Dear Brother and Sister in Christ,
Welcome to Catholic Mass Readings and Catholic Reflections Daily in Biblemsg.com. We are on the April 16, 2023 in the 2nd Sunday of Easter. Today’s Mass readings Acts 2:42-47;1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31. Theme of the day is A Contrast spirit!
Table of Contents
Readings of the Day
First Reading
32 The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. 34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, 35 and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. 36 Thus Joseph, also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles.
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
7 Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can this happen?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? 11 Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. 12 If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
Powerful Catholic Reflections Daily
1. Experiencing the risen Lord leads to a new birth and a life that transcends the earthly realm. Those who encounter the risen Lord receive immense power and favor, and bear witness to this new life that leads to eternal life.
2. The early Christian community serves as an example of living a life that contrasts with the spirit of the world. They were unified in thought and emotion, in contrast to the divisive nature of the world.
3. The community was characterised by a collective spirit, unlike the ego-centric nature of the world. There was no emphasis on private property, as they shared everything in common. They were detached from material possessions and ready to relinquish them, in contrast to the hoarding and accumulation mindset.
4. The community had a spirit of generosity and sharing, in contrast to the greed and excessive craving for profit and gain. This resulted in a community where no one was in need. It was a profound change, affecting the whole person and community, brought about by the risen Lord.
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