|
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 9:26-31
If one is acquainted with what Saul, later called Paul, had done to the Church of Jerusalem one can understand that at his return this Church did not trust him. Only after Barnabas consented to sponsor him was Paul accepted as a disciple. This reading brings out to us that a living relationship with God and Christ alone is not enough. Our relationship with God should be carried by a living relationship with a congregation. Back in Jerusalem, Saul tried to join the disciples. Once accepted, Saul stayed on with them.
Do not try to "go it alone" as a Christian. You need a congregation and the congregation needs you. Without being exclusive, have some Catholic friends who feel about religion as you do. There are very few things we do alone successfully. "I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him.
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
A Reading, From the first Letter of Saint John
1 Jn 3:18-24
The sacred author teaches that we should accept all the consequences of being a Christian. Love implies deeds! Only talking about it is not truthful. Faith implies keeping the commandments. Check your conscience!
In the Gospel of John
Jn15:1-8
Since the Bible originated in a country where vines and grapes were part of the daily scenery, it is understandable that the vine-image is used so often to explain religious values. In this passage it is used to tell us that Christians must live in Christ and let Christ live in them. There should be an "I-Thou," a person - to - person relationship between you and the living Lord Jesus.
As already mentioned, this is possible only if we have first learned to relate to one another. A human openness to others is a condition for openness to the transcendent, God and Jesus Christ, Develop both! Encounter the Lord Jesus in prayerful Bible reading, listening and responding, but also in your fellow human beings.
Newsy Notes
***********************************************
Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
***********************************************
REMEMBER
Every Friday we Have Adoration
It begins at
9:00 am
right after Mass
Hope to see all of you there!
"1st Communion
Mark your Calendars for the upcoming 1st communion Celebration.
We start with the rehearsal on May 3rd at 6:00pm here at St. Thomas More in the Church and the celebration will be on May 5th at the 10:00am Mass.
Hope to see all of you!
CONFIRMATION
Mark your Calendars for the upcoming Confirmation. The Rehearsal will be on the 29th of APRIL here at St. Thomas More in the Church at 6:30pm
The Celebration will be at St. Peter in Chains at 7:00pm on April 30th with Father Del Staigers
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
| 
