April 2017
2 April Fifth Sunday of Lent
“Jesus told Martha, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (Jn 11:25-26).
Communion Connection –
With these words Jesus is not denying that physical death exists, but he is telling us that physical death does not mean the loss of true Life. Through baptism, death will never again mean that existence is pointless; never will it be absurd anymore. Rather, through our clinging to the risen life of Jesus Christ, we die to ourselves so that Christ, the risen Lord, may live in us even now. -adapted from Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
Word of Life – http://www.focolare.org/en/news/1999/03/01/marzo-1999/
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron - https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/treating-death-as-a-trifle/1029/
9 April Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
“Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins’” (Mt 26:27-28).
Communion Connection –
“Drink from it, all of you….” This simple phrase contains an incredible invitation, an overwhelming responsibility, a holy mandate. Through these words, as a result of God’s grace and our inclusion in the communion with God and one another made possible through our baptism and life in the Church, we play a part in the redemptive plan of salvation. Jesus invites us to be one with him, to be reconciled in all things through him, and to join him in his work of love and service so as to build the Kingdom of God in our midst.
Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron - https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-one-who-journeys-into-the-far-country/534/
Order of Carmelites - http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-palm-sunday
16 April Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
“And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me’” (Mt 28:9-10).
Communion Connection –
It is striking that Jesus continually meets people where they are. These women were already running to the disciples because they were commanded by the angel to take word to the disciples – but still Jesus himself meets them along the way. It can serve as a reminder of the two lessons learned through "Church@Home" this Lent: to be confident that he loves us and will find us – and also to do the same for others, and to go out to meet them where they are. Encounter!
Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-great-hope-of-easter/1030/
Order of Carmelites – http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-resurrection-lord
23 April Sunday 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’” (Jn 20:21-22).
Communion Connection –
To fulfill this mandate of the Lord, we have to act in such a way that he may live in us: By being living members of the Church, and by evangelizing ourselves (renewing our faith) first of all. We make our love concrete by giving and responding to those in need, and providing support to those undergoing a time of trial. Living in this way we will allow others to experience (evangelize) what a redeeming figure Jesus is and, by becoming like Christ, we will give our contribution to the continuation of his work. – adapted from 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 – https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-risen-christ-in-the-midst-of-his-church/925/
30 April Third Sunday of Easter
“And it happened that while they were conversing and debating Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him” (Lk 24:15-16).
Communion Connection –
The disciples were engaged in conversation, but something kept them from recognizing the very one in their midst whom they professed to put their hope in as Savior. It’s a reminder to us of the urgency to be strong in faith, open in mind, and ready at heart in order that we might encounter Jesus. In doing so we hope to be steadfast believers with a readiness to see and love our God who is ever present in the encounter with people and the world around us.
Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-road-to-emmaus/926/
USCCB Reflections Video – http://bcove.me/c5i26x5i
Parish Communion Prayer
Prayer…..