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Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Tuesday April 9, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

  • First Reading - Acts 4:32-37: The passage describes the early Christian community's unity in beliefs and possessions, with everyone sharing and supporting each other. Joseph, also known as Barnabas, sold his property and gave the proceeds to the Apostles to distribute to those in need.
  • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 93: This psalm acknowledges God as the ruler of all, who is clothed in majesty and strength, and has established the world to be unshaken. It also emphasizes the trustworthiness of God's decrees and the holiness of His house.
  • Gospel - John 3:7b-15: Jesus tells Nicodemus that to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again, this time from above through the Spirit. He also emphasizes that he, the Son of Man, will be lifted up, like Moses lifting the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

  • Spiritual rebirth: Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. This refers to a spiritual rebirth or renewal that is necessary for salvation.
  • The Holy Spirit: Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit's role in the spiritual rebirth, saying that the Spirit is like the wind, which blows where it wishes and cannot be controlled.
  • Unity and community: The passage describes the early Christian community as being of "one heart and soul." They shared their possessions and cared for one another, exemplifying the importance of unity and community among believers.
  • Generosity: The believers were generous with their possessions, selling their land and houses and giving the proceeds to the apostles to distribute to those in need. This highlights the importance of generosity and sacrificial giving in the Christian community.
  • Leadership: The apostles provided leadership and guidance to the community, overseeing the distribution of resources and the proclamation of the gospel. This highlights the importance of strong leadership in the Christian community.

Thoughts for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

The readings for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Easter provide us with insights into the nature of Christian discipleship, the importance of faith, and the virtues of charity and generosity.

In John 3:7b-15, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, about the necessity of being born again through water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus explains that this rebirth is not a physical one, but rather a spiritual one that requires faith and belief in Him as the Son of God who has come to save the world.

This passage challenges us to reflect on the depth of our own faith and our willingness to fully surrender our lives to Christ. We are called to recognize that our salvation comes not from our own efforts or merits, but through faith in Jesus Christ alone. As Catholics, we are reminded of the importance of the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of baptism, in which we are born again in Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 4:32-37, we see the early Christian community living out the teachings of Jesus through their commitment to charity and generosity. The passage describes how the believers shared everything they had in common, selling their possessions and giving the proceeds to those in need. The passage also highlights the example of Barnabas, who sold a field he owned and donated the money to the apostles.

This passage reminds us that as Christians, we are called to live lives of generosity and compassion, especially towards those who are most in need. We are called to recognize that all that we have is a gift from God, and to use our resources to serve others and build up the body of Christ. In a world that often emphasizes individualism and self-interest, this passage challenges us to live counter-culturally and to prioritize the needs of others above our own.

As we reflect on these passages, may we be inspired to deepen our faith, embrace the sacraments, and live lives of charity and generosity, following in the footsteps of Christ and the early Christian community.

Prayer for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Dear God, grant us the grace to deepen our faith in You, and to live lives of charity and generosity, following in the footsteps of Christ and the early Christian community. We ask for Your guidance and strength as we seek to live out these values in our daily lives. Amen.

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Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Word on Fire: The Human Predicament

A reflection for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter from Bishop Robert Barron. "Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus declares that he must be lifted up to bring eternal life to believers. Why would God’s salvation of the human race have to include something as horrifying as crucifixion? We live in a time when the human predicament is regularly denied, explained away, or ignored." Continue reading.

USCCB Reflection: Born Again

A video reflection from USCCB for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter Today's gospel comes from a time in the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Jesus is talking about life becoming transformed. The question is not "Have you been born again?" Instead it is "Are you living as if you have been born again?"

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