4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

Theme: The Good Shepherd

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2: 14a, 36 - 41

Peter’s declaration and explanation of the Lordship and divinity of the crucified but resurrected Christ so moved his listeners that about three thousand of them received the Lord in that single day.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 2: 20b – 25

Following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, means sharing in his trials, his joys and ultimately experiencing his loving and tender care.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 10: 1 – 10

In this scripture, we see the Lord’s twin role of gate and sheep-fold, as indicative of the total security Jesus provides for the people that he pastures.

3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A

Theme: Word and Sacrament

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2: 14, 22 – 33

Peter’s sermon is meant to place Christ’s death and resurrection in the context of God’s plan for our salvation.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 1: 17 – 21

In order to consolidate the Graces received from God, Peter urges the faithful to make God the anchor of our faith and our hope.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 24: 13 – 35

What the disciples experienced on the road to Emmaus can be interpreted as our own encounter with Christ, when our hearts yearn for his word, and as we see him present when we break bread together.

2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) YEAR A

Theme: Faith and fellowship

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles chapter 2: 42 – 47

The early church in Jerusalem grew rapidly because of the common identity of faith and fellowship among the congregation. The church today can benefit immensely from the examples of our ancestors in the faith.

 

2nd Reading: 1 Peter, chapter 1: 3 – 9

Peter compares our rebirth through baptism, to the resurrection of Jesus. This regeneration positions us to access what Peter describes as our imperishable inheritance.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 19 - 31

Jesus greets his disciples with the peace offering, and breathed the Holy Spirit on them, to empower them. Christ’s statement: “Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed,” underscores the importance of faith in the life of the Christian.

EASTER SUNDAY

Theme: The Lord has indeed risen

 

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10: 34a, 37 - 43

Peter’s homily summarises what the Gospel is all about: that is, Jesus’ perfect life of servanthood, his death on the cross, his resurrection, his fulfilment of the scriptures, and the imperative need for each of us to have personal faith in him, for our salvation.

 

2nd Reading: Colossians, chapter 3: 1 - 4

The implication of having been resurrected with Christ is that we should no longer be preoccupied with the petty things of this life; rather, we should focus on our heavenly inheritance.

 

OR

 

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, chapter 5: 6b - 8

St. Paul challenges us to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a new mindset that is based on Christ-centred values.

 

Gospel Reading: John, chapter 20: 1 - 9

Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and the other disciple  must have rushed to the tomb with mixed feelings. They found out, as we also do by faith, that Christ is risen!

 

OR

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew, chapter 28: 1 - 10

In the scenario of an earthquake, an angel rolling away the stone, trembling guards and other frightening incidents, it is reassuring for the two Marys, the disciples and, indeed, all Christendom, that Christ is risen!

COMMENTARY ON THE READINGS: GOOD FRIDAY

Theme: We have a great High Priest

 

1st Reading: Isaiah, chapter 52: 13 to chapter 53: 12

The Lord’s servant was despised, rejected and maltreated; innocent, but had to suffer and die to save us from damnation. At the end of it all, he was glorified by God.

 

2nd Reading: Hebrews, chapter 4: 14 – 16, and chapter 5: 7 – 9

Jesus Christ is able to stand by us and to defend us because he has been this way before and knows our weaknesses. We can confidently approach him, and ask for mercy.

 

GOSPEL: THE PASSION OF OUR LORD, ACCORDING TO JOHN