touched me with his right hand and said, ‘Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I am the Living One, I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and of the underworld. Now write down all that you see of present happenings and things that are still to come.’

Gospel John 20:19-31 Eight days later, Jesus came again and stood among them

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

‘As the Father sent me,

so am I sending you.’

After saying this he breathed on them and said:

‘Receive the Holy Spirit.

For those whose sins you forgive,

they are forgiven;

for those whose sins you retain,

they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: 

‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

Heavenly Father, my God thank you for your love and mercy that is enduring. Thank you for Jesus Christ your Son and our Lord. Lord Jesus Christ I believe and confess you as my Lord and Saviour. Jesus I trust in you.

Lord Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian protect me. Guide and guard me. Pray for me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Ave Maria. Hail Mary. Our Dearest Mother, bring us to your Son Jesus Christ our Brother.

WHAT IS RIGHT IN GOD'S EYES

SATURDAY WITHIN EASTER OCTAVE: 

GO OUT TO THE WHOLE WORLD 

AND PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS

First Reading Acts 4:13-21 

We cannot promise to stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard

The rulers, elders and scribes were astonished at the assurance shown by Peter and John, considering they were uneducated laymen; and they recognised them as associates of Jesus; but when they saw the man who had been cured standing by their side, they could find no answer. So they ordered them to stand outside while the Sanhedrin had a private discussion. ‘What are we going to do with these men?’ they asked. ‘It is obvious to everybody in Jerusalem that a miracle has been worked through them in public, and we cannot deny it. But to stop the whole thing spreading any further among the people, let us caution them never to speak to anyone in this name again.’ Lectures Readings

So they called them in and gave them a warning on no account to make statements or to teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John retorted, ‘You must judge whether in God’s eyes it is right to listen to you and not to God. We cannot promise to stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard.’ The court repeated the warnings and then released them; they could not think of any way to punish them, since all the people were giving glory to God for what had happened.

Responsorial Psalm: I will thank you, Lord, for you have given answer

Gospel Mark 16:9-15 Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News

Having risen in the morning on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared first to Mary of Magdala from whom he had cast out seven devils. She then went to those who had been his companions, and who were mourning and in tears, and told them. But they did not believe her when they heard her say that he was alive and that she had seen him.  Reflections

After this, he showed himself under another form to two of them as they were on their way into the country. These went back and told the others, who did not believe them either. 

Lastly, he showed himself to the Eleven themselves while they were at table. He reproached them for their incredulity and obstinacy, because they had refused to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. And he said to them, ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.’

God my Father, give me courage to do what is right in your eyes. I must not conform to happenings around me that are wrong in your eyes. Father it is hard to believe you are close by me when I am encoutering challenges. It is even harder to believe that Jesus Christ is ever ready to guide me. He is near to instruct me, my ears may be deaf, my understanding limited. 

I am not different from the his disciples and apostles. Sometimes I doubt the wilingness of Christ to assist me. I doubt his ability to save me in whatever challenge I am encountering. I sometimes forget that he has accomplished everything concerning my battle, my challenge and my salvation when he gave up himself for me, and his final word being 'It is Finish' Lord Jesus have pity upon me do not be impatient with me.  Lord I believe in your resurrection. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I will obey your command to share the good news. Merciful Lord be merciful upon me.

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for loving me. Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Guide and guard me. Be my protection. God's Holy Angels pray for me. 

Pray the Holy Rosary: Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ pray for me. Bring me to your Son Jesus Christ. Ave Maria. Hail Mary.

Your Birthday Saint: Saint George, Martyr. May he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday today.

THE REJECTED STONE

FRIDAY IN EASTER OCTAVE: IT IS THE LORD

First Reading Acts 4:1-12 

The name of Jesus Christ is the only one by which we can be saved

While Peter and John were talking to the people the priests came up to them, accompanied by the captain of the Temple and the Sadducees. They were extremely annoyed at their teaching the people the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead by proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. They arrested them, but as it was already late, they held them till the next day. But many of those who had listened to their message became believers, the total number of whom had now risen to something like five thousand. 

The next day the rulers, elders and scribes had a meeting in Jerusalem with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, Jonathan, Alexander and all the members of the high-priestly families. They made the prisoners stand in the middle and began to interrogate them, ‘By what power, and by whose name have you men done this?’ Readings, Lectures

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addressed them, ‘Rulers of the people, and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence, today. This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.’

Responsorial Psalm: The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone

Gospel John 21:1-14

Jesus stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples. It was by the Sea of Tiberias, and it happened like this: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two more of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ They replied, ‘We’ll come with you.’ They went out and got into the boat but caught nothing that night. Reflections

It was light by now and there stood Jesus on the shore, though the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. Jesus called out, ‘Have you caught anything, friends?’ And when they answered, ‘No’, he said, ‘Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll find something.’ So they dropped the net, and there were so many fish that they could not haul it in. The disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord.’ At these words ‘It is the Lord’, Simon Peter, who had practically nothing on, wrapped his cloak round him and jumped into the water. The other disciples came on in the boat, towing the net and the fish; they were only about a hundred yards from land. 

As soon as they came ashore they saw that there was some bread there, and a charcoal fire with fish cooking on it. Jesus said, ‘Bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore, full of big fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them; and in spite of there being so many the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples was bold enough to ask, ‘Who are you?’; they knew quite well it was the Lord. Jesus then stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus showed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead.

Loving Father, my God thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, the Stone Rejected, the Coner Stone, my Hope and my Redeemer. Thank you Lord. I give you all praise, adoration and worship. 

Lord Jesus Christ my Lord and Master you are with me to guide, to direct and to protect me. You are Emmanuel most times I fail to recognize your presence. Fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may  feel your presence. Lord each day you prepare a meal for me and invite me to dine with you in the celebration of the Holy Mass. Make me dispose to recieve you in the Holy Eucharist the spiritual food for my soul. Lord whenever I cannot receive you, may my spiritual communion unit me with you. May my spirit, the Holy Spirit remind me sayint 'It is the LORD'.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardina pray for me. Protect me. Guide and guard me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Ave Maria. Hail Mary. Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ bring me to your Son

Your Birthday Saint: St. Agapitus I, Pope. May he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.

THE HOLY ONE THE JUST ONE THE PRINCE OF LIFE

THURSDAY EASTER OCTAVE: FAITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

First Reading Acts 3:11-26 You killed the prince of life: God, however, raised him from the dead

Everyone came running towards Peter and John in great excitement, to the Portico of Solomon, as it is called, where the man was still clinging to Peter and John. When Peter saw the people he addressed them, ‘Why are you so surprised at this? Why are you staring at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or holiness? You are Israelites, and it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, who has glorified his servant Jesus, the same Jesus you handed over and then disowned in the presence of Pilate after Pilate had decided to release him. It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just One, you who demanded the reprieve of a murderer while you killed the prince of life. God, however, raised him from the dead, and to that fact we are the witnesses; and it is the name of Jesus which, through our faith in it, has brought back the strength of this man whom you see here and who is well known to you. It is faith in that name that has restored this man to health, as you can all see. Readings, Lectures

'Now I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, and so that the Lord may send the time of comfort. Then he will send you the Christ he has predestined, that is Jesus, whom heaven must keep till the universal restoration comes which God proclaimed, speaking through his holy prophets. Moses, for example, said: The Lord God will raise up a prophet like myself for you, from among your own brothers; you must listen to whatever he tells you. The man who does not listen to that prophet is to be cut off from the people. In fact, all the prophets that have ever spoken, from Samuel onwards, have predicted these days.

‘You are the heirs of the prophets, the heirs of the covenant God made with our ancestors when he told Abraham: in your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed. It was for you in the first place that God raised up his servant and sent him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.’

Responsorial Psalm: How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

Gospel Luke 24:35-48 

It is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead

The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread.  Reflections

They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes. 

Then he told them, ‘This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms has to be fulfilled.’ He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.’

God our Loving Father how great is your name  O Lord our God, through all the earth. Father whenever I disobey your word I am guilty. I have accused the Holy One, the Just One, your Son Jesus Christ. Forgive me for my igonorance of your Son Jesus. Father if I have the knowledge of the Sacrifice your Son offered in place of me, I must be careful in all my actions. I should strive to please you God my Father. In faith, through faith in Jesus Christ, and by his Holy name  Father I will overcome for I know and believe Christ is the Just One, he is the Prince of Life. He is the one all the prophets that have ever spoken, from Samuel onwards, have predicted to our present days.

Lord Jesus Christ open my heart, my mind to understand the scriptures. Holy Spirit instruct me that I may understand everything written about Christ according to the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms that is fulfilled through his coming, his death and resurrection.  Christ you are the Prince of Peace remove every fear, doubt and agitation from my heart. Holy Spirith come, guide and direct me. 

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Marybring me to your Son, pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Be my guide and guard. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Ave Maria. Hail Mary. Mother of Christ pray for us.

Your Birthday Saint. Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Bishop and Doctor. May he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.

SEVEN MILES FROM JERUSALEM TO EMMAUS

 WEDNESDAY OF EASTER: THE BEAUTIFUL GATE

First Reading Acts:1-10 

I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus, walk!

Once, when Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the prayers at the ninth hour, it happened that there was a man being carried past. He was a cripple from birth; and they used to put him down every day near the Temple entrance called the Beautiful Gate so that he could beg from the people going in. Readings When this man saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple he begged from them. Both Peter and John looked straight at him and said, ‘Look at us.’ He turned to them expectantly, hoping to get something from them, but Peter said, ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!’ Peter then took him by the hand and helped him to stand up. Lectures

Instantly his feet and ankles became firm, he jumped up, stood, and began to walk, and he went with them into the Temple, walking and jumping and praising God. Everyone could see him walking and praising God, and they recognised him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. They were all astonished and unable to explain what had happened to him.

Responsorial Psalm: Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice

Gospel Luke 24:13-35   They recognised him at the breaking of bread

Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, ‘You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.’ ‘What things?’ he asked. Reflections

‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ they answered ‘who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have gone by since it all happened; and some women from our group have astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, and when they did not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything exactly as the women had reported, but of him they saw nothing.’

Then he said to them, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself.

When they drew near to the village to which they were going, he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them. ‘It is nearly evening’ they said ‘and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’

They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, ‘Yes, it is true. The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.

Seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Seven means completion, yet the disciples were worried. The significance of seven did not make any impact. Sometimes we too experience this in our lives. We tend not to recognise those whom we may have come accross.

Each day, moment Christ is with us on our daily journey, we do not recognise him.  We call him Emmanuel God is with us, yet we carry all our challenges and burdens and do not realize his presence to bear them with us. His readiness to help us carry our burdens, fears and worries. His readiness to set us free.  We encounter him in the Holy Eucharist in the Holy Mass, it makes no meaning to us. Make me realise your presence in my life Lord Jesus Christ.

Help us Lord, bring us to you. Heavenly Father grant us your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. May we be admitted into your heavenly kingdom when we approach your beautiful gate where we will ever sing your praise and rejoice in your presence.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary bring me to your Son. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Be my guide and guard. God's Holy Angels pray for me

Pray the Holy Rosary: Ave Maria. Hail Mary.

Your Birthday Saint: St. Agnes of Montepulciano, Religious. May she pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.