This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, April 7, 2024 is from John 20:19-31.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 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…Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’
Reflection
“Besides missing seeing the risen Lord in the flesh, Saint Thomas also missed receiving the Holy Spirit on that first day of the week. Perhaps his doubt and disbelief stemmed from not having the Holy Spirit within him to guide him to the truth. We have each received the Holy Spirit in baptism, so we have an advantage Thomas did not have at the time. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to the truth.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38
The Annunciation of the Lord (Solemnity) – This feast celebrates the wondrous event that binds God and humanity forever. Christ, the Word who becomes the Son of Mary, is enfleshed in her womb, making Mary the Mother of God. The liturgy celebrates the beginning of God’s new redemptive work and recognizes Mary as the ‘new Eve,’ the obedient and faithful woman who agreed to be a participant in God’s plan of salvation.
Tuesday Acts of the Apostles 4:32-37; John 3:7b-15
Wednesday Acts of the Apostles 5:17-26; John 3:16-21
Thursday Acts of the Apostles 5:27-33; John 3:31-36
Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr (Memorial) – Born in Poland, Stanislaus became a priest and a canon of the cathedral in Krakow. He was an eloquent preacher, a generous benefactor of the poor, and an advocate for clerical reform. He was soon embroiled in conflict with King Boleslaus II, who eventually killed Stanislaus during a celebration of Mass.
Friday Acts of the Apostles 5:34-42; John 6:1-15
Saturday Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7; John 6:16-21
SOURCE: Living With Christ, April 2024
“My strength and my courage is the LORD.”
Psalm 118:14