2, Scripture Readings – Summaries of the readings of each Sunday Mass (by Chris Oliver)

Proverbs 8:22-31, Psalm 8:4-9, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15

Written after the return from the exile in Babylon, the Wisdom books contain the practical knowledge of both the Israelites and the peoples around them, accumulated over two thousand years. Wisdom is the art of living a life at peace with God and with other people. It was developed by reflecting on the great questions: life, death, suffering, love, evil, relationships. It was seen to be a universal guide for living, and so given by God. So Wisdom came to be seen as a person – the caring, feminine side of God, existing from all eternity. In today’s reading from Proverbs Wisdom speaks of sharing God’s delight in His work at the beginning of creation.

The Psalm expresses our amazement at the dignity the infinite God has given to mankind’s finite nature in his wonderful creation.

In his letter to the Romans Paul insists that being justified, or made “at peace” with God, means that our previous alienation from God is overcome. God’s love “poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” has brought us into an intimate relationship with God, but we confidently hope in a more glorious intimacy in the future.

No wonder Jesus says in John’s Gospel “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now”. The Spirit gives us understanding.

Psalm Response: How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth.

Acts 2: 1-11; Psalm 103(104); Romans 8: 8-17; John 14: 15-16, 23-26

The Jewish feast of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover, was less well known than the other two pilgrimage feasts. Passover was linked to the nomadic sacrifice of lambs and the barley harvest in the Spring. Tabernacles after the grape harvest was associated with the wanderings in the desert. Recently it was realised that Pentecost was associated with God giving the Covenant on Sinai. So the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Pentecost fits neatly with this Covenant feast: the formal birth of the Christian Church. Acts lists the regions where the Church was to grow.

The psalm calls us to praise God’s creative wisdom. Filled with wonder at the details of God’s glorious works, this psalm is well worth reading in full.

Paul urges the Romans to live by the Spirit who, with Christ, has made his home in us. We are now Sons of God. If we are led by the Spirit within us to follow God’s laws, we will have confidence that the
Father will “give life to our mortal bodies”, just as Jesus was raised.

In John’s Gospel we hear from Jesus’ long Last Supper talk, promising that his Father would send the Advocate, through whom he and the Father would be with his church for all time.

Psalm Response: Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

(Acts 2: 1-11; Psalm 103(104); Romans 8: 8-17; John 14: 15-16, 23-26)

Acts 7:55-60, Ps 96 (97), Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, John 17:20-26

Our final reading from Acts before Pentecost describes the martyrdom of Stephen, in which he echoes Jesus’ words of forgiveness on the Cross. Stephen’s death was followed both by persecution of Greek-speaking believers who fled, spreading the gospel outside Jerusalem, and by Paul’s life-changing journey to Damascus.

The psalm rejoices in God’s justice: as judge over all the world those obedient to God’s Law will be rewarded, and the disobedient will be punished.

The book of Revelation ends with these promises: God’s justice will be seen in action, the just will receive everlasting life in the New Jerusalem; all who ask may have the water of life; Maranatha, come Lord Jesus, Jesus come as Lord.

In John’s Gospel, at the climax of the Last Supper, immediately before his arrest, Jesus makes this heart-felt “high-priestly prayer” to his Father. He has done all that his Father asked; like Isaac he is willing to be the sacrifice of his Father’s only son. Before going to his death he prays that his followers may be as united as He and the Father are, and that they may share in the Father’s love.

Psalm Response: The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

(Acts 7:55-60, Ps 96 (97), Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, John 17:20-26)

Acts 14:21-27; Psalm144(145):8-13; Rev 21:1-5; John 13:32-35

Last week in Acts the first mission of Paul and Barnabas started. They preached in synagogues, with mixed receptions. Many Jews became Christians. But many did not, stirring up hatred and violence against the Apostles, leaving Paul for dead. Barnabas and Paul then preached to the Gentiles, showing how they could recognise God’s activity in nature. Today we hear how this first mission ends, with religious leaders appointed in each church, and a report of “what God had done”.

The Psalm praises the Lord’s kindness and care for creation.

In Revelation the promise of salvation described last week is now accomplished. The new Jerusalem comes down adorned as a bride for her marriage with the Lamb, the union of the Messiah with the community of the elect. God dwells with men on earth, after the “former heaven and the former earth” are replaced by a “new heaven and a new earth”. God’s ancient covenant is fulfilled.

In the Gospel we hear the first of Jesus’ farewell discourses at the Last Supper. Jesus is sad to leave his followers. After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus draws out the meaning of this action. He predicts his coming death and gives a new commandment: love one another. The true mark of discipleship is that we “have love for one another”.

Psalm Response: I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

Acts 13: 14, 43-52; Psalm 99(100); Rev 7: 9, 14-17; John 10: 27-30

The Antioch church sent Barnabas and Paul on mission. After visiting Cyprus, Barnabas’ birthplace, they arrived at Perga on the south coast of what is now Turkey, and travelled north to Antioch in Pisidia. Everywhere they went they spoke first to the Jews about Jesus as the climax of the whole Jewish history. Jesus who was killed by the Jewish leaders, but raised from the dead by God. At first many Jews listened attentively.

The processional psalm sings joyfully of God: “he made us, we belong to him”.

In the Book of Revelation John sees events in heaven which mirror events on earth. Witnesses persecuted for their beliefs do not suffer in vain: they will be vindicated and evildoers punished. Not vengeance, but God’s justice. And a message of hope: the faithful of every nation will be rewarded with perfect life in God’s renewed creation.

In John’s Gospel, after Jesus had healed the man born blind, the Jewish leaders argued about Jesus, and asked him to say plainly if he was the Messiah. Jesus says the healing he does in the Father’s name testifies to him. He ends with a clear statement: “I and the Father are one” The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus: they understood Jesus was claiming to be God.

Psalm Response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Psalm 29(30); Rev 5:11-14; John 21:1-19

After the healings we heard in last week’s reading from the Book of Acts, the Apostles were again arrested, but miraculously freed. They immediately continued teaching in the Temple, and were again brought before the Sanhedrin, where they defended themselves strongly. Omitted from today’s reading is Gamaliel’s urging that they be released because if their activity “comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them”.

The psalm thanks God for rescue from a sudden illness.

In the Book of Revelation John sees God seated on a throne, with praises rippling out through widening circles of heavenly creatures. The one on the throne holds a scroll written on both sides and sealed with seven seals. An angel proclaims “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” But everyone is in despair because there seems to be no one worthy to break the seals and open the scroll. But then someone says “The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has triumphed”. Instead of a lion, a slain lamb steps forward to receive the scroll.

After the reading last week of the first ending to John’s Gospel, we hear today most of the second ending. With his three repeated questions, Jesus forgives Peter’s three denials, and insists that the essential pre-condition for authority is love.

Psalm Response: I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

(Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Psalm 29(30); Rev 5:11-14; John 21:1-19)

Acts 5:12-16; Ps 117(118); Rev 1:9-19; John 20:19-31

All the first readings of Eastertide are from the Acts of the Apostles describing the early years of the Church. The second readings are from the Book of Revelation, John’s vision of the new life in heaven promised to all believers. The readings from John’s Gospel describe Jesus’ resurrection appearances and claims of his unity with the Father. Today the risen Jesus identifies himself as the one crucified, before this Gospel’s first ending.

In Acts Peter and John were arrested, then released. Then the growing Christian community lived in peace. Peter only once acted as judge of Israel, killing Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit. In today’s reading the other disciples stand apart from the Apostles, apparently in awe after this display of Peter’s power.

More verses from the psalm used for the Easter Masses, rejoicing at the coming of the king.

John is exiled to the island of Patmos, south-west of Ephesus, for spreading the gospel. In this first chapter of Revelation a figure appears to John in his vision, identifying himself both as the risen “Son of Man”, which Jesus called himself while on earth, and as “the First and the Last” – ie God. John is commanded to write down what is now to be revealed to him.

Psalm Response: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Acts 10:34,37-43;Ps 117(118); Rom 6:3-11/Col 3:1-4/1Cor 5:6-9;Luke 24:1-12/Jn 20:1-9

Luke’s Book of Acts describes how after his death Jesus continues his work on earth through his Holy Spirit, who interrupts Peter’s speech to Cornelius. Peter then realises that forgiveness of sins is offered to “everyone who believes” in Jesus’ name.

The dramatic psalm thanks and praises the Lord for rescuing us from the dangers threatening us. It includes the shouts that welcomed Jesus into the Temple on Palm Sunday, now the second verse of the “Holy, Holy, Holy”.

Our second readings are all from Paul’s letters. The vigil reading from Romans compares baptism to death: our sinful life has died: we have risen to a new life in Christ. The Sunday reading from Colossians draws attention away from earthly marks of religion: our focus should be on our new life in Christ. The alternative reading is an early Easter homily. In the Jewish calendar Passover was followed by the feast of Unleavened Bread.

In the three synoptic gospels three women discover the tomb empty and run to tell the apostles, who disbelieve. But in John’s gospel Mary of Magdala, alone, finds the stone removed from the tomb. Without going inside she runs to tell Peter. Peter goes in first and sees the empty burial cloths. When the other disciple goes in, he believes.

Psalm Response (Sunday): This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

(Acts 10:34,37-43;Ps 117(118); Rom 6:3-11/Col 3:1-4/1Cor 5:6-9;Luke 24:1-12/Jn 20:1-9)

Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21(22) ;Phil  2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56

In this suffering servant song Isaiah expresses the despondency of an exiled people apparently deserted by their God. But it is they who have fallen away. God has not gone back on his promise to them, and he will come to their help. But first they must turn back to him and put all their trust in him, in spite of their sufferings.

On the Cross Jesus uttered the first words of Psalm 22, which goes on to reflect his suffering. But rather than a cry of despair, the psalm expresses Jesus’ complete confidence in his Father and praises the redemption bought by his Cross.

Paul pleaded for unity among the Philippians, divided by rivalry and personal vanity. He urged them to “do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather humbly regard others as more important than yourselves”. Unlike Adam, Jesus did not try to be equal to God. Instead his crucifixion gives us the supreme example of unselfish love. Therefore he was raised to new life, as also will be those who follow his example.

Luke says that at the Last Supper Jesus declares he will “not drink wine until the kingdom of God comes”. Mark and John say that immediately before he died Jesus was given wine to drink from a sponge, then saying “It is finished”.

Psalm Response:        My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

(Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21(22) ;Phil  2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56)

Second Isaiah describes the new Exodus, the return from exile in Babylon. God shows who he is by his preparations and care for their return. These are so wonderful that his servant Israel, his chosen witnesses, will no longer need to remember their Exodus from Egypt. Exodus is a repeatable pattern. The Lord even forgives Israel’s many sins, which led to their exile, and will continue to do so, because “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine”.
The Psalm celebrates the Israelites’ joy after their return from exile in Babylon.

Writing from prison, Paul shares his hopes, fears and convictions with the Philippians. The great gift of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord makes his previous righteousness under the Law seem worthless. He is possessed by Christ but not yet arrived, keeping his eye on the final goal of living in God’s new world.

Rembrandt, 1606 – 1669
The Woman taken in Adultery
1644
Oil on oak, 83.8 x 65.4 cm
Bought, 1824
NG45
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/NG45

The story of the woman caught in adultery is found in different places in various manuscripts: it fits better with Luke’s gospel, but here in John’s gospel it matches the changing mood. This chapter opens with a woman about to be stoned, then freed from death. But it ends with people seeking to stone Jesus. Jesus has shown them God’s wisdom, different from men’s.

Psalm Response:        What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

(Isaiah 43: 16-21; Psalm 125(126); Phil 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-11)