Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
Lectionary: 269
Lectionary: 269
The high priest rose up and all
his companions,
that is, the party of the Sadducees,
and, filled with jealousy,
laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail.
But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison,
led them out, and said,
“Go and take your place in the temple area,
and tell the people everything about this life.”
When they heard this,
they went to the temple early in the morning and taught.
When the high priest and his companions arrived,
they convened the Sanhedrin,
the full senate of the children of Israel,
and sent to the jail to have them brought in.
But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison,
so they came back and reported,
“We found the jail securely locked
and the guards stationed outside the doors,
but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”
When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report,
they were at a loss about them,
as to what this would come to.
Then someone came in and reported to them,
“The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area
and are teaching the people.”
Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them,
but without force,
because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
that is, the party of the Sadducees,
and, filled with jealousy,
laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail.
But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison,
led them out, and said,
“Go and take your place in the temple area,
and tell the people everything about this life.”
When they heard this,
they went to the temple early in the morning and taught.
When the high priest and his companions arrived,
they convened the Sanhedrin,
the full senate of the children of Israel,
and sent to the jail to have them brought in.
But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison,
so they came back and reported,
“We found the jail securely locked
and the guards stationed outside the doors,
but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”
When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report,
they were at a loss about them,
as to what this would come to.
Then someone came in and reported to them,
“The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area
and are teaching the people.”
Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them,
but without force,
because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
Responsorial
Psalm34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry
of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaJN 3:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God so love the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God so love the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 3:16-21
God so loved the world that he
gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Wednesday (April 22): "For God so loved the world
that he gave us his only son"
Meditation: True love doesn't count the cost; it
gives liberally. A true lover gives the best he has to offer and
everthing he has for the beloved. God proved his love
for us by giving us the best he had to offer -- his only begotten Son who
freely gave himself as an offering to God for our sake and as the atoning
sacrifice for our sin and the sin of the world. Abraham's willing
sacrifice of his only son, Isaac prefigures the perfect offering and sacrifice
of God's beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage in the gospel
of John tells us of the great breadth and width of God's love. Not an excluding
love for just a few or for a single nation, but a redemptive love that embraces
the whole world, and a personal love for each and every individual whom God has
created. God is a loving Father who cannot rest until his wandering children
have returned home to him. Saint Augustine says, God loves each one of
us as if there were only one of us to love. God gives us the freedom to
choose whom and what we will love. Jesus shows us the paradox of love and
judgment. We can love the darkness of sin and unbelief or we can love the
light of God's truth, beauty, and goodness. If our love is guided by what
is true, and good and beautiful then we will choose for God and love him above
all else. What we love shows what we prefer. Do love God above all else?
Does he take first place in your life, in your thoughts, and actions?
"Lord Jesus Christ, your love is better than life itself.
May your love consume and tranform my life that I may desire you above all
else. Help me to love what you love, to desire what you desire, and to reject
what you reject".
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager, whose website is
located at: http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/readings/
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, JOHN 3:16-21
EASTER WEEKDAY
(Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34)
EASTER WEEKDAY
(Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life" (v.16).
TO KNOW: John 3:16 is often called the essence of the gospel. This text tells us that the Father sent the Son out of love for the world. Although there was judgment, there was mercy. God did not come to condemn the world but to save it (v.17). When the Pharisee Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, Jesus told him that God's love for the world was so great, that God sent the Son to save the world from sin and death. Everyone has the opportunity to respond to Jesus by acknowledging him as their Savior. Those who refuse to come into the light do so out of fear that their evil deeds might be exposed. God's verdict has already been pronounced upon those who "prefer darkness to light" (v.19). They bring condemnation upon themselves for their refusal to believe. But those who believe in God's Son should have no fear of the light. They have the indwelling Spirit to guide them so that their deeds will be done according to God's truth.
TO LOVE: Do I help enlighten those who are in the darkness of unbelief?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, banish any darkness from my soul.
Earth Day
Earth Day is observed each year by the United Nations and by people around the world acting as responsible trustees of the earth. All individuals and institutions have a mutual responsibility to act as guardians of the earth, seeking the choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, foster peaceful progress, awaken the wonder of life, and realize the best potential for the future of humanity.
God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” (Genesis 1:27-28).
Wednesday 22 April 2020
Acts 5:17-26. The Lord hears the cry of the poor –
Psalm 33(34):2-9. John 3:16-21.
‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.’
‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.’
To give his only Son was indeed the greatest gift of love on
God’s part. When we realise that this love was freely given, the magnitude of
it all hits home to us. Attached to this gift was God’s promise that ‘whoever
believes in him may not die but may have eternal life’. Jesus is sent not as
judge but as Saviour.
To reap the reward of God’s promise, we, on our part, are
invited to believe in Jesus as Son of God. We are also told to turn away from
darkness by doing what is true and so come to the light. Obedience to God is
the way to the light and away from darkness.
Lord God, we pray for the grace of ongoing belief in Jesus as
Son of God. Give us the grace of perseverance in truly seeking the light.
Saint Adalbert of Prague
Saint of the Day for April 22
(956 – April 23, 997)
 |
| Statue of Saint Adalbert of Prague near Church of the Visitation of Our Lady in Hluboké Mašůvky, Znojmo District | photo by Jiří Sedláček |
Saint Adalbert of Prague’s Story
Opposition to the Good News of Jesus did not discourage
Adalbert, who is now remembered with great honor in the Czech Republic, Poland,
Hungary, and Germany.
Born to a noble family in Bohemia, he received part of his
education from Saint Adalbert of Magdeburg. At the age of 27, he was
chosen as bishop of Prague. Those who resisted his program of clerical reform
forced him into exile eight years later.
In time, the people of Prague requested his return as their
bishop. Within a short time, however, he was exiled again after excommunicating
those who violated the right of sanctuary by dragging a woman accused of
adultery from a church and murdering her.
After a short ministry in Hungary, he went to preach the Good
News to people living near the Baltic Sea. He and two companions were martyred
by pagan priests in that region. Adalbert’s body was immediately ransomed and
buried in the Gniezno, Poland, cathedral. In the mid-11th century his relics
were moved to Saint Vitus Cathedral in Prague. His Liturgical Feast
day is April 23.
Reflection
Preaching the Good News can be dangerous work whether the
audience is already baptized or not. Adalbert fearlessly preached Jesus’ gospel
and received a martyr’s crown for his efforts. Similar zeal has created modern
martyrs in many places, especially in Central and South America. Some of those
martyrs grew up in areas once evangelized by Adalbert.
Lectio Divina: John 3:16-21
Lectio Divina
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Easter Time
1) Opening prayer
Lord our God,
You loved the world - that is us - so much
that You gave us Your only Son
to save us from ourselves
You loved the world - that is us - so much
that You gave us Your only Son
to save us from ourselves
and to give us eternal life. Do not condemn us, Lord,
do not leave us to ourselves
and to our little schemes
but give us Your Son now to stay with us
and to make love and justice and peace
ever new realities among us,
Your people reborn in Your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
do not leave us to ourselves
and to our little schemes
but give us Your Son now to stay with us
and to make love and justice and peace
ever new realities among us,
Your people reborn in Your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - John 3:16-21
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so
that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the
world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be
condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he
has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the
verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to
light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates
the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be
exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may
be clearly seen as done in God.
3) Reflection
• John’s Gospel is like a fabric or cloth made of three
different, but similar, threads. The three of them are so well combined
with one another that, sometimes, it is not possible to understand when one
goes from one thread to the other. (a) The first thread is the facts and words
of Jesus during the thirty years, preserved by the eye witnesses who kept the
things which Jesus did and taught. (b) The second thread is the facts of the
life of the community. Because of their faith in Jesus and convinced of His
presence among them, the communities enlightened their path with the words and
the gestures of Jesus. This has some impact on the description of the facts.
For example, the conflict of the communities with the Pharisees at the end of
the first century marks the way of describing the conflicts of Jesus with the
Pharisees. (c) The comments made by the Evangelist are the third thread. In
some passages it is difficult to perceive when Jesus ceases to speak and the
Evangelist begins to weave his own comments. The text of today’s Gospel, for
example, is a beautiful and profound reflection of the Evangelist on the action
of Jesus. The people can hardly notice the difference between when Jesus speaks
and when the Evangelist does. In any case, both of them are Word of God.
• John 3:16: God loved the world. The word world is one of those words used more frequently in the Gospel of John: 78 times! It has several meanings. In the first place world may signify the earth, the space inhabited by human beings (Jn 11:9; 21:25) or also the created universe (Jn 17:5, 24) World can also mean the people who inhabit this earth, all of humanity (Jn 1:9; 3:16; 4:42; 6:14; 8:12). It can also mean a large group of people, as when we speak of “the whole world” (Jn 12:19; 14:27). Here, in our text the word world also has the sense of humanity, all human beings. God so loves humanity that He gave His only Son. The one who accepts that God reaches down to us in Jesus has already passed through death and has eternal life.
• John 3:17-19: The true sense of judgment. The image of God which appears in the three verses is that of a Father full of tenderness and not of a severe judgment. God sends His Son not to judge and condemn the world, but in order that the world may be saved through Him. The one who believes in Jesus and accepts Him as the revelation of God is not judged, because he is already accepted by God. And the one who does not believe in Jesus has already been judged. He excludes himself. And the Evangelist repeats what he had already said in the Prologue: many people do not want to accept Jesus, because His light reveals the evil which exists in them (cf. Jn 1:5, 10-11).
• John 3:20-21: To practice truth: In every human being, there is a divine seed, a trait of the Creator. Jesus, the revelation of the Father, is a response to this deepest desire of the human being. The one who wants to be faithful to what he has deepest in him accepts Jesus. It is difficult to find a broader ecumenical vision than the one expressed in these three verses in the Gospel of John.
• To complete the significance of the word world in the Fourth Gospel. Other times the word world means that part of humanity opposed to Jesus and to His message. There the word world assumes the meaning of “enemies” or “opponents” (Jn 7:4,7; 8:23, 26; 9:39; 12:25). This world which is contrary to the practice of the liberty of Jesus, is directed by the enemy, or Satan, also called the “prince of this world” (Jn 14:30; 16:11). It represents the Roman Empire and, at the same time, also those Jews responsible for driving out the followers of Jesus from the synagogue. This world persecutes and kills the communities, causing tribulations for the faithful (Jn 16:33). Jesus will liberate them, conquering the prince of this world (Jn 12:31). Therefore, world means a situation of injustice, of oppression, which generates hatred and persecution against the communities of the beloved disciple. The persecutors are those people who have the power, the leaders, both of the Empire and of the synagogue. Lastly, world means all those who practice injustice using the name of God (Jn 16:2). The hope which the Gospel gives to the persecuted communities is that Jesus is stronger than the world. This is why He says: “In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous, I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33)
• John 3:16: God loved the world. The word world is one of those words used more frequently in the Gospel of John: 78 times! It has several meanings. In the first place world may signify the earth, the space inhabited by human beings (Jn 11:9; 21:25) or also the created universe (Jn 17:5, 24) World can also mean the people who inhabit this earth, all of humanity (Jn 1:9; 3:16; 4:42; 6:14; 8:12). It can also mean a large group of people, as when we speak of “the whole world” (Jn 12:19; 14:27). Here, in our text the word world also has the sense of humanity, all human beings. God so loves humanity that He gave His only Son. The one who accepts that God reaches down to us in Jesus has already passed through death and has eternal life.
• John 3:17-19: The true sense of judgment. The image of God which appears in the three verses is that of a Father full of tenderness and not of a severe judgment. God sends His Son not to judge and condemn the world, but in order that the world may be saved through Him. The one who believes in Jesus and accepts Him as the revelation of God is not judged, because he is already accepted by God. And the one who does not believe in Jesus has already been judged. He excludes himself. And the Evangelist repeats what he had already said in the Prologue: many people do not want to accept Jesus, because His light reveals the evil which exists in them (cf. Jn 1:5, 10-11).
• John 3:20-21: To practice truth: In every human being, there is a divine seed, a trait of the Creator. Jesus, the revelation of the Father, is a response to this deepest desire of the human being. The one who wants to be faithful to what he has deepest in him accepts Jesus. It is difficult to find a broader ecumenical vision than the one expressed in these three verses in the Gospel of John.
• To complete the significance of the word world in the Fourth Gospel. Other times the word world means that part of humanity opposed to Jesus and to His message. There the word world assumes the meaning of “enemies” or “opponents” (Jn 7:4,7; 8:23, 26; 9:39; 12:25). This world which is contrary to the practice of the liberty of Jesus, is directed by the enemy, or Satan, also called the “prince of this world” (Jn 14:30; 16:11). It represents the Roman Empire and, at the same time, also those Jews responsible for driving out the followers of Jesus from the synagogue. This world persecutes and kills the communities, causing tribulations for the faithful (Jn 16:33). Jesus will liberate them, conquering the prince of this world (Jn 12:31). Therefore, world means a situation of injustice, of oppression, which generates hatred and persecution against the communities of the beloved disciple. The persecutors are those people who have the power, the leaders, both of the Empire and of the synagogue. Lastly, world means all those who practice injustice using the name of God (Jn 16:2). The hope which the Gospel gives to the persecuted communities is that Jesus is stronger than the world. This is why He says: “In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous, I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33)
4) Personal questions
• God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Has this
truth penetrated the depth of your heart? Can we imagine sacrificing someone we
love for a cause?
• The most ecumenical truth that exists is the life which God has given us and for which He has given His only Son. How do I live ecumenism in my daily life?
• The most ecumenical truth that exists is the life which God has given us and for which He has given His only Son. How do I live ecumenism in my daily life?
• It is clear at the end of this passage that “belief in His
Son” does not just mean verbal acknowledgement. Believing also means believing
the way of life He points us to by following every instruction and motivation
He shares with us. Do we seek to know the wants, motivations, and actions He
shares with us to live, and do we fulfill them?
5) Concluding Prayer
I will bless Yahweh at all times,
His praise continually on my lips.
I will praise Yahweh from my heart;
let the humble hear and rejoice. (Ps 34:1-2)
His praise continually on my lips.
I will praise Yahweh from my heart;
let the humble hear and rejoice. (Ps 34:1-2)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét