Easter Sunday
SABBATH GUIDE
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord
First Reading Acts 10:34a, 37-43 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 118 | Second Reading - Col 3:1-4 | Gospel - Jn 20:1-9
Christ, our paschal lamb has been sacrificed; let us then feast with joy in the Lord. 1 Cor 5:7-8
The sun rises on an empty tomb as two disciples, out of breath, rush to the threshold. Clothing, once covering the body of their rabbi, now lays folded neatly across the room. Gently a breeze drifts into the place where death had once laid its claim - now it is filled with morning light and the scent of spring: a new day.
A few weeks later, Peter announces, publicly, what he knew in his heart at the tomb: “This man God raised on the third day…that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” And from that moment on, the Church began to grow and spread the message of Jesus Christ until today, 2,000 years later, when we received, once again, the good news: we, who once were dead, live now in Christ!
Like new springs in desert lands, the news of the Risen Lord revives our souls and brings life to our hearts. We remember the unconquerable love of Jesus, who gave everything for you and me. His heart poured out on the cross bears witness to the truth that we are not condemned to die – we have been redeemed and are destined for glory with God forever.
Today is the day to accept the gift of new life that Jesus offers us, turn away from sin,form new habits of virtue, and follow Him wherever he leads us. Do not be afraid to give everything to Jesus!
“Remember that you are never alone, Christ is with you on your journey every day of your lives! He has called you and chosen you to live in the freedom of the children of God. Turn to Him in prayer and with love. Ask Him to grant you the courage and strength to live in this freedom always. Walk with Him who is ‘the Way, the Truth and the Life.’” (St. John Paul II)
What might you have thought or felt if you were one of the people who saw the empty tomb?
Do you ever experience being “too comfortable” with the glorious news of Jesus’ Resurrection? ? Is there a way to renew your wonder at all God has done for us?
If you believe Jesus is risen from the dead, does your life reflect that belief? What is one area you could live more in that joy?
GUÍA DOMINICAL
Domingo de Pascua: La Resurrección del Señor
Primera Lectura Hch 10, 34a. 37-43 | Salmo Responsorial - Salmo 117 | Segunda Lectura - Col 3, 1-4 | Evangelio - Jn 20, 1-9
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041722.cfm
Cristo, nuestro cordero pascual, ha sido inmolado; celebremos, pues, la Pascua.
1 Cor 5, 7-8
El sol brilla sobre una tumba vacía mientras dos discípulos, sin aliento, se apresuran a la entrada. Los lienzos, que antes cubrían el cuerpo de su rabino, ahora están doblados cuidadosamente en el suelo. Una suave brisa penetra en el lugar donde la muerte había dejado su huella; ahora se llena de luz matutina y del aroma de la primavera: un nuevo día.
Unas semanas después, Pedro anuncia, públicamente, lo que ya sabía en su corazón: "Dios lo resucitó al tercer día...que cuantos creen en él reciben, por su medio, el perdón de los pecados". Y a partir de ese momento, la Iglesia comenzó a crecer y a difundir el mensaje de Jesucristo hasta el día de hoy, 2,000 años después, y una vez más recibimos la buena noticia: ¡los que antes estábamos muertos, ahora vivimos en Cristo!
Como los nuevos manantiales en las tierras desérticas, la noticia de Nuestro Señor Resucitado revive nuestras almas y da vida a nuestros corazones. Recordamos el amor invencible de Jesús, que lo dio todo por ti y por mí. Su corazón derramado en la cruz da testimonio de la verdad de que no estamos condenados a la muerte: hemos sido redimidos y estamos destinados a la gloria con Dios para siempre.
Hoy es el día para aceptar el don de la vida nueva que nos ofrece Jesús, apartarnos del pecado, formar nuevos hábitos de virtud, y seguirlo a donde nos lleve. ¡No tengas miedo de entregárselo todo a Jesús!
“Recordad que nunca estáis solos. Cristo está con vosotros en el camino diario de vuestra vida. Os ha llamado y elegido para vivir en la libertad de los hijos de Dios. Dirigíos a él en la oración y en el amor. Pedidle que os infunda la valentía y la fuerza para vivir siempre esta libertad. Caminad con él, que es ‘el camino, la verdad y la vida.’” (San Juan Pablo II)
¿Qué habrías pensado o sentido si fueras una de las personas que vio la tumba vacía?
¿Has experimentado alguna vez el estar "demasiado cómodo" con la gloriosa noticia de la Resurrección de Jesús? ? ¿Hay alguna manera de renovar tu admiración por todo lo que Dios ha hecho por nosotros?
Si crees que Jesús ha resucitado de entre los muertos, ¿tu vida refleja esa creencia? ¿Cuál es un área en la que puedes vivir más en esa alegría?
Palm Sunday
SABBATH GUIDE
Palm Sunday
Procession with Palms - Lk 19:28-40 | First Reading-Is 50:4-7 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 22 | Second Reading - Phil 2:6-11 | Gospel - Lk 22:14—23:56
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lk 23:42
How the hearts of the Apostles must have thrilled at such a greeting as Jesus enters Jerusalem! This man they had followed for three years, whom they had given up everything for, who they knew was the Messiah now finally acclaimed by the crowds. But then how quickly, how drastically, how horribly everything changed. Under the weight of horror, they scatter, leaving our Lord abandoned. Many are there for the joy of triumph, so few are still there for the humiliation of the cross. The people who proclaimed our Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem appear silent before Pilate as the crowd yells for Jesus’ death. The disciples are unable to stay awake during our Lord’s agony in the garden; all except John abandon our Lord. Peter declares his willingness to die for Jesus, then denies knowing Him that same night. Deserted, by almost everyone, in our Lord’s hour of suffering, it is from an unlikely source that His glory is still recognized - a criminal sentenced to the same fate. How easy it can be to remain with the Lord when beholding Him in His glory:, witnessing His demonstrations of power, feeling His comfort and encouragement, hearing Him speak to our hearts. But what about when He seems not to be acting? When we do not hear His voice? When we cannot feel His presence with us? Are we willing to remain with the Lord simply out of love for Him - not just when it is easy? Remain with Him this Holy Week. Draw nearer to Him, remembering Him in each moment of our day. We fervently pray for Him to remember each of us - that we will someday be with Him in His kingdom.
Who in the Passion narrative do you relate the most to? Maybe the crowds? Peter? Pilate? The good thief? Why do you most relate to them?
Have you had any experience in this last year where it felt like the Palm Sunday triumphant entry? What about an experience this past year where it felt more like the crucifixion? What does it mean to remain with the Lord no matter the situation?
What can you do this Holy Week to remain with our Lord? Consider looking through St. Ann’s “Entering in to Holy Week” resource for ideas.
GUÍA DOMINICAL
Domingo de Ramos “De la pasión del Señor”
Procesión con Ramos - Lc 19, 28-40 | Primera Lectura-Is 50, 4-7 | Salmo Responsorial - Salmo 21 | Segunda Lectura - Flp 2, 6-11 | Evangelio - Lc 22, 14-23. 56
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041022.cfm
“Señor, cuando llegues a tu Reino, acuérdate de mí”. Lc 23, 42
¡Cómo debió de estremecerse el corazón de los Apóstoles ante semejante saludo al entrar Jesús a Jerusalén! Este hombre al que habían seguido durante tres años, por quien lo habían dejado todo, que sabían que era el Mesías, finalmente era aclamado por las multitudes. Pero luego, qué rápido, qué drástico, cuán horriblemente cambió todo. Bajo el peso del horror, se dispersaron, dejando a nuestro Señor abandonado. Muchos están allí para la alegría y triunfo, pero muy pocos para la humillación de la cruz. El pueblo que proclamó la entrada triunfal de nuestro Señor en Jerusalén se muestra silencioso ante Pilato mientras la multitud pide a gritos la muerte de Jesús. Los discípulos son incapaces de permanecer despiertos durante la agonía de nuestro Señor en el huerto; todos, excepto Juan, abandonan a nuestro Señor. Pedro se declara dispuesto a morir por Jesús y luego niega conocerlo esa misma noche. Abandonado por casi todos, en la hora del sufrimiento de nuestro Señor, su gloria sigue siendo reconocida por una fuente improbable: un criminal condenado a la misma suerte. Qué fácil puede ser permanecer con el Señor cuando lo contemplamos en su gloria: presenciando sus demostraciones de poder, sintiendo su consuelo y aliento, oyéndole hablar a nuestros corazones. ¿Pero qué pasa cuando Él parece no actuar? ¿Cuando no podemos oír su voz? ¿Cuando no sentimos su presencia con nosotros? ¿Estamos dispuestos a permanecer con el Señor simplemente por amor a Él, y no sólo cuando es fácil? Permanezcamos con Él en esta Semana Santa. Acerquémonos a Él, recordándolo en cada momento de nuestro día. Pidamos fervientemente que se acuerde de nosotros para que algún día estemos con Él en su Reino.
¿Con quién te identificas más en el relato de la Pasión? ¿Tal vez con la multitud? ¿Con Pedro? ¿Pilato? ¿El buen ladrón? ¿Por qué te identificas más con ellos?
¿Has tenido alguna experiencia en este último año en la que te hayas sentido como en la entrada triunfal del Domingo de Ramos? ¿Y alguna experiencia en este último año en la que te hayas sentido más como la crucifixión? ¿Qué significa permanecer con el Señor sin importar la situación?
¿Qué puedes hacer esta Semana Santa para permanecer con el Señor? Considera buscar ideas en el recurso "Entrando en la Semana Santa" de Santa Ana.
5th Sunday in Lent
SABBATH GUIDE
Fifth Sunday of Lent
First Reading-Is 43:16-21 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 126 | Second Reading - Phil 3:8-14 | Gospel -Jn 8:1-11
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040322-YearC.cfm
“Then Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.’” Jn 8:11
Multiple points in the Gospels point out that people were “astonished” by the words of Jesus (ref. Mt 7:28-29, 13:54; Mk 6:2; Lk 4:32). One of those instances to be astonished emerges in today’s Gospel. The Pharisees have set a trap for Jesus. According to Roman law, the Jews were not able to kill anyone. But according to the Law of Moses, the adulteress woman should be stoned. Jesus masterfully escapes their plotting; yet, our Lord’s brilliant response is not just about outwitting the Pharisees, but about sincerely loving and redeeming the woman before Him. To the Pharisees, this woman is not a person but a tool whom they exploit. But it is different with Jesus. The way of the world is to use people. The way of Jesus is to love and respect the invaluable worth of each person. In this encounter with Jesus, the woman’s dignity and beauty are restored under His merciful gaze. Jesus’ command to her to “not sin anymore” is a continuation of the restoration of her dignity. Turning from sin doesn’t limit us, but opens up even more of life in all of its abundance. What seemed the lowest experience possible for this woman becomes a pinnacle moment: she encounters mercy Himself. This Lent let us continue to heed the invitation to encounter the One who is Mercy; let us respond to the call to repent and go and sin no more. Once we have gazed into the eyes of love, how could we ever return to the lies of the world?
What are ways that we see the world use people? Have you ever experienced the pain that comes from being used?
Have you ever had a similar experience: where going through something that seemed unbearable at the time actually drew you closer to Jesus?
What do you think Jesus wrote in the ground (Jn 8:6)?
GUÍA DOMINICAL
Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma
Primera Lectura-Is 43, 16-21 | Salmo Responsorial - Salmo 125 | Segunda Lectura - Fil 3, 8-14 |
Evangelio -Jn 8, 1-11
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040322-YearC.cfm
“Y Jesús le dijo: ‘Tampoco yo te condeno. Vete y ya no vuelvas a pecar’” Jn 8,11
En varios puntos de los Evangelios se señala que la gente se "asombraba" de las palabras de Jesús (ref. Mt 7,28-29, 13,54; Mc 6,2; Lc 4,32). Uno de esos casos de asombro surge en el Evangelio de hoy. Los fariseos le tienden una trampa a Jesús. Según la ley romana, los judíos no podían matar a nadie. Pero según la Ley de Moisés, la mujer adúltera debía ser apedreada. Jesús evade su complot; pero la brillante respuesta de nuestro Señor no consiste sólo en ser más listo que los fariseos, sino en amar y redimir sinceramente a la mujer que tiene enfrente. Para los fariseos, esta mujer no es una persona, sino un instrumento del que se aprovechan. Pero con Jesús es diferente. El camino del mundo es utilizar a las personas. El camino de Jesús es amar y respetar el valor incalculable de cada persona. En este encuentro con Jesús, la dignidad y la belleza de la mujer son restauradas bajo su mirada misericordiosa. La orden de Jesús de "no volver a pecar" es una extensión de la restauración de su dignidad. Abandonar el pecado no nos limita, sino que nos permite disfrutar aún más de la vida en toda su abundancia. Lo que parecía la peor experiencia posible para esta mujer se convierte en un momento culminante: se encuentra con la Misericordia misma. En esta Cuaresma sigamos atentos a la invitación a encontrarnos con Aquel que es Misericordia; respondamos a la llamada a arrepentirnos y no pecar más. Una vez que hemos mirado a los ojos del amor, ¿cómo podríamos volver a las mentiras del mundo?
¿De qué manera vemos que el mundo utiliza a las personas? ¿Has experimentado alguna vez el dolor que se produce al ser utilizado?
¿Alguna vez has tenido una experiencia similar: donde pasar por algo que parecía insoportable en ese momento en realidad te acercó a Jesús?
¿Qué crees que escribió Jesús en el suelo (Jn 8, 6)?
4th Sunday in Lent
“... now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found”
Reflection
Longer than any of the other parables of Jesus, and perhaps the most known and loved, is the so-called Parable of the Prodigal Son. Found only in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus masterfully reveals the expansive heart of the Father, in contrast to the littleness of the hearts of the Pharisees. There is an insight to be gained from each of the three central players. The younger son demands his inheritance early from his father, essentially saying, “I can’t wait around here for you to die,” then completely squanders it. He finally returns home to the father, not from contrition but desperation. Then the older son, seeming at first to be a model of faithfulness and obedience but harboring resentment towards his father and showing his pettiness as he worries about a goat when actually everything the father has is his. Finally, we have the father, patient and enduring, watching and waiting, going out to both of his sons that they might return to his house and realize who they truly are as his beloved children. Many messages are in this parable, but the most foundational, prominent, and indisputable of them all is that we are loved, not for what we do, but for who we are. The father did not love the younger son less despite his sin, and he did not love the older son better because of his obedience. Both were loved, as a result, of the relationship with their father; their identity as his sons. Our Lenten disciplines, indeed, our entire approach to the Christian life, will be barren without a relationship with the Father, realizing who we are as His beloved son or daughter. Lent is not a self-help program but a return to the Father. While this is called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where “prodigal” means wasteful, reckless, or excessive, it could also be called the Parable of the Prodigal Father who loves so extravagantly. Let us run to His arms, sorrowful for our sin, but filled with confidence in His great mercy and love, and willing to begin again in obedience and faithfulness to Him.
Discussion Questions
Which person in the parable do you identify with the most? Why might that be?
Have you ever experienced being loved just for who you are not what you can do for someone? If so, who was it in your life that showed you that love?
Is there anything preventing you from “returning” to the Father this Lent to receive His love and mercy?
3rd Sunday in Lent
“Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.”
Reflection
Repent. Bear fruit. These two actions encompass the message of the Gospel and the invitation of Lent. To not be overly concerned with the actions of others, as the people in today’s Gospel are preoccupied with the Galileans, but to instead remain focused on what the Lord is asking of us in our lives: repent and bear fruit. Through the act of repentance, we recognize our sin, turn away from it, and return to the Lord. It is like the pruning of a tree: bearing more fruit requires us to remove what is dead and limits our growth. Then we are able to bear more fruit in our lives. St. Paul, in his letter, to the Galatians, writes: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (5:22). This list is not exhaustive of what it means to be fruitful as a Christian, but it is a sound way to reflect on our lives. Trying to turn from sin, endeavoring to stay rooted in Jesus Christ and His Sacraments, and growing in relationship with Him in prayer should be reflected in how we live. Just as a tree naturally produces good fruit when given all it needs, our lives will also bear good fruit in our words and actions. We might still struggle. But when we fail, we can repent and continue again, with great hope and trust in the Lord who is willing to give us more time to “bear fruit in the future” (Lk 13:9).
Discussion Questions
Are there any ways you see yourself preoccupied with others? What might the message of the Lord be to you about that today?
How fruitful do you feel you have been this Lent? Is there anything you could change or try to bear more fruit?
Take a minute to reflect on the list of fruit from Galatians 5:22. Is there one fruit you would like to exhibit more in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus on that this week.
