|
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 2:42-47
We learn from this reading that besides communal life the early Jerusalem Church devoted itself to the teachings of the apostles (the Hebrew Bible and the way Jesus had interpreted it by word and example), the breaking of the bread ("agape" -----daily meal with a distinctly sacred characteristic, the Eucharist in its earliest form), and the prayers (participating of the Jewish temple).
Sharing "all things in common" was done in the Jerusalem Church for at least some time. This is not a universal law for all Christians. The point for us is the fellowship, which we should all practice.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him.
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
A Reading, From the first Letter of Saint Paul
1 Pt1:3-9
This reading is taken from the First Letter of Peter which is probably a homily (sermon) given on the occasion of a baptismal ceremony. Notice how the homilist relates our rebirth through baptism to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christian rebirth from water and Spirit is a birth to hope---to an imperishable inheritance. It is all for you "who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith." Although you have never seen the Lord Jesus, you love him, and without seeing you believe in him.
A well-known Baptist preacher of Harlem used to say: "Keep the faith, baby!" This a folksy way of saying it. But the underlying concern must be ours, and it should be done in fellowship with others!
In the Gospel of John
Jn 20:19-31
The Second Reading has made the point that without seeing him Christians believe in Jesus. By relating the well-known tradition concerning the unbelieving Thomas, the writer of John wants to shed further light on this point. He indicates that even seeing, as Thomas did, is no guarantee of faith. Faith comes by hearing the word of the risen Lord who addresses Thomas personally.
Christianity knows the golden rule: Faith comes from hearing. It is God, personally addressing you in an "I--Thou' situation! This intangible situation can never be fully explained just as we cannot explain what exactly happens when someone falls in love! Respond when the Lord says: "Shalom-- peace" to you in any situation of your life and keep the faith alive!
Newsy Notes
***********************************************
Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
***********************************************
REMEMBER
"CONFIRMATION"
"Remember"
Confirmation
Our next 7th Grade Confirmation Class will be held in the Faith Formation Room at 11:15 on Sunday April 23rd. We will be going over what we will be doing for our summer projects and working on our Decision Point Chapters.
1st Communion
Our 1st Communion Rehearsal will be held on Friday April 28th at 6:30pm and our Celebration on April 30th at 10:00am Mass
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
| 
