Pentecost Sunday The First Reading – the account in Acts of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles – puts fear and trembling in the hearts of Mass readers everywhere, because of the many names! Psalm: this is the traditional one for this day. For the Second Reading either that from 1 Corinthians…
Ascension of the Lord The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (which begins with the Ascension of the Lord), the Psalm (which Christian tradition has always taken to refer to the Ascension, for obvious reasons), and the first option for the Second Reading (from Ephesians 1) are the same in all three Years. …
Sixth Sunday of Easter Mass Readings: Page 266 – 268 Order of Mass: Pages 7– 47 First Reading: even as Peter was speaking the Holy Spirit did amazing things and came upon Cornelius and his companions, final proof that Christianity was for the pagans or Gentiles as well, not just the Jewish people. Psalm: the…
Fifth Sunday of Easter Mass Readings: Page 264 – 266 Order of Mass: Pages 7– 47 First Reading: when Saul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, unsurprisingly the disciples were afraid of him. But Barnabas shows courage and forgiveness, and enables Paul (as he becomes) to begin preaching the good news of Jesus. Psalm: the…
Fourth Sunday of Easter Mass Readings: Page 261 – 263 Order of Mass: Pages 7– 4 First Reading: Peter (and John) are brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jews’ supreme court, and courageously Peter says that the only name by which we can be saved is the name of Jesus. Psalm: this is the psalm from…
Third Sunday of Easter Mass Readings: Page 258 – 261 Order of Mass: Pages 7– 47 First Reading: in his homily St Peter says that for the people of Israel the only proper response to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ is repentance, for the resurrection has the power to wipe out their sins. The…
Second Sunday of Easter Mass Readings: Page 255 – 258 Order of Mass: Pages 7– 47 First Reading: the very first Christians were completely united, in their belief (especially in the resurrection of the Lord) and in their fellowship (especially in their support of those in need). The Psalm is above all a song of…
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Mass Readings: Page 251 – 255 Order of Mass: Pages 7– 47 +++++++++++ At the Vigil Mass: (pages 216 – 250) There are up to seven Old Testament readings, plus an Epistle and a Gospel. The reading from Exodus must always be read, and it is very…
