Month: April 2013

Word This Week

We are now closer to Ascension and Pentecost than Easter, but we are still in the Easter Season. The readings this Sunday begin to move us along too, as once more we hear the Lord at the Last Supper preparing his disciples for his departure: he does this by giving them a rule to live by, a new commandment. This commandment, “love one another”, is to be the guiding light of the community of believers after Pentecost (check the first reading for the Second Easter Sunday) – it is the risen Lord’s parting gift to his Church.

Acts 14: 21 – 27.

Response: Psalm 144
The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures.

All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,/
and your friends shall repeat their blessing.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign/
and declare your might, O God,
to make known to men your mighty deeds
and the glorious splendour of your reign.

Yours is an everlasting kingdom;
Your rule lasts from age to age.
(Sung Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!)

Apocalypse 21: 1 – 5.

Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment:
Love one another, just as I have loved you.”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

John 13: 31 – 35.

Prayer of the Faithful:
 R/. Risen Lord, fill us with your love.

Reading the Council for The Year Of Faith

The ‘Year of Faith’ marks the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. Continuing our look-again at the Documents of the Council, we move on to the document on The Church, ‘Lumen Gentium’. This document put “The People of God” back at the centre of our picture and understanding of the Church, and broadened our sacramental and ecclesial vision with the concept of ‘Communio’.

On Tuesday 23rd April Monsignor Bob Reardon will give an introduction to the document, at 6.30pm in the Hall. This will be part of the Parents’ Preparation for their children’s sharing in Communion, and open to all the Parish. As with the other documents, it will be followed by an opportunity to read through the document together over the weeks of Eastertide, in preparation for Pentecost, the Birthday of the Church.

Preparing for Pentecost

Pentecost Jean II RestoutThis Eastertide is a call for each of us and all of us to review the part we play in the work of the Church and the Parish. We have been called especially to be imaginative in responding to the call of the ‘New Evangelisation’.

What do I do in the Parish and in the Church at present?
What would I like to do, or feel called to do?
If I have been doing one particular task or ministry (or none? !) for several years, is it time to change?
What does the Parish need me to do?

Easter-tide provides a time of discernment for us all. (There are several tasks needed at present!)

The Word This Week

The rest of the world has settled “back to normal” after Easter holidays now, but we continue to dwell on the resurrection of Jesus and the growth of the Church. Today’s Gospel, which many people consider the most beautiful of the resurrection stories, has many themes: the failed fishing trip, the inability of Peter to recognise the risen Jesus, the miracle of the 153 fish and the simple, powerful reassuring words of Jesus to his confused disciples: “Come and have breakfast.” We can all find ourselves a place in this Gospel story, as we continue to wonder at the resurrection.

Today’s Scripture
Acts 5: 27 – 32, 40 – 41.
Response: Psalm 29
I will praise you Lord, you have rescued me
and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord, you have raised my soul from the dead,
restored me to life from those who sink into the grave.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him,
give thanks to his holy name.
His anger lasts but a moment; his favour through life.
At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.

The Lord listened and had pity.
The Lord came to my help.
For me you have changed my morning into dancing,
O Lord my God, I will thank you for ever.
(Sung Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!)
Apocalypse 5: 11 – 14.
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Christ has risen! He who created all things,
and has granted his mercy to men..
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
John 21: 1 – 19.
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Risen Lord, restore us to life.

The Word This Week

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, CaravaggioThis week the Gospel is chosen because it relates “what happened today” – eight days after Easter, Jesus comes again to his disciples. The story of Thomas’s doubt and faith leads us to think about our doubts and faith – but always in the context of being part of the family of the Church. Remember last week, and the baptisms you may have witnessed, or the renewal of your own baptismal promises: “this is the faith of the Church, the faith in which we are baptised.”

Today’s Scripture
Acts 5: 12 – 16.
Psalm 117. (to be prayed together)
Let the children of Israel say:
‘His love has no end.’
Let the children of Aaron say:
‘His love has no end.’
Let those who fear the Lord say:
‘His love has no end.’
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the corner stone.
This is the work of the Lord,
a marvel in our eyes.
This day was made by the Lord;
we rejoice and are glad.
O Lord, grant us salvation,
O Lord, grant success.
Blessed in the name of the Lord
is he who comes.
We bless you from he house of the Lord;
the Lord God is our light.
(Sung Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!)

Apocalypse 1: 9 – 13, 17 – 19
A-alle-eluia, A-alle-eluia, A-alle-eluia, A-alle-elu-uia!
Jesus said: ‘you believe because you can see me.
Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

John 20: 19 – 31.
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Risen Lord, hear our prayer.