Reflection
Over the years, some of our secular celebrations have taken on immense importance. Mother's Day is one of those. Card makers and florists reap a huge benefit because of this day. Many restaurants offer special meal opportunities. Even some Major League Baseball teams conduct special promotions tied to the day. And many children go to church with their mothers to thank God and to pray with and for them. It is a day of celebration for many, honoring the women who brought them into the world.
It just happens that today's Gospel is absolutely perfect for today's secular feast. Like Jesus, what mother would not say to her children, "Love one another as I love you"? Jesus' words to his disciples were spoken at the Last Supper as they gathered around the table after he washed their feet-an example of humble service that he gave to all his followers. His words were a lasting legacy to his disciples, expressing his desire for how they should treat one another. A mother could easily ask the same of her own children.
Mothers know how their children can act. Sometimes they are perfect angels. At other times is seems like they are ready to tear a brother or sister to bits. In managing a household, a mother will often work to get cooperation from her children by encouraging them to care for one another. Jesus asks the same of those who follow him. We are not always ready to love one another. Sometimes we treat other people in the worst of ways. But like a mother, Jesus keeps calling us back to care for our brothers and sisters, to treat them with respect, to recognize that we all have one common Father who is the God who created us. On Mother's Day, so many children put aside differences to get along "for mom." Jesus expects us to love one another all the time.
©2012 Liturgical Publications Inc
Music
Preparation of Gifts - 3-4-2012
Totus Tuus - 10-30-2011
First Reading
When Peter entered, Cornelius met him
and, falling at his feet, paid him homage.
Peter, however, raised him up, saying,
"Get up. I myself am also a human being."
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said,
"In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him."
While Peter was still speaking these things,
the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.
The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter
were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit
should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,
for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.
Then Peter responded,
"Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people,
who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?"
He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Second Reading
Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is of God;
everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us:
God sent his only Son into the world
so that we might have life through him.
In this is love:
not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father"s commandments
and remain in his love."
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another."
6th Sunday of Easter - Fr. Tony
Homily Archive
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Responsorial Psalm
R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
