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

Acts 10: 25-26,34-35,44,48 ; Psalm 97(98):1-4 ; 1 John 4: 7-10 ; John 15: 9-17

The readings from Easter to Pentecost from Luke’s Book of Acts show Jesus continuing his ministry through the Church. The Pentecost reading will describe the visual effects of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. After Saul had left for Tarsus, Peter brought Tabitha back to life, and a vision showed him that nothing made by God is unclean. Immediately he is invited into the “unclean” house of Cornelius. While Peter hesitates, the Holy Spirit comes down on Cornelius and his household. The visual effects of this bring Peter to realise that the gospel must go to “the (Gentile) nations”.

The psalm urges all creation to praise the Lord for His victorious salvation.

The Easter season readings from John’s first letter conclude with this passionate demand that we “love one another”. God’s love for us was revealed when He sent his Son “to be the sacrifice that takes our sins away”.

Jesus’ long last supper teaching is drawing towards its climax on Pentecost Sunday, his promise to send the Advocate. Today’s reading continues from last weeks’ description of Jesus as the vine: we are to show that we abide in Jesus by keeping the commandments, just as Jesus has kept the Father’s commandments. Jesus’ commandment is that we should love one another.

Psalm Response: The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.

(Acts 10: 25-26,34-35,44,48 ; Psalm 97(98):1-4 ; 1 John 4: 7-10 ; John 15: 9-17)

Acts 9: 26-31 ; Ps 21(22):26-28,30-32 ; 1 John 3: 18-24 ; John 15: 1-8

Much has happened in Acts since last Sunday’s reading: Peter and some apostles have been imprisoned and beaten before being set free again. Seven Greeks were appointed to look after the Hellenists – apparently Greek-speaking Christians. Stephen was arrested and his speech to the Jewish leaders suggests that the Hellenists were persecuted by the Jews because they did not join in the Temple worship. They were driven out to Judea and Samaria – and so the Gospel began to spread.

Today we hear how Paul returns from his conversion near Damascus. He is accepted by the Hebrew Christians, but not by the Hellenists, so has to be hustled out of town.

The ending of this Messianic psalm, uttered by Our Lord on the Cross, rejoices in the triumph of God’s justice: God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in Jesus.

In his first Letter John insists that we must show our faith by our actions: keeping God’s commandments. We can be sure we are doing right if we obey our conscience guided by God’s Spirit dwelling in us.

In John’s gospel Jesus gives his disciples detailed teaching at the last supper, just before his arrest. We must be bound closely to Christ: He is the vine, we are the branches, gaining sustenance and support from him.

Psalm Response: You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly.

(Acts 9: 26-31 ; Ps 21(22):26-28,30-32 ; 1 John 3: 18-24 ; John 15: 1-8)

Acts 4: 8-12 ; 117(118); 1 John 3: 1-2 ; John 10: 11-18

After healing the cripple in Jesus’ name and calling on the people to repent, Peter and John were put in prison overnight. Peter then repeats his preaching to the Jewish leaders. The leaders cannot deny “a notable miracle has been worked”. Undecided, they order the Apostles not to speak in Jesus’ name again, and release them without punishing them – at least this time.

The psalm is from the Passover psalm heard on Easter Sunday, thanking and praising God for repeatedly saving us.

John’s first letter insists that the love the Father has given us makes us his children now, anticipating already in some way what we shall be “when he appears”. John goes on to contrast the righteous who do not sin with those who commit sin. You are either for God or against him – there is nothing between.

In John’s gospel, after healing the man born blind, Jesus describes himself both as the door through which we can enter and be saved, and also as the good shepherd, whom the sheep know and follow. In contrast to the false shepherds criticised by Ezekiel, the good shepherd cares for his sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus emphasises that he is in control of his life, causing division among the Jews.

Psalm Response: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

(Acts 4: 8-12 ; 117(118); 1 John 3: 1-2 ; John 10: 11-18)

Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm: 117(118); 1 John 5: 1-6; John 20: 19-31

During the six weeks of Easter the first readings are from the Book of Acts, in which Luke describes Jesus continuing his ministry through the Church after his earthly life ended. Not intimidated by his arrest, Peter continued to attract many Jews to follow Jesus. Today we hear how this growing community held their assets in common. The next verses give two examples: Barnabas who gave the proceeds from selling a field; and Ananias and his wife, who held back some of the proceeds and were struck dead by Peter in his Apostolic role as a Judge of Israel.

The dramatic Passover psalm from Easter Sunday is repeated today more fully, thanking God for repeatedly coming to our rescue and saving us.

The second readings in Eastertide are from the first letter of John, whose gospel said little about Jesus’ humanity and his moral teachings. Some members of John’s community needed to be reminded that our faith is in a man, Jesus, who is Son of God, God’s Christ. Loving God means keeping his commandments.

The gospel reading is the beautiful first ending of John’s gospel, after Thomas, in the highest expression of faith in any of the gospels, acclaims Jesus as “My Lord and my God”.

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

(Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm: 117(118); 1 John 5: 1-6; John 20: 19-31)

Vigil/Day Acts 10:34,37-43; Psalm 117(118); Romans 6:3-11/Colossians 3:1-4/1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Mark 16:1-7/John 20:1-9

In a vision in Acts Peter is told that all animals and birds are suitable for eating: the restrictions of the Jewish Law are ending. So he can enter the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. Peter’s speech is interrupted by the Holy Spirit welcoming the Gentile community into the church. Peter realises that forgiveness of sins is offered to “everyone who believes” in Jesus’ name.

The vigil reading from Paul sees our baptism as joining Christ in his tomb, to rise to a new life in Christ, freed from the slavery of sin.

The dramatic Passover psalm thanks God for repeatedly coming to our rescue and saving us.

Paul’s letter to the Colossians draws attention away from earthly marks of religion: having died to things on earth, they should focus on the life to come when they “will appear with Christ in glory”. The alternative reading refers to the feast of Unleavened Bread, which followed Passover..

In the three synoptic gospels three women discover the tomb empty and run to tell the apostles. But in John’s gospel Mary of Magdala is alone. Finding the stone removed from the tomb, 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: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

Or: This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

2 Chron 36: 14-23; Psalm 136 (137); Eph 2: 4-10; John 3: 14-21

Today’s reading from Chronicles recalls Israel’s exile. The Temple, central to the Jewish religion, had been defiled, followed by Israel’s seventy year exile in Babylon. Then the Persian King Cyrus called for the people to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple on Mount Moriah, where Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac. After their return in 540 BC Ezra re-discovered the Jewish Law and the people renewed their covenant with God.

The psalm then recalls how the Israelites refused to sing for their captors while in mourning for Mount Zion.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians emphasises the unity of the world-wide Church, based firmly on God’s saving love, shown in Jesus Christ. We have been saved by grace, a gift from God. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” occurs frequently, reminding us of the ending of every Eucharistic Prayer. Christ will bring all things to perfection “in him” – and that includes us! “We are God’s work of art”.

In John’s gospel, after telling Nicodemus that he must be “born again”, Jesus tells him “God sent his Son into the world” so that “the world might be saved” through him. Jesus’ coming provokes judgement, both now and in the future. If our deeds are true we come into the light.

Psalm Response: O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

(2 Chron 36: 14-23; Psalm 136 (137); Eph 2: 4-10; John 3: 14-21)

Gen 22:1-2,9-18; Psalm 115(116):10.15-19; Rom 8:31-34; Mark 9: 2-10

In Genesis God sets a greater test of Abraham’s faith than might appear: Isaac seems now to be Abraham’s only son. His wife, Sarah, had persuaded Abraham to drive out into the desert his other son, Ishmael, with her mother, Hagar, the slave woman. God had promised Abraham would be father of a host of nations, with as many descendants as stars in the sky. How could this now come about? On the way Isaac had asked “Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham answered: “God will provide himself”. Abraham’s faith is rewarded and God renews his covenant.

The psalmist offers sacrifice and grateful praise after God heard his prayer at death’s door.

Paul urges the Romans to have similar trust in God. That God gave up his only Son to death shows how completely God loves us. Paul insists that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

In our last reading from Mark’s gospel until the Ascension, the disciples appear confused by Jesus’ transfiguration. Although God has again confirmed Jesus as his Son, they do not understand how Jesus relates to Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. After Jesus’ resurrection they would realise Jesus had come to fulfil the whole of Israel’s scriptures.

Psalm Response: I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

Gen 9: 8-15; Psalm 24(25):4-9; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1: 12-15

Genesis describes how, after the Great Flood, God established the first covenant with humanity, promising not to destroy all living creatures again. Every rainbow reminds us of God’s care for all creation.

The psalm asks for God’s guidance and pardon, before meditating on God’s goodness towards the just.

Peter applies the Genesis story to Jesus. We should not “repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse” but repay hurt with a blessing. If God wills that we suffer, then it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. God’s promise to Noah is fulfilled in Christ, who “in the body was put to death, in the spirit was raised to life”. Just as Noah was saved by water, so we are washed in the water of baptism and make “a promise to God from a good conscience” rising into a new life in Christ.

In Mark’s gospel Jesus’ baptism is followed immediately by this very brief description of his temptation in the desert. Angels guided the Israelites during the Exodus. Now angels look after Jesus as he rejects Satan and remains obedient to God, announcing the Good News to begin his human ministry.

Psalm Response: Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.

(Gen 9: 8-15; Psalm 24(25):4-9; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1: 12-15)

Leviticus, the third book of the Pentateuch, describes rituals used by the priests. Laws and rituals kept Israelites in the state of legal purity to which they were called, as a sign of their union with the Lord. A leper had to live apart in a dishevelled state, warning people to keep away. A cleansing ritual was specified for anyone cured.

This penitential psalm celebrates the joy of confessing sins and knowing forgiveness. Omitted is a verse describing the misery of deferring confession.

Paul continues his theme of not placing obstacles which might hinder the spreading of the gospel. The Corinthians should eat whatever is put before them. They should not risk giving offence to their host, even if they suspect some food is ritually unclean by being offered to heathen gods before being sold in the market. But they should not eat food that they are told has been offered to idols – because that would offend their informant’s conscience.

Mark’s gospel continues with another healing, this time Jesus shows enormous tenderness in insisting that – of course – he wants to heal the leper. And he does so by touching the unclean leper – so becoming unclean himself. Jesus makes very visible how much God wants to heal us.

Psalm Response; You are my refuge, O Lord; you fill me with the joy of salvation.