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

<h2>Acts 14:21-27; Psalm144(145):8-13; Rev 21:1-5; John 13:31-35</h2>

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 John’s 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 you name for ever, O God my King.

(Acts 14:21-27; Psalm144(145):8-13; Rev 21:1-5; John 13:31-35)

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

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 and in which we share at Mass. 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 5:12-16; Ps 117(118); Rev 1:9-19; John 20:19-31)

Chris

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 and in which we share at Mass. 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 5:12-16; Ps 117(118); Rev 1:9-19; John 20:19-31)

Chris

Acts 10:34,37-43; Ps 117(118); Col 3:1-4/1 Cor 5:6-9; 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: This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

(Acts 10:34,37-43; Ps 117(118); Col 3:1-4/1 Cor 5:6-9; 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: This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

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

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

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.

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.

Joshua 5: 9, 10-12; Psalm 26(27); 2 Cor 5: 17-21; Luke 15:1-3,11-32

In the book of Joshua Israel’s conquest of Canaan, the promised land, starts with the miraculous crossing of the Jordan. The river waters were held back until all the people had crossed on dry ground. Then, before celebrating the Passover, all the men who had been born during the Exodus were circumcised to mark them now as Israelites, so removing the “shame of Egypt”. The place where they crossed was named Gilgal, a pun on the word meaning “remove”.

The Psalm offers grateful praise to God for rescuing us from danger, and encourages fear of the Lord, keeping our tongues from evil.

Paul insists to the Corinthians that as new creations in Christ they must forget their old ways of seeing the world. We have been given work to do, that of showing visibly in our lives that God has reconciled us to himself, just as Christ did by dying on the Cross.

Although Luke’s unique parable in today’s gospel is usually called “The Prodigal Son”, the behaviour of the other two people in the story is important. The father rushes out to meet his returning son – a marvellous image of God the Father. But are we sometimes tempted to imitate the other son’s reactions to his father’s reconciliation with “this son of yours”?

Psalm Response: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

<h2>Exodus 3: 1-8, 13-15; Psalm 102 (103); 1 Cor 10: 1-6,10-12; Luke 13: 1-9</h2>

The book of Exodus describes how a group of Hebrew slaves becomes a nation unified by faith in the one God, who made a covenant with them. After killing an Egyptian, Moses fled across the Red Sea. He was given refuge by Jethro, marrying his daughter, Zipporah. In today’s reading Moses is called by God to his life’s task of leading the Hebrews to the promised land. God reveals his name as “being”: he exists and involves himself with us.

All creation is invited to join in this Psalm – a tender hymn of thanksgiving for the Lord’s mercy, which is so great because he knows man’s frailty.

Paul warns the Corinthians not to be over confident in their faith. Even with God’s continual support and unifying nourishment, the Israelites many times fell away from the covenant and into idolatry. Paul goes on to urge respect for the Eucharist. The sacraments help us to live our lives of faith, but salvation is not automatic.

In Luke’s Gospel Jesus continues teaching his disciples on the journey to Jerusalem. He uses examples of sudden death that his hearers would be aware of, to urge repentance and keeping one’s life oriented towards God at all times. With the parable of the fig tree Jesus says God is patient, but judgement will come.

Psalm Response:    The Lord is compassion and love.

(Exodus 3: 1-8, 13-15; Psalm 102 (103); 1 Cor 10: 1-6,10-12; Luke 13: 1-9)

Gen 15:5-12,17-18; Psalm 26(27);Phil 3:17-4:1; Luke 9: 28-36

While Abram was wandering round Canaan before 1500 BC, his kinsman, Lot was captured in Sodom. Abram and his allies freed him. To celebrate this victory, bread and wine were brought out and Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, Priest-King of Salem, traditionally identified with Jerusalem. Then the Lord promised Abram a land of his own, an heir, and numberless descendants. A firebrand signifying the Lord’s presence, pass between the halves of the animals, a common way at that time of confirming a covenant.

The Psalm asserts complete confidence that God will not abandon but will rescue us, while asking for guidance and protection.

Paul wrote to the Philippians about 60 AD. A devout Jew and Pharisee, Paul has nevertheless concluded that righteousness does not come from the Law but through faith in God, as shown by Abraham. As citizens of heaven we owe allegiance to Christ, not Caesar. Since God will transfigure our bodies, we must not be ruled by bodily appetites but gradually transform ourselves into images of Christ.

Luke describes Jesus’ appearance being changed. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, are talking with him about his “exodus”, his coming passion and death. The disciples are confused, but then God tells them they must now listen to Jesus, the representatives of old Israel have departed.

Psalm Response: The Lord is my light and my help.

(Gen 15:5-12,17-18; Psalm 26(27);Phil 3:17-4:1; Luke 9: 28-36)

Jer 17: 5-8; Psalm 1:1-4.6; 1 Cor 15:12,16-20; Luke 6: 17,20-26

Jeremiah lived through a stormy period about 600 BC, before and during the exile. He suffered much through sieges and imprisonments, his life and death showing many similarities with Jesus. The despair he felt at the sins of his people against God’s covenant may have led him to doubt. But doubt can lead to re-examination of beliefs: Jeremiah never lost hope that God is merciful, and his new covenant would save his people. We may wrestle with sin engraved on the heart, treasures will be taken away, but we must trust in the Lord to lead us through our troubles.

Paul had reminded the Corinthians of the centrality of the resurrection to our faith. Now he explains: without Christ’s resurrection from the dead, there is no resurrection of the body for us. Therefore no bodily life after our death – this life is all we have. He compares the resurrection of the dead to sowing a seed: the body which dies “is not the body which is to be”, which will be energised by the Spirit. “What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable”.

In Luke’s gospel Jesus had chosen the twelve from his disciples, clearly indicating to Jews his new approach. Jesus proclaims God’s justice is coming. Good news for those treated unfairly, not good for those behaving unjustly.

Psalm Response: Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

(Jer 17: 5-8; Psalm 1:1-4.6; 1 Cor 15:12,16-20; Luke 6: 17,20-26)