3 AprilSunday of Divine Mercy
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn 20:21-23).
Communion Connection –
The disciples have remained closed up in the house, paralyzed by fear. Then, even though the doors were locked, the Risen Lord appeared in their midst, for no barrier could separate him from his friends any longer. The Risen Lord opened wide their hearts and the doors of their homes onto the whole world. Jesus had been sent by the Father to reconcile everyone with God and reunite humanity as one. Now it was up to his disciples – which includes us – to build up the Church. – adapted from the Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Word of Life http://www.focolare.org/en/news/2005/05/02/commento-di-chiara-lubich-alla-parola-di-vita-del-mese-di-maggio-2005/
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/my-lord-and-my-god/880/
10 AprilThird Sunday of Easter
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come, have breakfast.’ And none of the disciples dared to ask him, ’Who are you?’ because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead” (Jn 21:12-14).
Communion Connection –
“None of the disciples dared to ask him, ’Who are you?’ May others describe us in this same way! May all that we do reveal our “knowledge” of who Jesus is: our praying and singing at Mass, our listening r to God’s Word, our seeing and consuming the Eucharistic Communion. But also may we witness to our knowledge of the Lord when we give food to the hungry, visit the imprisoned, attend to the sick in our families and parish. When we witness to the risen Christ in all these ways we tell all the world that we know who Jesus is. He is near us. He is here. Alleluia!
Additional Catholic Resources:
17 AprilFourth Sunday of Easter
“Jesus said: ‘I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no can take them out of the Father’s hand’” (Jn 10:28-29).
Communion Connection –
Eternity and security: these are the treasured gifts and promises from our Shepherd and Savior. His love for us truly is beyond all telling. It is not only unconditional on His part – but He entirely spent Himself so that He could rightfully claim us for His own. Such love knows no bounds! We can rest peacefully at all times in the hand of God – and be His delight as we listen for His voice and follow Him.
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/victory-and-struggle/997/
24 AprilFifth Sunday of Easter
“Jesus said, ‘I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’”(Jn13:34-35).
Communion Connection –
In a community in which mutual love is the center, Jesus remains actively present. Throughout such community loving Jesus shows Himself to the world and continues to influence life. St. John gospel words, saw the Church’s supreme commandment as mutual love. The Church’s vocation is precisely this: to be communion, to be unity. So the true mark of authenticity Christian discipleship, the sign or “badge” identifying the Lord’s disciples, is mutual love. Christians are to be recognized by this sign. And, if it’s missing, the world will no longer find Jesus in the Church. – adapted from Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-great-story-comes-to-its-climax/998/