Fifth Sunday of Easter
SABBATH GUIDE
Fifth Sunday of Easter
First Reading Acts 14:21-27 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 145 | Second Reading - Rev 21:1-5a | Gospel - Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Jn 13:34
Love of God and love for neighbor had been regarded as the greatest of all of the commandments (ref. Mt 22:34-40). What is so new about a command to love one another? Perhaps the newness is in the way Jesus tells us to love. Jesus would have spoken these words to His Apostles right after washing their feet, and right before entering His Passion. We are commanded to love as Jesus does - emptying ourselves for others - without receiving recognition or gratitude - even if it doesn’t seem like they “deserve” it. To give our love as a free and undeserved gift, the way God loves us. Observing how believers in the early Church loved others attracted many pagans to Christianity. St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans (12:9-18), lays out very concretely what living this command to love can look like. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, let us ask the Lord to also teach us how to love, knowing that He makes all things new.
Is it evident to others by the way you love that you are a Catholic disciple?
Is there a “new” way the Lord is asking you to love? Maybe in how you love, or in who you love?
Take some time to read Romans 12:9-18. What stands out to you the most in how St. Paul encourages us to love others?
GUÍA DOMINICAL
Quinto Domingo de Pascua
Primera Lectura- Hch 14, 21b-27 | Salmo Responsorial - Salmo 144 | Segunda Lectura - Apoc. 21, 1-5a | Evangelio - Jn 13, 31-33a. 34-35
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051522.cfm
“Les doy un mandamiento nuevo: que se amen los unos a los otros, como yo los he amado.” Jn 13, 34
El amor a Dios y al prójimo se consideraban los mayores de los mandamientos (ref. Mt 22, 34-40). Entonces, ¿qué hay de nuevo en el mandato del Domingo del Buen Pastor? Quizá la novedad se encuentre en la manera en la que Jesús nos dice que debemos amar. Jesús habría pronunciado estas palabras a sus Apóstoles justo después de lavarles los pies, y justo antes de su Pasión. Se nos manda amar como lo hace Jesús, vaciándonos por los demás, aunque no parezca que lo "merezcan". De hecho, muchos paganos se sintieron atraídos por el cristianismo al observar cómo los creyentes de la Iglesia primitiva amaban a los demás. San Pablo, en su carta a los Romanos 12, 9-18, explica de manera muy concreta cómo se puede vivir este nuevo mandamiento del amor. Mientras seguimos celebrando el tiempo de Pascua, pidamos al Señor que nos enseñe a amar, conscientes de que Él hace nuevas todas las cosas.
¿Es visible para los demás que eres un discípulo católico por tu forma de amar?
¿Hay una forma "nueva" en la que el Señor te pide que ames? ¿Quizás en cómo amas o a quién amas?
Tómate un tiempo para leer Romanos 12, 9-18. ¿Qué es lo que más te llama la atención de cómo San Pablo nos invita a amar a los demás?
Fourth Sunday of Easter
SABBATH GUIDE
Fourth Sunday of Easter
First Reading Acts 13:14, 43-52 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 100 | Second Reading -Rev 7:9, 14b-17 | Gospel -Jn 10:27-30
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jn 10:27
Our Lord often compares His relationship with us to how a shepherd cares for his sheep (ie. Ps 23:1, Is 40:11, Ez 34:11-12, Mt 9:36, Mt 25:32, John 10:11).The sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice and follow him. For us, as we follow the Good Shepherd, this is not always easy. We can face many decisions in our lives where we wonder how to hear what the Lord is asking or struggle to listen and follow. As we ask the question, “How do I know what God wants?,” we can keep in mind “4 C’s” of discernment:
Connect - The place to start is always with connecting with the Lord, growing in our relationship with Him through prayer and the Sacraments, learning to listen to His voice.
Conform - As we face a decision we can ask if it is in accord with Church teaching. God will never ask something of us that contradicts what He has revealed through His Church.
Confirm - Do people who love us and know us well think it is a good idea? Can they confirm that it could be a good decision?
Commit - We finally have to make a choice one way or the other, then reflect with the Lord. Is there peace that comes once we make a decision? Or is the uncertainty and anxiety greater?
These steps can help us listen to the Lord and follow Him in many different decisions in our lives. They can also be helpful steps for someone who is discerning their vocation, perhaps considering a call to the priesthood or religious life. Whatever decisions we face, our Lord truly is the Good Shepherd. He has a beautiful plan for our lives. He is willing to leave the ninety-nine to seek after the one who is lost (Lk 15:4-7). We have nothing to fear as we listen for His voice and follow Him.
NOTE TO PRIESTS: Please use this opportunity to share your vocation story in your homily, to speak about how you felt the call to the priesthood and practically how you listened for the voice of the Shepherd in your discernment.
Is there a big decision you are currently facing? How are you going about making that decision? Or maybe a big decision you have made in the past?
Of the 4Cs for discernment, which seems like the hardest step to you?
Are there any ways you struggle to trust Jesus as the Good Shepherd? How could you grow to trust Him more?
GUÍA DOMINICAL
Cuarto Domingo de Pascua
Primera Lectura- Hch 13, 14. 43-52 | Salmo Responsorial - Salmo 99 |
Segunda Lectura -Apoc 7, 9. 14b-17 | Evangelio -Jn 10, 27-30
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050822.cfm
“Mis ovejas escuchan mi voz; yo las conozco y ellas me siguen.” Jn 10, 27
Nuestro Señor suele comparar su relación con nosotros con la manera en que un pastor cuida de sus ovejas (por ejemplo, Salmo 23, 1, Is 40, 11, Ez 34, 11-12, Mt 9, 36, Mt 25, 32, Juan 10, 11). Para nosotros, seguidores del Buen Pastor, esto no siempre es fácil. En nuestras vidas nos podemos enfrentar a muchas situaciones en las que nos preguntamos cómo escuchar lo que el Señor nos pide o nos cuesta escuchar y seguir. Cuando nos preguntamos: "¿Cómo puedo saber lo que Dios quiere?", podemos tener en cuenta las "4 C" del discernimiento:
Conectar - Siempre hay que comenzar conectando con el Señor, creciendo en nuestra relación con Él a través de la oración y los Sacramentos, aprendiendo a escuchar su voz.
Conformar - Cuando tomamos una decisión, podemos preguntarnos va de acuerdo con las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. Dios nunca nos pedirá algo que contradiga lo que Él ha revelado a través de su Iglesia.
Confirmar - ¿Las personas que nos quieren y nos conocen piensan que es una buena idea? ¿Pueden confirmar que sería una buena decisión?
Comprometer - Por último, debemos tomar una decisión en un sentido o en otro, y luego reflexionar con el Señor. ¿Sentimos paz una vez que tomamos la decisión? ¿O es más grande la incertidumbre y la ansiedad?
Estos pasos nos pueden ayudar a escuchar al Señor y a seguirlo en las distintas situaciones de nuestra vida. También pueden ser pasos prácticos para alguien que está discerniendo su vocación o que está considerando una llamada al sacerdocio o a la vida religiosa. Cualquiera que sea la decisión que tomemos, nuestro Señor realmente es el Buen Pastor. Tiene un plan hermoso para nuestras vidas. Está dispuesto a dejar a los noventa y nueve para buscar al que está perdido (Lc 15, 4-7). No tenemos nada que temer si escuchamos su voz y le seguimos.
NOTA PARA LOS SACERDOTES: Por favor, aprovechen esta oportunidad para compartir su historia vocacional en su homilía, para hablar de cómo sintieron el llamado al sacerdocio y cómo escucharon la voz del Pastor en su discernimiento.
¿Hay alguna decisión importante que estés afrontando actualmente? ¿Cómo vas a tomar esa decisión? ¿O tal vez una decisión importante que hayas tomado en el pasado?
De las 4 C para el discernimiento, ¿cuál te parece el paso más difícil?
¿Hay alguna forma en la que te cueste confiar en Jesús como Buen Pastor? ¿Cómo podrías crecer para confiar más en Él?
Third Sunday of Easter
SABBATH GUIDE
Third Sunday of Easter
First Reading Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 30 | Second Reading - Rev 5:11-14 | Gospel - Jn 21:1-19
“Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”” Jn 21:17
When things are difficult, what do we do? Is our love for the Lord constant, no matter the circumstances? Just weeks ago, we read of Peter’s denial of Christ. Then in the Gospel today, it seems as if Peter is trying to “escape,” going out to fish. But our Lord finds him there, asking him to reaffirm his love. It is no accident that John mentions that Jesus is by a charcoal fire: Peter’s denial (Jn 18:18) is the only other place in Scripture where there is a charcoal fire. And just as Peter denied our Lord three times, so three times our Lord asks him: “do you love me?” This small glimpse of Peter’s journey reminds us of our Lord’s faithfulness to us. When we fall, we need not fall into despair but instead affirm our love for Jesus and choose to remain with Him. We repent, and we begin again. We see Peter’s struggles in the Gospel. But his story does not end there. In the first reading, we see Peter come to a place of being able to rejoice and be undeterred amid persecution and difficulty. We know he goes on to lead the Church, and to, eventually, give all, willingly suffering death for our Lord. Jesus never gave up on Peter, and He doesn’t give up on us. Even when it feels hard, let us continue, always able to declare: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Can you relate to Peter in any way? What do you feel you can learn from him?
How do you normally respond to difficulties in your life? Maybe anger? Escaping? Turning to the Lord?
Looking back on your life, can you see ways the Lord has been present to you, even when you have struggled to remain with Him? How can you choose more concretely to turn to Him?
GUÍA DOMINICAL
Tercer Domingo de Pascua
Primera Lectura Hch 5, 27b-32. 40b-41 | Salmo Responsorial - Salmo 29 | Segunda Lectura - Apoc 5, 11-14 | Evangelio - Jn 21, 1-19
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050122.cfm
“Por tercera vez le preguntó: “Simón, hijo de Juan, ¿me quieres?” Pedro se entristeció de que Jesús le hubiera preguntado por tercera vez si lo quería y le contestó: “Señor, tú lo sabes todo; tú bien sabes que te quiero”. Jesús le dijo: “Apacienta mis ovejas.”” Jn 21, 17
¿Qué hacemos cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles? ¿Nuestro amor por el Señor es constante, sin importar las circunstancias? Hace apenas unas semanas, leímos cómo Pedro negó a Cristo. Luego, en el Evangelio de hoy, parece que Pedro intenta "escapar", saliendo a pescar. Pero el Señor lo encuentra allí y le pide que le reafirme su amor. No es casualidad que Juan señala que Jesús está junto a un fuego de carbón: La negación de Pedro (Jn 18, 18) es el único otro lugar de la Escritura donde hay un fuego de carbón. Y así como Pedro negó a nuestro Señor tres veces, tres veces le pregunta nuestro Señor: "¿me amas?" Esta pequeña muestra del camino de Pedro nos recuerda la fidelidad de nuestro Señor. Cuando caemos, no tenemos que caer en la desesperación, sino reafirmar nuestro amor por Jesús y elegir permanecer con Él. Nos arrepentimos y volvemos a empezar. Vemos las dificultades de Pedro en el Evangelio. Pero su historia no termina ahí. En la primera lectura, vemos a Pedro llegar a un lugar en el que es capaz de alegrarse y no desanimarse en medio de la persecución y las dificultades. Sabemos que llega a liderar la Iglesia y que, finalmente, lo da todo, sufriendo voluntariamente la muerte por nuestro Señor. Jesús nunca se rindió con Pedro, y no se rinde con nosotros. Incluso cuando nos parezca duro, continuemos, siempre capaces de declarar: "Señor, tú lo sabes todo; tú bien sabes que te quiero".
¿Te identificas de alguna manera con Pedro? ¿Qué crees que puedes aprender de él?
¿Cómo sueles responder a las dificultades en tu vida? ¿Tal vez con ira? ¿Huyendo? ¿Recurriendo al Señor?
Al mirar hacia tu vida, ¿puedes ver las formas en que el Señor se ha hecho presente para ti, incluso cuando has batallado para permanecer con Él? ¿De qué manera puedes elegir más concretamente acudir a Él?
Divine Mercy Sunday
SABBATH GUIDE
Second Sunday of Easter
First Reading Acts 5:12-16 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 118 | Second Reading -Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 | Gospel - Jn 20:19-31
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”” Jn 20:19
Most of the Apostles had abandoned Jesus. Peter had denied Him. And, yet, the first words our Resurrected Lord says to them is “peace.” Not words of condemnation or rebuke. But words of mercy. The Church traditionally recognizes the Sunday after Easter as “Divine Mercy Sunday.” On this day, we remember, in a special way, the abundant love and overwhelming mercy of our Lord. Understanding our God as merciful is not new, but it was recently made more prominent in the Church through messages that our Lord gave a young nun in Poland named St. Faustina Kowalska. Jesus appeared to this uneducated nun in the 1930s; she recorded all that He said, now in a book called the “Diary of St. Faustina.” Our Lord’s words to St. Faustina speak powerfully of His mercy and love if we but turn to Him with trust and repentance. In one of these revelations, Jesus said: “I desire trust from My creatures. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the unmeasurable depths of My mercy” (Diary 1059). Continuing in the joy of the Easter season, we give thanks to the Lord for His great mercy and love: let us turn to Him to ask for mercy, and let us, in turn, show mercy to others.
What would you have been thinking or feeling if you were one of the disciples whom Jesus appeared to?
Have you ever had an experience of God’s mercy? Is it ever hard for you to believe in His mercy?
Consider taking some time today to learn more about the devotion to Divine Mercy or to pray a “Chaplet of Divine Mercy.” You can find out more here.
GUÍA DOMINICAL
Segundo Domingo de Pascua
First Reading Acts 5:12-16 | Responsorial Psalm - Ps 118 | Second Reading -Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 | Gospel - Jn 20:19-31
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042422.cfm
“Al anochecer del día de la resurrección, estando cerradas las puertas de la casa donde se hallaban los discípulos, por miedo a los judíos, se presentó Jesús en medio de ellos y les dijo: ‘La paz esté con ustedes’” Jn 20, 19
La mayoría de los Apóstoles habían abandonado a Jesús. Pedro lo había negado. Y, sin embargo, las primeras palabras que nuestro Señor Resucitado les dice es “la paz". No son palabras de condena o reproche. Sino palabras de misericordia. Tradicionalmente, la Iglesia reconoce el domingo después de Pascua como "Domingo de la Divina Misericordia". En este día, recordamos, de manera especial, el abundante amor y la inmensa misericordia de nuestro Señor. Reconocer a nuestro Dios como misericordioso no es algo nuevo, pero recientemente se ha hecho más presente en la Iglesia a través de los mensajes que nuestro Señor dio a una joven monja en Polonia llamada Santa Faustina Kowalska. Jesús se le apareció a la humilde monja en la década de 1930; ella registró todo lo que Él dijo en un libro que ahora conocemos como el "Diario de Santa Faustina". Las palabras de Nuestro Señor a Santa Faustina hablan poderosamente de su misericordia y amor si nos dirigimos a Él con confianza y arrepentimiento. En una de estas revelaciones, Jesús dijo: "Deseo la confianza de Mis criaturas, invita a las almas a una gran confianza en Mi misericordia insondable. Que no tema acercarse a Mí el alma débil, pecadora y aunque tuviera más pecados que granos de arena hay en la tierra, todo se hundirá en el abismo de Mi misericordia. (Diario 1059). Continuando con la alegría del tiempo de Pascua, damos gracias al Señor por su gran misericordia y amor: dirijamonos a Él para pedirle misericordia, y a la vez mostremos misericordia a los demás.
¿Qué habrías pensado o sentido si fueras uno de los discípulos a los que se les apareció Jesús?
¿Alguna vez has experimentado la misericordia de Dios? ¿Te resulta difícil creer en su misericordia?
Considera tomarte un tiempo para aprender más sobre la devoción a la Divina Misericordia o para rezar la "Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia". Puedes encontrar más información www.ladivinamisericordia.orgp
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.
