Focus
Abundant life is found in union with the resurrected Jesus.
When the women arrive at Jesus’ empty tomb, the men in dazzling garments ask them, Why do you seek the living one among the dead? Jesus, the resurrected Lord, calls us to the fullness of life in union with him. Like the women in today’s Gospel, let us leave the empty tomb to seek the living where life is to be found – in Jesus Christ.
Liturgy of the Word
The Old Testament readings announce salvation history, from Creation to the coming of the Messiah. In the epistle, Paul writes that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death, and if, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. In the Gospel, the women arrive at the tomb to find it empty and they are told that Jesus has been raised, as he had said.
Abundant life is found in union with the resurrected Jesus.
When the women arrive at Jesus’ empty tomb, the men in dazzling garments ask them, Why do you seek the living one among the dead? Jesus, the resurrected Lord, calls us to the fullness of life in union with him. Like the women in today’s Gospel, let us leave the empty tomb to seek the living where life is to be found – in Jesus Christ.
Scripture Commentaries
Below are Scripture Commentaries which can be used for the preparation of those involved in the Lector Ministry for St. Dominic Parish. Each week there is a brief focus and then a commentary on the readings selected for that week. Please use these as you prepare to read holy scripture for Mass. If you need anything else to help you prepare please contact the Director of Music and Liturgy.
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Focus
Because Christ humbled himself, God greatly exalted him.
Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the need for disciples of Christ to follow in his footsteps, as Jesus tells the Apostles that he is among them as the one who serves. Like the servant of the Lord who is spoken of in the reading from the prophet Isaiah, Christ does not refuse his calling. He willingly submits to suffering for our sake. Following Christ’s example, it is through humble service to one another that we will be exalted.
Liturgy of the Word
Jesus proceeds to Jerusalem, where he is welcomed as a king with shouts of joy praising God for his mighty deeds. In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies of one who does not shield his face from buffets or spitting, knowing he will not be put to shame. Paul writes that Christ humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. In the Gospel, Jesus celebrates Passover with his friends, speaks of his imminent betrayal, and after hours of interrogation and torture, is handed over to be crucified.
Focus
I have given you a model to follow.
On this Holy Thursday, our readings powerfully illustrate what sacrifice looks like in different ways. The Passover ritual sacrifices a lamb for the protection of God’s people. The Last Supper begins with Jesus washing the feet of his followers. He will leave the Last Supper and offer his life in sacrifice on the cross. God calls us to a life of sacrifice in putting the needs of others before us. This is the model we are called to follow.
Liturgy of the Word
In the first reading, the Lord gives Moses and Aaron instructions to observe the Passover ritual which will be celebrated for generations to come. In the second reading, Paul writes of Jesus’ actions on the night he was handed over: blessing, breaking, and sharing his body and blood. In the Gospel, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples before the feast of Passover. He instructs them to do the same.
Focus
Praise to Jesus Christ who completed the work for which his Father sent him.
On this Good Friday, the Church speaks of the brokenness of the world due to sin and the suffering Jesus endured to repair it. God desired to reconcile us to himself, and he spoke of that time long before it came to pass. He would accomplish this reconciliation through his servant, the mysterious figure to whom Isaiah refers in the first reading. As Isaiah prophesies, the servant, despite his marred appearance and his suffering, would be victorious because of his obedience.
Liturgy of the Word
In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies the servant who is pierced for our offenses. In the second reading, the author writes that in Jesus we have a high priest who has been tested in every way. In the Gospel, Christ is betrayed by Judas, and stands trial before the Sanhedrin and Pilate. He is handed over to the crowd, is crucified, dies, and is buried in a tomb.
Focus
Abundant life is found in union with the resurrected Jesus.
When the women arrive at Jesus’ empty tomb, the men in dazzling garments ask them, Why do you seek the living one among the dead? Jesus, the resurrected Lord, calls us to the fullness of life in union with him. Like the women in today’s Gospel, let us leave the empty tomb to seek the living where life is to be found – in Jesus Christ.
Liturgy of the Word
The Old Testament readings announce salvation history, from Creation to the coming of the Messiah. In the epistle, Paul writes that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death, and if, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. In the Gospel, the women arrive at the tomb to find it empty and they are told that Jesus has been raised, as he had said.
Abundant life is found in union with the resurrected Jesus.
When the women arrive at Jesus’ empty tomb, the men in dazzling garments ask them, Why do you seek the living one among the dead? Jesus, the resurrected Lord, calls us to the fullness of life in union with him. Like the women in today’s Gospel, let us leave the empty tomb to seek the living where life is to be found – in Jesus Christ.
Focus
Live each day with a focus on what is above.
Today we rejoice in the Lord’s resurrection, his victory over death. Through this victory, the Lord has opened the gates of heaven for us and offered us forgiveness of sins and eternal joy in his presence. This eternal destiny calls us to live always with a focus on what is above – to orient our earthly activities and concerns toward what is most conducive to a life of faith in the Lord.
Liturgy of the Word
In the first reading, Peter speaks about Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. He recounts his appearances to chosen witnesses, whom he commissioned to preach in his name. Paul urges the Colossians to focus on what is heavenly. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene discovers the tomb empty and tells Simon Peter and another disciple who run to the tomb and see the burial cloths.