18 Apr
Sun
3rd Sunday of Easter (C)
Acts 5:27-32,40-41
Ps. 29(30): 2,4,5,6,11, 12,13
Rev. 5:11-14
Jn. 21:1-19
(Ps Wk III)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

The Old Testament does not contain any clear doctrine of the resurrection. In the religious life of Israel, especially as it is manifested in the Psalms, however, there is a very definite hope of salvation, of liberation from all suffering and distress. This strong hope is an antecedent to the doctrine of the resurrection, which was manifested and affirmed by Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

"You are my Rock": in today's responsorial Psalm God is called our "rock". Indeed, the word "Rock" serves as a name, title or "definition" for God, the source of our security and strength.

The image of God as our rock occurs very frequently in the Psalms. We almost certainly must understand it as a resurrection image. We may think of death as a swamp or marsh which threatens to swallow us up in a bottomless pit. We can attain security and safety, however, by clinging to the rock which is God. Jesus put all his trust in God and the grace of the resurrection came as reward and vindication. If strength gives courage, the best courage of the Christian is ultimately that which is born of the resurrection of Jesus.



Father in Heaven, fill our hearts with the joy of Jesus' resurrection so that our Christian hope may give us strength and courage to live out the Gospel spirit, constantly and faithfully.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by respect, tolerance, and dialogue among believers.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2010. All rights reserved.