My Take on the Sunday Readings

The Early Christian Community

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 09:28:33 +0000

May 1st, Second Sunday of Easter

Verse of the week

Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.

Questions for reflection:

Are there priests or church leaders in your community that challenge your faith in our Catholic church?
How can you begin praying for these people and your own heart to better our Catholic faith community today?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 2, 42-47
Second Reading:1 Peter 1:4-9
Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

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Jesus Christ Is Risen…He Is Risen Indeed

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:10:40 +0000

April 24th, Easter Sunday: Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord

Verse of the week

He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Questions for reflection:

What actions can you take to establish closer ties to fellow believers?
What additional actions can you take so your life witnesses to your belief in the Resurrection?

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: Acts 10: 34a, 37-43
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
Gospel Reading: Luke 24,13-35

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

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The Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:28:38 +0000

April 17th, Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Verse of the week

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Questions for reflection:

What will you be doing to reflect on the Lord’s passion during Holy Week?
What will you be doing to prepare for and celebrate the Lord’s resurrection next Easter Sunday?

This Week’s Readings

Procession with Palms: Mt 21:1-11
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
Second Reading: Phillipeans 2:6-11
Gospel Reading: Matthew 27:11-54

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

Listen to this week’s reflection

Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:58:42 +0000

April 10th, Fifth Sunday of Lent

Verse of the week

“Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out.

Questions for reflection:

Where do you stand today in your spiritual walk with the Lord?
What has happened or needs to happen so that like the Jews you will believe in the Lord with more vigor?

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: Ezekiel 37: 12-14
Second Reading: Romans 8: 8-11
Gospel Reading: John 11: 1-45

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

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Jesus Cures the Blind Man

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:36:09 +0000

April 3rd, Fourth Sunday of Lent

Verse of the week

Man sees appearance but the Lord looks into the heart

Questions for reflection:

What is our typical response when we see signs of spiritual darkness in others? Impatience? Anger? Prayer?
How can we pray to cure ourselves and others from spiritual blindness?

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: 1 Samuel 1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel Reading: John 9:1-41

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

Listen to this week’s reflection

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 10:29:28 +0000

March 27th, Third Sunday of Lent

Verse of the week

Sir, give me this water, so that may not be thirsty.

Questions for reflection:

How have your reacted when the Lord made clear to you sin He wanted out of your life?
How did you respond to that challenge?

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7
Second Reading: Romans :1-2,5-8
Gospel Reading: John 4:5-42

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

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The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:24:53 +0000

March 20th, Second Sunday of Lent

Verse of the week

Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with strength that comes from God.

Questions for reflection:

How have you felt when God has called upon you for something very specific?
Meditate on the transfiguration story and reflect upon it as if you had been there as a fourth apostle.

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 8b-10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17: 1-9

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

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Jesus Is Tempted by the Devil

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:54:17 +0000

March 13th, First Sunday of Lent

Verse of the week

Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

Questions for reflection:

What common temptations do you face?
What actions can you take during Lent to help you eliminate the sins associated with those temptations?

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19
Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

Listen to this week’s reflection

Jesus says, “Build Your House on Rock Not Sand”

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:31:43 +0000

March 6th, Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Verse of the week

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven

Questions for reflection:

What are the common at home sins that really annoy or hurt your loved ones?
What actions are you willing to take during Lent to change those behaviors?

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: Deuteronomy 11: 18, 26-28, 32
Second Reading: Romans 3: 21-25, 28
Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:21-27

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.

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Jesus Says, “Do Not Worry About Tomorrow”

Jorge Lazaro Diaz — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 11:45:43 +0000

February 27th, Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Verse of the week

I will never forget you.

Questions for reflection:

What in your life worries you most? Your kids? Your finances? Your health?
What does the Lord reveal to you when you reflect on your worry and the scripture verse “I will never forget you?”

This Week’s Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 49:14-15
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6: 24-34

Visit U.S. Bishop Website for the full text.