believe. teach. practice.

Once again, the first reading begins in the middle of a story. This chapter of the Acts of the Apostles began with Saul “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.” By the passage read today, Saul has regained his sight and been baptized but has not yet changed his name. He travels to Jerusalem, the heart of the community he so recently persecuted. Not surprisingly, Saul receives a cool reception when he tries to join the disciples of Jesus, who he’d encountered on his way to Damascus. When he is accepted, Saul soon faces persecution in turn. Even so, today’s first reading ends with a description of the church at peace, a testimony to the consoling power of the Spirit whose coming we will soon celebrate at Pentecost.
Behind all that is said about love in today’s second reading lies another conflict with those who do not understand the good news of Jesus Christ, Son of God. But as in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the author of the first letter of John looks to the Spirit at work, supporting those who remain faithful believers.
Like last Sunday’s gospel about the Good Shepherd, today’s gospel begins with an “I am” statement, emphasizing Jesus’s unity with his Father—although today’s reflection will consider another image that lies within the invitation to remain united with Jesus, the true vine.
—BJ Brown

Today’s readings can be found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd

Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles takes us into the middle of a story.  The story begins with a healing miracle, when Peter and John in the Temple courtyard cured a man crippled from birth. As you can imagine, this incident causes quite a commotion, so Peter—as he so frequently does in the Acts of the Apostles—delivers a speech explaining by what power this miracle has been accomplished. This in turn attracts the attention of the authorities who immediately arrest Peter and John and put them in jail overnight, awaiting a court appearance the next day. Today’s reading will pick up the story with Peter speaking in court, explaining his actions. Luke sets the stage with his customary description of Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Peter then provides the court with a beautiful summary of Christian faith about Jesus of Nazareth, making a point that will be emphasized in my homily today: there is no other name under heaven “by which we are to be saved.”
Today’s second reading is a beautiful proclamation of Easter faith. Speaking of our future, the author looks forward to the time when we shall see the risen Lord as he is. This is the vision that gives hope to all believers.
—Walter Modrys SJ

Today’s readings can be found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.

Walter Modrys SJ reflects on the wounds of the risen Lord.

The readings for the Third Sunday of Easter can be found at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

BJ Brown reflects on the story of Thomas, the twin.

The readings for the Second Sunday of Easter can be found at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

Walter Modrys SJ reflects on an Easter Sunday morning walk with an old friend.

The readings for Easter can be found at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

BJ Brown reflects on the story of the women at the tomb: Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome.

The readings for the Easter Vigil can be found at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

BJ Brown reflects on the story of woman with the alabaster jar of perfumed oil in Mark 14:1-11.

This Sunday’s readings can be found at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.