Oh how we became to be known as Christians...

At first we were all called Jews, awaiting the coming of the Savior. There were some, like the Romans, who were polytheists ... After the coming of Christ when the disciples came to share the Good News of God's Word in the city of Antioch, was when the name "Christian" was given first to those who were sharing the Word .. . Because they were followers of Christ.

New Testament
Book of Acts
11: 19-26

19 Those who had scattered when the persecution that arose on the death of Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to anyone but Jews.
20 But there were among them some of Cyprus and Cyrene who, coming to Antioch, spoke also to the Greeks, preaching the Good News of Jesus.
21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a large number received the faith and turned to the Lord.
22 The news of this reached the ears of the Jerusalem Church and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God was pleased and called upon all to remain, with steadfast, united to the Lord,
24 because it was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And a considerable crowd loved the Lord.
25 went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he had found and brought him to Antioch. They were together for a whole year in the Church and taught a large crowd. In Antioch was where for the first time the disciples were called "Christians."

4th Sunday of Easter: April 25, 2010

Good Shepherd Sunday

1st Reading, from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, 13:14, 43-52
-Barnabas and Saul (also known as Paul) are Chosen and Sent-
"I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that all the world may be saved."

Saul and Barnabas are chosen amongst the disciples, to go and work for the Lord; they are asked to travel from one town to another, in order to deliver God's Good News everywhere they go. Saul and Barnabas find opposition coming from prominent citizens, amongst them important women and elders, who feel threatened by these two men who are preaching innovative ideas. The important citizens fail to realize that the two men are messengers from the Holy Spirit and thus, they are not there to take power away but instead they are there to offer the strenght that can only be fed by receiving the Holy Spirit.

The disciples had complete faith in God. They listened to his instructions and promptly got into action. They did not allow doubt to take hold of them, but instead their faith became the force that led them to fulfill God's instructions. They listened and acted upon what was asked of them, and sure enough, the word of God was spread over many territories.

The Jewish people, who were the original target of God's Good News, were not receptive to God's message. Instead of them, it was the Gentiles who opened up welcoming God's words of encouragement to gain eternal life, receiving the message with open hearts, becoming the believers of God's words.

May we follow the disciples example, tiredlesly working on spreading God's promise of eternal life; and like the Gentiles, may our hearts rejoice in receiving God's Good News.

**********G*O*D*****I*S*****L*O*V*E**********

2nd Reading, from the Book of Revelations, 7: 9, 14b-17
-The Enormous Crowd-
"Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!"

John continues to describe his vision. He expands from last Sunday's choir of angels praising God, bringing us to a very large gathering of people who are pointing out, with loud voices, that salvation can only come from God, from the Lamb that was slain.

The crowd was so enormous, that no one could count them all! And they all agreed and prophesized that only through the Lamb could we be shepherded to God's eternal Kingdom.

On this Sunday, when our church celebrates the Good Shepherd and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, we called to imitate the Lord's example of servitude towards our brothers and sisters. We are called to become God's word put into action, by guiding family and friends, with our actions and with our words.

The Good Shepherd's message has already entered our hearts, and it is now our turn to carry on his teachings by enthusiastically inviting others to do the same. We are today's disciples and having answered to God's call, it is now our job to spread his holy word, like Saul and Barnabas did.

With a smile on our faces, may we become God's-words-into-motion, so that everyone who comes in contact with us, gets to experience God's love and gets to hear his voice calling.

**********G*O*D*****I*S*****L*O*V*E**********

The Gospel according to John, 10:27-30
-The Parable of the Shepherd; Jesus is Rejected-
"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

Jesus tells the people the Parable of the Shepherd, and many of them can't understand it. They are not part of his sheep, therefore their goal is to trick Jesus into saying something that will incriminate him. They do not recognize Jesus' voice.

Jesus is the Father's shepherd on Earth. The Father sent Jesus to us, so Jesus could guide us and lead us into the path of Eternal Life. Despite Jesus' ability to communicate God's Good News, many people's minds are set up into finding Jesus at fault; they are impaired and unable to hear God's message with loving hearts, because they are listening with hearts made of cold steel. The message cannot get to them. Those people fail to seize the opportunity at hand: right in front of their very eyes stands the Messiah, the Son of God, and yet they are determined to fight what could otherwise place them in the superhighway to Heaven. In trying to find Jesus at fault, they miss the chance to really enjoy the experience of listening to God's words being delivered by the ultimate messenger, God's own beloved Son.

What a pitty! What a shame! A once in a lifetime opportunity, and their hardened hearts prevent them from enjoying it!

The Good Shepherd has educated us by example: he sacrificed himself to save humanity. Though our ability for sacrifice might not be as great as Jesus', every little sacrifice that we do for others, counts. If each one of us does a little act of mercy, pretty soon we'll face a tide of mercy and love, stronger than a tsunami overtaking any coast. Gentiles and Jews will be able to feel and to understand the meaning of sacrifice and service to others, and the world's face will change.

Let us act upon Jesus' words, not just being his sheeps but ensuring that each and every one of them out there, gets to hear his reassuring voice.

3rd Sunday of Easter: April 18, 2010

1st Reading: from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, 5: 12-16
- The Apostles are Persecuted -
"So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of (God's) name."

It's been a while since Jesus' passing, and his movement is going on strong. The disciples, defiant of the Sanhedrin's orders, continue to teach Jesus' ways and the carry on spreading the Good News of his Kingdom in Heaven.

The same men who fled, leaving Jesus alone, are the ones who today break the law in order to share Jesus' teachings. Despite their previous fear and despite the dangers of publicly speaking about Jesus, they continue their mission of spreading the word.

Do they feel fear? I imagine they do. After all they have witnessed, and in light of the way how Jesus was treated - such a bloody and painful form of dying-, who wouldn't feel afraid? And yet they continue, because by now they are certain of their role in this journey of Christianity. In a very clear manner, they now capable of understanding Jesus' invitation to follow him. And not even fear of death can deter them from the road that lays ahead.

The disciples were true warriors. Though they did not carry heavy armor or military shields, they wore the protection and inspiration that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

May we feel the same strength, and may the power of the Holy Trinity fill our hearts to its brim, so we to can become defenders of the Kingdom of God

**********G*O*D*****I*S*****L*O*V*E**********

2nd Reading: from the Book of Revelations, 5: 11-14
-The Scroll and the Lamb-
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain..."
John relates about a vision on which choirs of angels, creatures from Heaven and Earth, the Elders, and all other living things gather together to sing and to praise the Lamb of God. At this moment Jesus has reached his place in Heaven and there is not one lip left quiet; all voices combined harmonize, recognizing this divine moment and giving it its rightful glory.

Can we imagine having such powerful dream? A dream on which one gets to hear voices over voices, angelical songs backed up by the sound of harps played by seraphic hands. I close my eyes and step into this moment, and my skin feels the energy emanating from all these beings whose only purpose is to praise our Savior Jesus Christ. In my heart the emotion is such, that I want to get rid of my earthly body and become one of them, so I can also be an integral part of such spectacular gathering.

May we feel compelled to do good, small acts of mercy, while living on Earth, just so when our time to leave this Earth arrives, we too can be one of the angels singing and praising the Lord.


**********G*O*D*****I*S*****L*O*V*E**********

The Gospel according to John, 21: 1-19
-Jesus appears to Seven Disciples- & -Jesus and Peter-
"Follow me!", says Jesus to Simon Peter.

After a fishing night that proves unsuccessful, dawn arrives and it is time for the disciples to return to shore. As they approach the beach they see a man who tells them where to cast their nets and find fish. At first they do not recognize him, but shortly they realize that the man standing in front of them is Jesus. With a loot of 153 fish, they gather around a fire that Jesus himself has prepared for them. Jesus, the eternal caregiver...

It is then when Jesus asks Peter, three times, if Peter loves him.

We must remember that, not too long ago, Peter has denied knowing Jesus. So it is not too difficult to find a connection between Peter's three denials and the three opportunities that a loving Jesus has given him, to find redemption from his prior negations.

Jesus predicts Peter's demise and his upcoming death. In a caring way, Jesus' words reassure Peter that he will not be alone; Peter understands that his end will not be an easy one, but he is also comforted by Jesus' companion through the ordeal to come.

Jesus' final words to Peter are an invitation: "Follow me!" he says, and I ask myself "why now?"; this statement should have been said long ago, before the dreaded Way of the Cross, before Jesus' terrible end, and yet, it is now when Jesus invites Peter... I guess that it does not matter how many times we fail him, Jesus is always ready to give us a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, and many more chances... Maybe this is the reason why Peter's invitation is offered AFTER Peter has denied Jesus, and not before... Because Jesus' love for us is eternal.

Peter got his second chance and he listened to Jesus' call; may we too be able to open our ears and our hearts to God's call, and may we be able to follow him.

Readings for Sunday April 11, 2010

Second Sunday of Easter -- Divine Mercy Sunday

1st Reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, 5; 12-16
The Apostles Miracles and Wonders

Hoping to be touched by Peter's shadow, people came from all over... the sick ones were placed on cots and mats on the side of the road... They all believed that something so simple as Peter's shadow over them, would heal their sick bodies and cast the evil spirits away.

How many times have we been in a similar situation? When the simplest act of mercy from others means the world to us? Even the luckiest person has been there... Yes, we all have -at least once in our lives- been to the DMV Office, needing to past the written or the driving test, and there we are standing in line, waiting for our number to come up... Hoping and praying that the person who will be taking care of us, that human body behind the counter, be fair to us; we don't ask for much, only that he or she is able to feel empathy for the mere applicant who is there to fulfill a requirement... We hope that the person on the other side of the counter is not in a bad mood... We hope for a bit of mercy...

Small acts of mercy make life worthwhile... For the sick ones waiting to be touched by Peter's shadow; for the single mom at the car shop waiting to hear how expensive the car repair will be; for the student who barely made the grade... For all of them and for so many more, the difference between a good and a bad day rests in a small act of mercy from a fellow human being... At the car shop, the single mom prays for the mechanic's honesty, in the classroom the student prays for the teacher's leeway...

The apostles learned their behavior towards others from Jesus, and they treated their brothers and sisters imitating Jesus' ways... As Christians we must do the same, imitate the apostle's ways because in doing so we are imitating Jesus' example.

Let us put this to practice today, and for the rest of our lives: treating our brothers and sisters as we would want to be treated. In doing small acts of mercy for others, just by being kind, we become the image of Jesus and we help to turn the world around. Our brothers and sisters not only will have a better day themselves, but it is very likely that they in turn will be as kind and merciful to the next person whom the cross paths with. Small acts of mercy can actually change the world, and the best thing of it is that, with every little act of mercy, our Lord's smile shines brightly over us.

L ++++ O ++++ V ++++ E ++++ J ++++ E ++++ S ++++ U ++++ S

2nd Reading from the Book of Revelations, 1: 9-19
"Don't be afraid!", says the Lord to John, "I am the first and the last. I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever."

This first chapter of the Book of Revelations is where God introduces John to the future and the messages for the Christian's future. It comes with specific instructions to write and report everything that will be revealed to John.

Despite the painful images revealed throughout this Book, God blesses those privy to its pages, saying, "Happy is the one who reads this book, and happy are those who listen to the words of this prophetic message and obey what is written in this book!"

When God speaks, we need to listen. He does not waste his time speaking in tongues to us; he addresses us straight and full frontal with the important issues. He is clear in his instructions for us, as to what we need to do in order to be able to partake with him of the blessed heavenly feast. All we have to do is pay attention and follow his instructions... Remember, they are clear!

L ++++ O ++++ V ++++ E ++++ J ++++ E ++++ S ++++ U ++++ S

The Gospel according to John, 20: 19-31
"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed!"

The Gospel brings us to the night when Jesus appears to eleven apostles. Thomas is not present. Afterwards, when they share the news with Thomas, Thomas is unable to believe uttering, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

So Jesus grants Thomas his wish and a week later Jesus appears one more time and offers to Thomas to put his finger as he had said he would do in order to believe...

We all now the rest of the story. Have we learned from it? We don't need to test God. We need to respect him, to love him, to believe in him. That is the key to Kingdom of Heaven. We have faith in the mysteries of our faith, we believe in Mary's immaculate conception, in the angels appearing and giving instructions; we believe in Moses parting the sea, and in Jesus' miracles and his resurrection on the third day. We do not need evidence, and for this, God loves us even more.

Let us share the good news of our faith in God with everyone hungry for the Holy Spirit!

Readings for Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 The Resurrection of the Lord

The Resurrection of the Lord

Aleluya Aleluya Aleluya!

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

This reading is about Peter's speech, delivered at the house of Cornelius, a captain of the Roman Army.

Three days before, while Cornelius prayed an angel appeared and instructed him to send for Simon Peter. Cornelius obliged to the angel's request and sent his servants to bring Peter back to him.

As Peter delivers his speech, he explains to Cornelius and to the others who were present, that God has made clear that he loves all men equally. God's love is blind and makes no difference between Jews and Gentiles, servant or free. Peter words are a detailed testament of Jesus' life, his miracles, and his legacy. The speech calls, not just the one's present but all of us who believe in the Good News, to "preach the Gospel to all the people and to testify that Jesus Christ is the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead."

So, let us begin today, on the most special day of all special days, to tell our friends, our family, our neighbors, everyone, about God's instructions to believe in Jesus and to consider him "the One" sent by God to be the director of our lives.

If we believe, then let us share these news with everyone willing to listen! Remember that the reward for this task is the forgiveness of our sins.

***** ***** ***** ***** A L E L U Y A ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

2nd Reading, from the 1st letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 5: 6b-8

As a result of the problems that his church in Corinth was experiencing, Peter writes his 1st letter. He hopes that confusion amongst families and that immorality within the Christians would be resolved and turn into a thing of the past.

Paul asks the people to remove whatever is causing them to sin, from within their midst. Like the proverbial rotten apple that will rot the other good apples in the basket, Paul asks the Corinthians to be done with the old.

At one point or another we all have been able to observe the phenomenon of the rotten element meddling and spoiling the good one, and how rotten ways can speed up deterioration to anything within close reach. The wicked student who will incite the rest of the class to disrespect their teacher; the one nervous sheep that will lead the flock astray; the man who yells fire causing panic and promoting a stamped of fearful citizens; all of these and many more examples can be quoted as a parable to the problems that Paul is trying to solve.

On this letter, Paul recommends to the get done with the old habits so that -the Corinthians and us as well- can start anew.

Let us listen carefully to this simple advice: God recommends exactly the same for us.


***** ***** ***** ***** A L E L U Y A ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

The Gospel according to John, 20: 1-9

"They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."

So it happened that on the morning of the 1st day of the week, they went to get the body and found the rock moved and the tomb empty.

Mary Magdalene and the other women alerts the apostles of the situation. Everyone suspects thievery and yet find finely folded burial clothes, which does not match with suspicion of what a grave robber would leave behind, after trashing a tomb. Some CSI mystery for the apostles...

The Good News have not yet sunk in their minds and they are slow to understand that, what is happening in front of their very eyes, IS the prophecy turning real.

It has been over 2000 years after this faithful Sunday morning, and presently a great deal of people in our world agree with the fact that the miracle of Jesus Christ's resurrection occurred that day. And this fact is what is of great importance: that we have no doubts in our hearts about the forces that are behind the rolled stone.

Jesus Christ's resurrection is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. Believing that he raised from the dead should be enough to cast out any doubt of the veracity of the Good News.

We believe, and because of this, we follow Jesus' advices... In doing so we guarantee for ourselves, a seat on the table of the eternal banquet!

ALELUYA, HE HAS RISEN!

The Gospel for Holy Saturday, April 3, 2010

The Gospel according to Luke, 24: 1-12

At daybreak on the first day of the week the women who had come from Galilee with Jesus took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. they found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, "Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day." And they remembered his words.

Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

The Gospel of the Lord.

RITUALS AND CUSTOMS of GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday is the only day of the year on which Mass is not celebrated. The altar is bare, without cloths, candles, or cross.

According to the Church's ancient traditions, today we celebrate our Lord's passion, which consists of three parts:

• the Liturgy of the Word,
• Veneration of the Holy Cross,
• reception of Holy Communion.

We read the Liturgy of the Word, which consists of the readings of Jesus' suffering and death, as told by the Book of John, and we pray the general intercessions.

On the first centuries after Jesus' passing, churches obtained relics of the true cross, upon which veneration took place. Gradually the practice took root on every church, even when a relic was not available.

On Good Friday we share the Eucharist, consuming Communion of the Presanctified (this is the bread that was consecrated the day before, on Holy Thursday).

We meditate the Stations of the Cross or we meditate upon the seven last words spoken by Jesus as recorded in the various gospels.

The Gospel for Thursday of Holy Week, April 1, 2010

The Gospel according to John 13: 1-15

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.

He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Master, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance in me." Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well." Jesus said to him, "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all."

So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you?" You call me 'teacher' and 'master', and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ