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Dear Preachers:
Today we have
Mark’s passion narrative. We have been hearing Mark’s gospel since Advent of
this liturgical year (B). In the beginning of the gospel, John the Baptist was
turned over to Herod, who gave into the pressure of others, and had him killed
(6:26). Early in Jesus‘ ministry Pharisees and Herodians plotted to destroy him
too. Jesus predicted his death three times in the course of the gospel (8:31,
9:31, 10:33–34). In Mark’s the disciples are particularly dense, and they do not
understand what Jesus is saying.
Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:
“Surely it
is not I?” Confusion and chaos follow Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Things are swiftly unraveling and changing as our Lord tries to continue teaching his disciples important truths, among them, how they should live and the meaning of His death. Holy Week marks the steepest learning curve in the lives of Jesus’ disciples. Their faith is to be shaken; they question their own loyalty. Everyone likes to be part of a winning team but a losing team, not so much. Sometimes in today’s society, the Church looks like it is losing. Perhaps, one of the key areas that make us appear in confusion is the social mission of the church. Most Catholics don’t sufficiently understand that the social mission of the Church is an essential part of the Catholic faith. This lack of understanding weakens our ability to be a Church that is true to the demands of the Gospel. At the foundation of Catholic social teaching is the belief that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. All Catholics should believe these truths: that every person is precious, that people are more important than “things,” and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. This is the first of the seven major themes of Catholic social teaching. http://www.usccb.org/index.html When was the last time I reached out to help someone I didn’t know and who had no way to repay me? When have I taken the “high road” and stood for someone who is oppressed or defended an unpopular position because it was the right thing to do? Will I continue to let Jesus, in disguise as today’s suffering servants, suffer alone? Christ has no body but yours, Barbara
Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home. From today’s Processional Gospel reading Mark 11: 1-10: Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches. Those preceding
Jesus as well as those following kept crying out, Reflection: Despite the fact that Jesus’ appearances were humble, this did not turn people off or drive them away from him. We tend to be impressed by splash and displays of power that fill us with awe. Jesus doesn’t draw attention by such grandiose spectacles, but because his words and actions hold out hope to the weary and hopeless. Today we join the crowds who greet Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. and add our own “Hosannas” to theirs. So we ask ourselves:
POSTCARDS TO DEATH ROW INMATES "The death penalty is one of the great
moral issues facing our country, yet most people rarely think about it and
very few of us take the time to delve deeply enough into this issue to be
able to make an informed decision about it." Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system. Each week I am posting in this space several inmates’ names and locations. I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know that: we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or, whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them. If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals. Please write to:
----Central Prison, P.O. 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 Please note: Central Prison is in Raleigh, NC., but for security purposes, mail to inmates is processed through a clearing house at the above address in Maryland. For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network: http://catholicsmobilizing.org/resources/cacp/ On this page you can sign “The National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty.” Also, check the interfaith page for People of Faith Against the Death Penalty: http://www.pfadp.org/ “First Impressions” is a service to preachers and those wishing to prepare for Sunday worship. It is sponsored by the Dominican Friars. If you would like “First Impressions” sent weekly to a friend, send a note to Fr. John Boll, OP at jboll@opsouth.org. If you would like to support this ministry, please send tax deductible contributions to Fr. Jude Siciliano, O.P.: St. Albert
Priory Make checks payable to: Dominican Friars. Or, go to our webpage to make a secure online donation: https://www.PreacherExchange.com/donations.htm ORDERING OUR CDs: We have compiled Four CDs for sale:
If you are a preacher, lead a Lectionary-based scripture group, or are a member of a liturgical team, these CDs will be helpful in your preparation process. Individual worshipers report they also use these reflections as they prepare for Sunday liturgy. You can order the CDs by going to our webpage: https://www.PreacherExchange.com and clicking on the “First Impressions” CD link on the left. OTHER PUBLICATIONS BY EMAIL: 1. "HOMILÍAS DOMINICALES" ---These Spanish reflections on the Sunday and daily scriptures are written by Dominican sisters and friars. If you or a friend would like to receive these reflections drop a note to "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net> 2. "VOLUME 2" is an opportunity for you to hear from the readers of First Impressions. To subscribe or Send your own reflections: Send them to "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net > Your contributions to Volume 2 are welcome. OUR WEBSITE: https://www.preacherexchange.com - Where you will find Preachers Exchange, which includes "First Impressions," "Homilías Dominicales," and "Volume 2" as well as articles, book reviews, daily homilies and other material pertinent to preaching and Scripture reflection. FOR EMAIL HELP OR TO UNSUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, OR CHANGE: Email "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net> |
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