April 30, 2014

April 30

April 30, 2014:  Wednesday, 2nd week of Easter

Readings
Liberation of St. Peter a la ter Brugghen [More]

  • Acts 5:17-26  The Sadducees jailed the Apostles, but an angel opened the prison doors and led them out.  They went to the temple and taught.  After the Sanhedrin sent for them, the officers returned to say, “We found the jail locked and the guards stationed, but no one inside,” then someone reported, “They're teaching at the temple.”  Then the officers brought them, but without force because they feared being stoned.
  • Ps 34:2-9  "The Lord hears the cry of the poor."  Glorify the Lord; he answered and delivered me.  Look to him and be radiant with joy; the angel of the Lord delivers those who fear him.  Taste and see how good the Lord is. 
  • Jn 3:16-21  God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so everyone who believes might have life.  God sent his Son to save, not condemn, the world.  The light came, but people preferred darkness; whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so their works may be seen as done in God.
Pope Francis
  • Audience:  The Holy Spirit's gift of understanding is grace to awaken Christians' ability to go beyond appearances to the depths of God’s thoughts and plan of salvation.  "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him, this God has revealed to us through the Spirit" (1 Cor 2:9-10).  Understanding allows us to see as God does.  Jesus sent the Spirit so we could have this beautiful gift that brings us into intimacy with God and helps us understand history.
Wordle: Readings 4-30-14
Word cloud of today's readings
When the Spirit dwells in and enlightens us, we grow in understanding of what God said and did.  If we read the Gospel with this gift, we understand the depth of God's words.  When the Lord explained the scriptures to the disciples en route to Emmaus, their minds were opened (Lk 24:13-27).  We can't recognize the Lord by ourselves, but when we welcome the Spirit, we receive new light and enjoy what God reveals and rejoice in all he does.  Lord, give us this gift!
    Music
    Liberación de San Pedro/ Murillo
    [Still more]
    Reflections
      • Creighton:  “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”  What will we do with the light we have:  suppress it out of fear, or live in it despite fear?
      • One Bread One Body:  The world puts Christians in jails of "acceptable behavior,"  but Jesus sets us free.
          • Passionist:  Love includes forgiveness.  The apostles let Jesus down, but instead of telling them, "You're a disappointment; I'm going to round up new followers and try again," he said, "Peace!"  They could proclaim reconciliation and forgiveness because they experienced it.
          • DailyScripture.net:  Love is manifested in the giver's sacrifice.  God proved his love for us by giving us his only Son.  Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac prefigures God's sacrifice of Jesus.  God gives us freedom to choose whom/what we'll love.
          • Moved to greater love, to reach out to people around me who seem alienated, disillusioned or hopeless:  What's the central piece of good news that energizes my life and that I want to share?  What  setbacks/struggles has God been using to make me a better minister of his mercy and love?
          • Universalis:  Pope St. Pius V, Dominican, reformer; Bl. Marie of the Incarnation, businesswoman, religious
            Bonus
            Apparel

            • "Caged lion" pin:  cage bars look like prison bars (1st reading)
            • "Angel" pin:  the angel of the Lord (1st reading, psalm)
            • "Hearts" tie:  God so loved the world... (gospel)
            • "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  Holy Spirit's gift of understanding (papal audience)
            • White in shirt:  color of day/Easter season
            Dress your life!
            Posted by at

            No comments:

            Post a Comment

            Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)