Easter 5 Sunday C - Love One Another

Fr. Jude Botelho:

This Sunday’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us of the many missionary journeys of the apostles and the growth of Christianity. It was not all easy but the gentle encouragement of Barnabas, and the personal witness of Paul was a great blessing for the early Christian communities and they grew in number. Every day of our life we are called to witness to the fact that Jesus is alive and in our midst. We are also called to be like Joseph, the real name of Barnabas. He was nicknamed Barnabas, ‘son of encouragement’. He encouraged Paul when he was just beginning his ministry and his encouragement built the early church. We need less of critics and more of encouragers to build the Christian community.

Easter 4 Sunday C: Good Shepherd

From Fr. Jude Botelho:

In today's reading we see the power of the Risen Lord, which had transformed Peter, who preaches eloquently and takes on the establishment. Peter was speaking to the elders, the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, a powerful opposition for an uneducated fisherman, yet he and the other apostles displayed courage and greatness as they confront them head on. "If we are being questioned and asked how this man was healed, let it be known, that this man is standing in good health by the name of Jesus of Nazareth." Peter could have taken the credit for the miracle. Peter has learnt his lesson and knows that if he relies on himself he will fall, but his confidence is in the Lord, who never fails. Peter moves from the immediate fact of the healing, to the thing signified, namely the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Easter 3 Sunday C

From Fr. Jude Botelho:

In today's first reading from the Acts on the one hand we have the temple authorities trying to cover up the evidence of the resurrection by forbidding the apostles from preaching in the name of Jesus, and on the other, the bold stand taken by the apostles to give witness to the risen Lord, unmindful of the consequences. They even openly confront the authorities and accuse them of putting to death the innocent one, Jesus Christ. By their fearless words and bold deeds they witness to the fact that Jesus is alive in them through his spirit.

Easter 2 Sunday C: Divine Mercy Sunday

From Fr. Jude Botelho:

Everything that happens evokes a response. What is your personal response to the Resurrection? A man fell in a ditch. Realist: That's a ditch. Optimist: Things will get better. Pessimist: Things will get worse. Newspaper reporter: I will pay you for an exclusive story about life in the ditch. City: Did you get a permit for your ditch life? Mathematician: I will calculate the length and depth and width of the ditch. Income tax agent: Have you paid your taxes for the ditch? A Man: "Give me your hand!" and his name is Jesus of Divine Mercy.

Easter 2019

From Fr. Jude Botelho:

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we listen to Peter as he witnesses to the Risen Lord; this Peter who in a moment of weakness swore he had nothing to do with the master, this Peter who instead of being a solid rock was in truth a pile of sand. The great proof of the resurrection was not the empty tomb but people like Peter, transformed into fearless witnesses of Jesus Christ. In today’s passage we hear Peter fearlessly proclaim that the same Jesus who suffered and died had risen from the dead. This was the mission of Peter and the disciples, to proclaim that Jesus was alive and this is our mission, to witness that Jesus is alive and that we have experienced Him in our lives and His power at work in our world today.

Good Friday - He Took our Place

1) “But you wear a cross.” On her first night there, the head counselor said that three of the boys had asked to escort her to dinner. Alone! How would she handle it if all three decided to act out at once? She swallowed hard. She desperately needed this job so she fought back the panic and walked with her charges to the dining hall. They passed through the cafeteria line as tantrums and fights erupted around them. Fortunately none of her boys exhibited any kind of behavioral outburst. They made their way to a table in the center of the busy cafeteria and the boys took their seats. Margaret picked up her fork and was about to take the first bite when she noticed that all three boys were staring at her. "What's the matter?" she asked. Aren't you going to ask a blessing?" asked eight-year-old Peter. "I didn't think I was supposed to," she responded. "This is a state school, isn't it?" "Yes," said David, his blue eyes brimming, "but you wear a cross." Her grandmother's words surged to the surface of her memory. "Never forget what this cross means," her grandmother said. "We thought that meant something," said Roman, clearly disappointed. "It does. Thank you for reminding me," Margaret said, as she bowed her head, no longer afraid. (CATHOLIC DIGEST, Feb. 92, p. 64) Margaret learned something about sainthood that day. Saints trust in God and God alone for their ultimate security. Saints submit their will to the will of God. Saints stand firm and witness to their faith.

Palm Sunday 2019

In the first part of the service we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem acclaimed by all the people. We could dwell on the thoughts of those who were present there. Firstly there are the disciples and the crowds, which were growing in their admiration of Jesus the master.