April 2023: Mass Readings and Resources

The readings for Saturday of the 5th week of Lent speak of the themes of restoration and reunification, but from different perspectives. In Ezekiel, the prophet is given a vision of God’s plan to reunite the two kingdoms of Israel and to establish a new covenant with his people. This vision is one of hope and promise, but also of accountability, as the sons of wickedness are to be separated from the rest of the people.

The readings for Palm Sunday Year A (Passion Sunday) focus on the stark contrast between the crowds love for Jesus and then their act of abandonment. So these readings would lead us to reflect on Jesus’ act of sacrificial love, a revelation of the nature of God. Here are some ideas.

As we read the gospel for Monday of Holy Week, we are struck by the extravagant love and devotion shown by Mary towards Jesus. She takes a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard and anoints Jesus’ feet with it, then wipes his feet with her hair. This act of love is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ imminent death and burial, and it is a poignant reminder of the deep connection between love and sacrifice.

The Mass readings for Tuesday of Holy Week invite us to contemplate the mystery of Jesus’ suffering and death, as well as the significance of his sacrifice for our salvation.

The gospel for Wednesday of Holy Week tells the story of Jesus’ betrayal by Judas Iscariot. In this passage, we see the intimate setting of the Last Supper, where Jesus is gathered with his disciples to share a meal before his crucifixion. As they are eating, Jesus announces that one of them will betray him. Judas responds by asking if it is him, and Jesus confirms that it is.

On Holy Thursday, Catholics remember the last supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. This marks the establishment of the sacrament of the Eucharist and the priesthood.

On Good Friday, Catholics remember the death by crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a solemn day of fast and abstinence.

Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter. It is a mix of both sorrow for the suffering of Jesus Christ and expectation of his rising.

Easter is the most significant celebration in the church year. Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter is actually an octave, lasting eight days.

The Gospel passage for Monday in the Octave of Easter tells of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary’s encounter with the risen Jesus. Joy and hope that comes with the Resurrection. The women’s fear and confusion are replaced by a profound sense of awe and worship when they see Jesus alive again. Jesus’ words of comfort and reassurance, Do not be afraid, remind us that He is with us always, even in our most difficult and frightening moments.

The gospel for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter recounts the story of Mary Magdalene visiting the tomb of Jesus on the morning of the third day after his crucifixion, only to find it empty. She is overcome with grief and confusion until Jesus appears to her, revealing himself as the risen Lord.

The readings for Wednesday in the Octave of Easter invite us to reflect on our faith, doubt, evangelization, Eucharist, and hospitality.

The readings for Thursday in the Octave of Easter invite us to reflect on the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus in our faith. Through his resurrection, Jesus conquered death and sin, and opened the way to eternal life for all who believe in him.

The readings for Friday in the Octave of Easter invite us to reflect on the power of faith in Jesus Christ and the transformative impact of encountering his presence in our lives.

The gospel for Saturday in the Octave of Easter tells the story of Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection and his commissioning of the apostles to preach the gospel to all nations.

The readings for Divine Mercy Sunday Year A (2nd Sunday of Easter) help us reflect on the boundless mercy of God. Some topics for this weekend include how we see ourselves and others as God’s family. We also consider God love for us. Here are some ideas.

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 the readings for Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter, we see contrasting situations of persecution and redemption, highlighting the power of faith and the love of God. In Acts 5:17-26, the apostles are arrested for proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, and their lives are threatened. Despite the opposition they face, they remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God. In John 3:16-21, we hear of God’s ultimate act of love, as He sent His only Son to die for our sins, so that we may have eternal life through Him.

The readings for Thursday of the 2nd week of Easter highlight the significance of following God’s commands and acknowledging the authority and divinity of Jesus. They also illustrate the negative outcomes of disobeying or rejecting the truth and emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus as the means to attain eternal life. Overall, these readings emphasize the importance of being faithful to God and having trust in Jesus Christ as the way to salvation.

The readings for Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter remind us of God’s ability to use even the smallest of offerings for His great works. In the Gospel, we see Jesus take five barley loaves and two fish, a meager amount of food, and use them to feed thousands of people. Similarly, in the first reading, we see the early Christian community giving what they could to spread the good news, and God using their offerings to bring about great growth.

The readings for Saturday of the 2nd Week of Easter highlight the importance of trust in God’s power and provision, recognizing and utilizing the gifts of others, empowering others to serve the community, delegation of tasks to better serve the community, and prioritizing the primary mission.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A encourage us to truly walk the path of discipleship. Fellowship, and letting God lead are themes for this weekend.

In the readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, we are reminded of the importance of bearing witness to Christ through our words and actions.

The readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter offer important insights and teachings for Catholics to reflect upon, including the early Church’s perseverance despite persecution and Jesus’ proclamation as the bread of life.

In the readings for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Easter, we see how the Holy Spirit leads and guides believers to encounter others and to come to faith in Jesus Christ. We also see the importance of scripture in understanding and proclaiming the gospel, and the centrality of Jesus Christ as the source of salvation and eternal life.

The readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter emphasize the themes of conversion, transformation, and the power of Jesus’ message.

The Mass readings for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter invite us to reflect on the power of faith, the transformative nature of God’s grace, and the gift of the Eucharist

The readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A (Good Shepherd Sunday) remind us that Jesus Christ leads us through the gate of salvation.