SOCL, AscensionB

Sunday May 12, 2024

Proclaim the good news to the whole creation.

See

When is an ending not an ending? Mark takes the huge risk of an apparently negative ending to the story which began resoundingly in 1:1. The ending does not satisfy and never did…and that is Mark’s very point. To have a neat narrative ending would close the story in the past, whereas Mark forces us to realize that the story goes on the lives of all disciples, then and now. We are the bearers of the Good News, we are the continuation of the story, a story which in truth will never really end, thanks be to God.

Listen

Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 (46); Ephesians 1:17-23; Mark 16:15-20

Reflect

(Mark 16:15-20)

-In the preceding verse Jesus had rebuked the apostles for their lack of faith. Despite this he commissioned them to bring the Good News to the whole world. Witnesses to the Good News do not have to be perfect. There is encouragement for us in this. To whom have you brought good news? Who has been a messenger of good news to you?

-Jesus then tells them that their witness will have quite dramatic effects, helping people to overcome demons, bring them peace and healing. Things happen when we have belief in God and in ourselves. Strong faith can enable us to meet and overcome difficulties, in ways that waverers cannot do. Perhaps you have had experience of this?

-The ascension marked the end of the visible presence of Jesus with the disciples, but he was with them in other ways. ‘The Lord worked with them’. Sometimes we can experience that death is not the end of the presence of someone significant to us. We can experience the unseen presence and influence of a parent, a friend, or an inspiring leader, after they have died. Has this happened for you? Have you also experienced the hidden presence of the Lord working with you?

Pray

God of power and might, in the mystery of the ascension you have raised up and glorified your Son, and exalted our humanity at his right hand. Confirm the good news your Church proclaims, so that when Christ returns in glory all nations may be gathered into the kingdom where he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God for ever and ever. Amen.

Act

-Embrace Imperfect Endings: Understand that not all endings in life will be neat or satisfying. Sometimes, an apparent negative ending may be a stepping stone to something greater. Embrace these imperfect endings as part of a larger narrative that continues to unfold.

-See Yourself as a Storyteller: Recognize that you are a bearer of Good News in your own life story. Just as the disciples carried forward the message of Jesus, you too can contribute to the ongoing narrative of faith and purpose. Share your experiences, wisdom, and values with others as part of this continuous story.

-Live with Hope and Continuity: Maintain a perspective of hope and continuity in your journey. Understand that the story of faith and life is ongoing, spanning generations and impacting lives in meaningful ways. Approach each day with the awareness that your actions and choices contribute to this larger, never-ending narrative.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ap, May 12). Seventh Sunday of Easter - Ascension. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051224.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, Easter6B

Sunday May 05, 2024

What I command you is to love one another.

See

There are odd expressions in the Fourth Gospel and in 1 John. It is strange to be commanded to love. Even stranger: “Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments.” What can “command” and “obedience” have to do with the love, the most free thing of all? It may help to recall that both human nature and divine nature are defined by love. We are being commanded to become what we most want to be in our deepest selves. Obedience here is the invitation to become our truest selves, true to our identity before God and our true to our mission simply as human beings.

Listen

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 4:7-10; John 15:9-17

Reflect

(John 15:9-17)

-A commandment of love is something of a contradiction in terms. Love is a free choice. That is what gives the thrill to the experience of being loved. Recall times when you received gestures of love from another—a spontaneous embrace from a husband or wife; a wave from a friend; words of comfort and affirmation—not because the other person felt obliged to reach out to you but because they wanted to let you know that you were loved. What effect did that have on you? Did it bring you joy? Perhaps you have had a glimpse of the truth of what Jesus said, that it is in loving that our joy is complete.

-Often love and friendship make demands on us. Parents give freely of their time and energy to the care of their children but sometimes it requires a lot of effort. Also in responding to the needs of friends or spouses we can be challenged to ‘lay down’ our own ‘lives’ at least for a time. Can you recall when a time when putting yourself out for others bore fruit for them and for you?

-“I chose you”. Have you had the experience of being ‘chosen’ by someone? What was it like for you to be chosen? What is it like for you to consider yourself as one chosen by Jesus?

-Jesus called the disciples ‘’friends' not ‘servants’ because he had told them everything about himself. When have you allowed yourself to be known and loved? When has friendship blossomed for you because you made the time available and took the effort to understand another?

-The presence of God is revealed to us in the love we experience from others. Sometimes it can be clearly seen in the love between husband and wife, or parent and child when it doesn’t have to be proved but is the nature of the relationship in which they live. Love can also be apparent in difficult situations like when someone is ill or dying or in any kind of trouble. Abiding in the love of another is one of the greatest joys of life. When have you had that experience?

Pray

God of all nations, in the gift of your Son you have embraced the world with a love that takes away our sin and bestows perfect joy. Grant to all who have been reborn in baptism fidelity in serving you and generosity in loving one another. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God for ever and ever. Amen.

Act

-Align Desires and Actions: See obedience as aligning actions with deepest desires.

-Intentional Living: Live with intention, expressing love daily.

-Continuous Growth: View obedience as a journey of continual growth.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024an, May 5). Sixth Sunday of Easter. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050524.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, Easter5B

Sunday April 28, 2024

See

In the Bible, things from everyday life are used to speak of God. Two good examples would be those staples of the Mediterranean, the olive and the vine. In particular, the vine lends itself to metaphorical reference. It takes great tending; at the same time, it is obvious that even the furthest tendril “must with the vine be one.” By staying connected and with careful pruning, the fruit itself is “pleasant to the sight and good for food” (Genesis 2:9). No need to mention the wine!

Listen

Acts 9:26-31; Psalm 22 (21); 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8

Reflect

(John 15:1-8)

-In a relationship connectedness is important. Relationships cannot be taken for granted and need time and care to be life-giving. What does your experience tell you of the truth of this in your relationships with God, with your friends, with your family, with communities or groups to which you belong?

-“Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit”. In what ways do you see that you have been ‘pruned’ by the experiences of life, or by the word of God, to be a more fruitful person? Perhaps you have also experienced the need for “pruning” in significant relationships in your life.

-The parable also reminds us that we are not the source of our own life. It is a gift from God, from our parents, and from all who have nourished us. Give thanks for those who have been a source of life for you.

-God is glorified by our being fruitful. When has human fruitfulness reminded you of God at work in our world?

Pray

O God, you graft us on to Christ, the true vine, and, with tireless care, you nurture our growth in knowledge and reverence. Tend the vineyard of your Church, that in Christ each branch may bring forth to the glory of your name abundant fruits of faith and love. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God for ever and ever. Amen.

Act

-Stay Connected: Keep nurturing important relationships and goals, like the vine and its tendrils, staying connected for thriving growth.

-Regular Pruning: Trim away what doesn't serve you—habits, possessions, or negative thoughts—to make room for positive growth.

-Nourish and Flourish: Prioritize activities that nourish body, mind, and spirit, just as the vine's fruit is both delightful and beneficial.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024al, April 28). Fifth Sunday of Easter. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042824.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/