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From: Acts 4:1-12
Peter and John Are Arrested
Address to the Sanhedrin
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Commentary:
1-4. On the Sadducee sect see the note on Matthew 3:7.
In this chapter St. Luke reports on the first conflict between the Apostles and the
Jerusalem authorities. Despite the incident at the end of Peter’s address, his
words are still an instrument of grace, stirring his listeners to believe and moving
them to love.
A large crowd gathered round Peter after the curing of the cripple, which brings
on the scene the “captain of the temple”, a priest second in line to the high priest
whose function it was to maintain order. The priests St. Luke refers to here would
have been those who were on for this particular week and were responsible for the
day-to-day affairs of the temple.
5-7. These three groups — rulers, elders, scribes — made up the Sanhedrin, the
same tribunal as had recently judged and condemned our Lord (cf. note on Mat-
thew 2:4). Jesus’ words are already being fulfilled: “A servant is not greater than
his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you” (John 15:20).
Annas was not in fact the high priest at this time, but the title was applied to him
along with Caiaphas because of the authority he still wielded: he had been high
priest and five of his sons succeeded him in the office, as well as Caiaphas, his
son-in-law (cf. Josephus, “Jewish Antiquities”, XX, 198f).
8-12. The Apostles’ confidence and joy is quite remarkable, as is their outspoken-
ness in asserting that “we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard”
(verse 20). “This is the glorious freedom of the children of God. Christians who let
themselves be browbeaten or become inhibited or envious in the face of the licen-
tious behavior of those who do not accept the Word of God, show that they have
a very poor idea of the faith. If we truly fulfill the law of Christ — that is, if we make
the effort to do so, for we will not always fully succeed—we will find ourselves en-
dowed with a wonderful gallantry of spirit” (St. J. Escriva, “Friends of God”, 38).
Christians have a duty to confess their faith where silence would mean its impli-
cit denial, disrespect for religion, an offense against God or scandal to their neigh-
bor. Thus Vatican II: “Christians should approach those who are outside wisely,
‘in the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech’ (2 Corinthians 6:6-7), and should
strive, even to the shedding of their blood, to spread the light of life with all confi-
dence (Acts 4:29) and apostolic courage. The disciple has a grave obligation to
Christ, his Master, to grow daily in his knowledge of the truth he has received
from Him, to be faithful in announcing it and vigorous in defending it” (”Dignitatis
Humanae”, 14).
Pope Paul VI asked Catholics to check on any weak points in their faith, inclu-
ding ignorance and human respect, “that is, shame or timidness in professing
their faith. We are not speaking of that discretion or reserve which in a pluralist
and profane society like ours avoids certain signs of religion when with others.
We are referring to weakness, to failure to profess one’s own religious ideas for
fear of ridicule, criticism or others’ reactions [...] and which is a cause — perhaps
the main cause—of the abandonment of faith by people who simply conform to
whatever new environment they find themselves in” (Paul VI, “General Audience”,
19 June 1968).
8. Even in the very early days of Christianity Jesus’ prediction is borne out: “Be-
ware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils.... When they deliver you up,
do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are
to say will be given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of
your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:17-20).
10. “Whom God raised from the dead”: St. Peter once again bears witness to
the Resurrection of Jesus, the central truth of apostolic preaching; he uses here
the same words as he did at Pentecost. These are compatible with our holding
that Jesus “rose by His own power on the third day” ([Pope] Paul VI, “Creed of
the People of God”, 12). The power by which Christ rose was that of His divine
person, to which both His soul and His body remained joined even after death
separated them. “The divine power and operation of the Father and of the Son is
one and the same; hence it follows that Christ rose by the power of the Father
and by His own power” (St. Thomas Aquinas, “Summa Theologiae”, III, q. 53,
a. 4).
“By the word ‘Resurrection’,” the “St. Pius V Catechism” explains, “we are not
merely to understand that Christ was raised from the dead, which happened to
many others, but that He rose by His own power and virtue, a singular preroga-
tive peculiar to Him alone. For it is incompatible with nature and was never given
to man to raise himself by his own power, from death to life. This was reserved
for the almighty power of God. [...] We sometimes, it is true, read in Scripture
that He was raised by the Father; but this refers to Him as man, just as those
passages on the other hand, which say that He rose by His own power, relate
to Him as God” (I, 6, 8).
11. St. Peter applies the words of Psalm 118:22 to Jesus, conscious no doubt
that our Lord had referred to Himself as the stone rejected by the builders which
had become the cornerstone, the stone which keeps the whole structure toge-
ther (cf. Matthew 21:42 and par.).
12. Invocation of the name of Jesus is all-powerful because this is our Savior’s
own name (cf. note on Matthew 1:21). Our Lord Himself told His Apostles this:
“If you ask anything of the Father, He will give it to you in My name” (John 16:
23), and they, trusting in this promise, work miracles and obtain conversions “in
the name of Jesus”. Today — as ever — the power of His name will work wonders
in the souls of those who call upon Him. St. Escriva gives this advice: “Don’t be
afraid to call our Lord by His name — Jesus — and to tell Him that you love Him”
(”The Way”, 303); and the Liturgy of the Hours invites us to pray: “God our Fa-
ther, You are calling us to prayer, at the same hour as the Apostles went up to
the temple. Grant that the prayer we offer with sincere hearts in the name of Je-
sus may bring salvation to all who call upon that holy name” (Week 1, Monday
afternoon).
*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.
Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.
From: John 21:1-14
The Miraculous Draught of Fish
[4] Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did
not know that it was Jesus. [5] Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any
fish?” They answered Him, “No.” [6] He said to them, “Cast the net on the right
side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not
able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. [7] That disciple whom Jesus loved said
to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put
on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. [8] But the
other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not
far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
[9] When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it,
and bread. [10] Jesus said to them, “Bring some fish that you have just caught.”
[11] So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a
hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was
not torn. [12] Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the
disciples dared ask Him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. [13] Jesus
came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. [14] This was
now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised
from the dead.
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Commentary:
1-3. There are some very significant things in this account: we find the disciples
“by the Sea of Tiberias”, which means they have done what the risen Christ had
told them to do (cf. Matthew 28:7); they are together, which shows that there is
a close fraternity among them; Peter takes the initiative, which in a way shows
his authority; and they have gone back to their old jobs as fishermen, probably
waiting for our Lord to give them new instructions.
This episode is reminiscent of the first miraculous draught of fish (cf. Luke 5:1-
11), where our Lord promised Peter He would make him a fisher of men; now He
is going to confirm his mission as visible head of the Church.
4-8. The risen Jesus goes in search of His disciples, to encourage them and tell
them more about the great mission He has entrusted to them. This account des-
cribes a very moving scene, our Lord together with His own: “He passes by,
close to His Apostles, close to those souls who have given themselves to Him,
and they do not realize He is there. How often Christ is not only near us, but in
us; yet we still live in such a human way!... They, the disciples, recall what they
have heard so often from their Master’s lips: fisher of men, apostles. And they
realize that all things are possible, because it is He who is directing their fishing.
“Whereupon ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord!’ Love,
love is farsighted. Love is the first to appreciate kindness. The adolescent Apos-
tle, who felt a deep and firm affection for Jesus, because he loved Christ with all
the purity and tenderness of a heart that had never been corrupted, exclaimed:
‘It is the Lord!’”
“’When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes and sprang
into the sea.’ Peter personifies faith. Full of marvelous daring, he leaps into the
sea. With a love like John’s and a faith like Peter’s, what is there that can stop
us?” (St. J. Escriva, “Friends of God”, 265-266).
9-14. We can sense here the deep impression this appearance of the risen Je-
sus must have made on the Apostles, and how sweet a memory St. John kept
of it. After His resurrection Jesus showed the same tenderness as characterized
His public ministry. He makes use of natural things — the fire, the fish, etc. — to
show that He really is there, and He maintains the familiar tone typical of when
He lived with the disciples.
The Fathers and Doctors of the Church have often dwelt on the mystical mea-
ning of this episode: the boat is the Church, whose unity is symbolized by the
net which is not torn; the sea is the world, Peter in the boat stands for supreme
authority of the Church, and the number of fish signifies the number of the elect
(cf. St. Thomas Aquinas, “Commentary on St. John, in loc.”).
*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.
Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.
Liturgical Colour: White.
First reading | Acts 4:1-12 © |
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Responsorial Psalm |
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Psalm 117:1-2,4,22-27 © |
Gospel Acclamation | Ps117:24 |
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Gospel | John 21:1-14 © |
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Pray for Pope Francis.
Why Boko Haram and ISIS Target Women
Report reveals scale of Boko Haram violence inflicted on Nigerian Catholics
Military evacuating girls, women rescued from Boko Haram
Echos of Lepanto Nigerian bishop says rosary will bring down Boko Harm
After vision of Christ, Nigerian bishop says rosary will bring down Boko Haram (Catholic Caucus)
Nigerian Bishop Says Christ Showed Him How to Beat Islamic Terror Group
We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.
Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.
Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.
Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.
Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.
O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.
Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests
This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.
The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.
The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.
Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem. He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.
St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.
Sharing God's Mercy with Our Children
Mercy Heals Fear to Trust
Jubilee of Mercy, But With the Confessionals Empty
If You Don't Know the Bad News, the Good News is No News -- A Meditation on the Coming Year of Mercy
Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis According to which an Indulgence is Granted...[Catholic Caucus]
POPE FRANCIS FOR YEAR OF MERCY GRANTS THAT SSPX PRIESTS CAN VALIDLY ABSOLVE!
MISERICORDIAE VULTUS: BULL OF INDICTION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY
Pope: Church Must Be 'Oasis of Mercy,' Not Severe Fortress
1. Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
3. The Lord's Prayer: OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
4. (3) Hail Mary: HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
5. Glory Be: GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
6. Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.
Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer. Repeat the process with each mystery.
End with the Hail Holy Queen:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Final step -- The Sign of the Cross
The Mysteries of the Rosary By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary. The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.
The Sorrowful Mysteries
(Tuesdays and Fridays)
1. The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46) [Spiritual fruit - God's will be done]
2. The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1) [Spiritual fruit - Mortification of the senses]
3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:2) [Spiritual fruit - Reign of Christ in our heart]
4. The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:31-32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17) [Spiritual fruit - Patient bearing of trials]
5. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-39, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:17-37) [Spiritual fruit - Pardoning of Injuries]
St. Michael the Archangel
~ PRAYER ~
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
+
PLEASE JOIN US - Evening Prayer
Someone has said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.
Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?
There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Please forward this to your praying friends.
"When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore"
This day the Lord has made (Ps 117[118]:24) penetrates everything, contains everything, encompasses everything, heaven, earth, and the underworld!... And what is this heavenly day if not Christ, of whom the prophet speaks: Day pours out the word to day (Ps 18[19]:3). Yes, this day is the Son to whom the Father, who is the light of day, declares the secret of his divinity. He is that day who speaks through the Wise mans voice: I have created a day that will rise for ever in the heavens
Thus the light of Christ shines, radiates, blazes out forever and the darkness of sin cannot constrain it. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it (Jn 1:5).
At the resurrection of Christ every element is glorified; I am certain the sun shone with a brighter light on that day. Should not that which was saddened at the death of Christ enter into the joy of the resurrection? (Mt 27:45)
Like a faithful servant it was darkened so as to accompany Christ into the tomb and now today it must shine out to greet the resurrection
Let us rejoice in this holy day, my brethren. Let none conceal themselves from the common joy at the remembrance of their sin! Let none despair of forgiveness. A great favour awaits them. If, on the cross, our Lord took pity on a robber
, with what gifts will we not be showered by the glory of his resurrection?
St. Teresa of Jesus
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. / For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia. |
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