The common consensus is that the word April is derived from a Latin verb which means to open. It thus describes the spring flowers opening up. It is a sign of change and growth. So likewise, we need to approach April with a sense of openness to a new life. That opportunity is made visibly clear to us in the Feast of Easter, the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Date: 2020-04-01
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Day Description: Lenten Weekday
Color of the Day: violet Readings: Dn 3:14-20,91-92,95/Dn 3:52,53,54,55,56/Jn 8:31-42
Thought of the Readings: In the first reading from Daniel, we have the story of the three holy men Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who defy the king. By the king’s order, they are bound hand and foot and thrown into the white-hot furnace and survive much to the king’s dismay. He praises the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So often we change and compromise for various reasons, fear, shame, and to be one of the crowd. Yet, God will always give us strength and conviction! Which is strongest in you, God or man?
Date: 2020-04-02
Day of the Week: Thursday
Day Description: Lenten Weekday St. Francis of Paola, Hermit
Color of the Day: violet Readings: Gn 17:3-9/PS 105:4-5,6-7,8-9/Jn 8:51-59
Thought of the Readings: A great reading is the first reading. It should motivate and control us, and teach us that God is in charge, no matter what. Abraham is now 75 years old and is called by God and covenanted by God as well. It matters not his age or the fact that he is promised a son even though his wife is elderly. In the elections, one of the candidates has a slogan that says “He will get it done.” Wrong! God always will get it done! Believe it! He has passed the test and given His life for us! The gospel of John today proves that!
Date: 2020-04-03
Day of the Week: Friday
Day Description: Lenten Weekday
Color of the Day: violet Readings: Jer 20:10-13/ PS 18:2-3A,3BC-4,5-6,7/Jn 10:31-42
Thought of the Readings: What would make you change? The truth should make you change, but in the gospel today it does not. The Scribes picked up stones to throw at Jesus. So often we know that we are right even to the denial of the Truth! Use this principal maybe “when I am right, dead right, it is then that I am wrong!” When you are wrong let God bring you His truth! Stubbornness is bullheaded while openness is obedient!
Date: 2020-04-04
Day of the Week: Saturday
Day Description: Lenten Weekday [St Isidore, Bishop/Doctor of the Church]
Color of the Day: violet Readings: Gn 17:3-9/PS 105:4-5,6-7,8-9/Jn 8:51-59 or Ez 37:21-28/Jn 11:45-56
Thought of the Readings: God is ever faithful! In the first reading, God promises to bring Israel back and make them one nation. The gospel of John tells us that what God ordained will come to pass! In the gospel, the Scribes and the Pharisees are afraid that the people are turning to Jesus because of the signs and wonders He has performed. So they plan to kill Him, just as the Father’s plan had ordained. We learn two things from the scriptures today: One is that God is faithful and what He promises will come to pass! Secondly, envy and jealousy will frustrate you because you want it your way!
Date: 2020-04-05
Day of the Week: Sunday
Day Description: PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
Color of the Day: red
Readings: Is 50:4-7/ Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24/Phil 2:6-11/Mt 26:14-27:66
Thought of the Readings: Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. This is and should be an exceptional week for the believer. It is a time where we celebrate and commemorate the greatest singular event in human history and become aware of God’s love for us. It is our freedom time, our birth to eternity. Just as God became human and died for us, so we have become divine and live for Him alone. The Passion of St. Matthew is read today. Keep in mind that Matthew wrote for his own people. This is evidenced in his gospel today.
Date: 2020-04-06
Day of the Week: Monday
Day Description: Monday of Holy Week
Color of the Day: violet
Readings: Is 42:1-7/Ps 27:1,2,3,13-14/Jn 12:1-11
Thought of the Readings: The first reading from Isaiah is confusing because here we are in Holy Week and Isaiah’s reading could very easily and is a reading for Christmas. The gospel gives us a sample of what we should do in our own way for this Holy Week. It is the story of the anointing of Jesus by Mary Magdalene. She truly worships Jesus and shows her reverence for Him by this anointing. Spend some time today before the Blessed Sacrament! It would be an ‘anointing’ for Jesus!
Date: 2020-04-07
Day of the Week: Tuesday
Day Description: Holy Week
Color of the Day: violet Readings: Is 49:1-6/Ps 71:1-6,15-17/Jn 13:21-33,36-38
Thought of the Readings: Again Isaiah is extolling the characteristics of the Promised One, The Messiah! While in the gospel Jesus displays His human nature and then His divine side. Jesus tells them that there is one to betray Him and there is one who will deny Him. That brings up a concern for us. Have there been times in my life when I have betrayed Jesus by not standing up for His truth and have I denied Him by attacking the faith in preference to my own thinking? Then Jesus tells them that He will be glorified. Glorified, how? – By His death and resurrection! Suffering is unavoidable in the Christian life!
Date: 2020-04-08
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Day Description: Holy Week violet
Color of the Day: Holy Week violet Readings: Is 50:4-9/Ps 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34/Mt 26:14-25
Thought of the Readings: When we decide to drift away from our faith there is no stopping us. Such is the way of Judas! He is possessed by greed & has his own plans. Jesus plans for the Passover! Do you see & understand the mind of God in all of this? It is Passover time, a time sacred in Jesus’ tradition when God intervened in a powerful way to spring the Jews free from slavery. Now at this time, a new Passover is about to happen. The Passion & Death of Jesus Christ, which in God’s divine plan, will free us forever from sin, the original punishment for all eternity. Bow down; prostrate in thanksgiving before God!
Date: 2020-04-09
Day of the Week: Thursday
Day Description: Holy Thursday
Color of the Day: white Readings: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14/Ps.116:12-13,15-8/1 Cor 11:23-26/Jn 13:1-15
Thought of the Readings: Holy Week is 3 days of Holiness, starting today with the double institution of the sacraments of Eucharist & Priesthood! In the 2nd reading is the earliest description of the Eucharist from St. Paul. The gospel, from St. John only, shows Jesus’ washing the Apostles’ feet, Servanthood, telling the Apostles to have servant ministry. Where would we be as Church without Eucharist & Priesthood? They make all the other sacraments possible & allow us to be constantly Eucharisted! After the solemn adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins, do your precious hour with Jesus & receive His Grace & Peace!
Date: 2020-04-10
Day of the Week: Friday
Day Description: Passion of the Lord Good Friday
Color of the Day: red Readings: Is 52:13–53:12/Ps.31:2,6,12-13,15-17,25/Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9/Jn.18:1–19:42
Thought of the Readings: Today’s liturgy is unique. First, there is no Mass as such. We pray for all of the needs of the Church and read the Passion Gospel according to John. After that, we have the solemn Adoration of the Cross whereby each one comes forward to kiss the cross. This is the instrument of our salvation which Christ chose to hang on and die! St. Paul says “God grant that I glory only in the Cross of Jesus Christ in which the world was crucified in me and I in the world!
Date: 2020-04-11
Day of the Week: Saturday
Day Description: Holy Saturday Vigil
Color of the Day: white Readings: Gn 1:1-2:2 or 1:1,26-31a/Ps 104:1-2,5-6,10,12,13-14,24,35/Gn 22:1-18
Thought of the Readings: A silent beginning, but a glorious ending – In the evening the Church celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! After Forty Hours in the Tomb Jesus is raised to life! In the early church, these forty hours was a time of solemn adoration, waiting before a private place where there was a Consecrated Host. The Easter candle or light is significant of Jesus’ Resurrection & our new life. The ‘Light of Christ is intoned in the dark church three times before the whole church is ablaze with a new light. The scriptures are replete with readings from the Old & New Testament about God’s plan of salvation history, the Mass followed with the threefold Alleluia’s! Truly this is the day that the Lord has made & He made it for you!
Date: 2020-04-12
Day of the Week: Sunday
Day Description: EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
Color of the Day: white
Readings: Acts 10:34a,37-43/Ps 118:1-2,16-17,22-23/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6-8/Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10
Thought of the Readings: This Feast of the church celebrates Jesus’ triumph over death & opens up Eternal Life! It is a time for rejoicing in alleluias, glorious hymns of praise & thanksgiving. The opening reading from the Acts is actually Peter’s Pentecost speech; he unfolds for his listeners the whole plan of God! The gospel of John tells the normal experience of the abnormal event. The 1st revelation is to Mary Magdalene. Why? Because she loved Him! Peter & John have a great opening or truth for us. John saw and believed! Do we through our faith constantly see & believe in what Jesus shows & tells us?
Date: 2020-04-13
Day of the Week: Monday
Day Description: Within the Octave of Easter
Color of the Day: White Readings: Acts 2:14,22-33/Ps 16:1-2A&5,7-8,9-10,11/Mt 28:8-15
Thought of the Readings: The theme of the scriptures for the next six weeks will be that of Joy and Rejoicing and the physical appearances of Jesus in the flesh. Today is no exception. Jesus appears to the women and tells them to tell His disciples that He has risen. The news spread quickly and the whole community kept passing the good news. Even the Sanhedrin plots a ‘spin’ on the whole incident. The forces of evil will always be ready to confront and contradict the Good News. Expect it in your own life!
Date: 2020-04-14
Day of the Week: Tuesday
Day Description: Easter Monday
Color of the Day: White Readings: Acts 2:36-41/Ps 33:4-5,18-19,20&22/Jn 20:11-18
Thought of the Readings: “God made Him both Lord and Christ!” This is Peter’s speech to the Israelites and it says they were cut to the heart! Jesus Christ will always challenge us. Are we with Him? They were cut to the heart. Jesus wants our hearts. There is no substitute, like a compromise. It’s all of you or nothing. There is a great example of this in the gospel. After searching for Jesus, Jesus calls out her name, and she recognizes Him in the calling of her name! Jesus daily calls us by name! Do you hear Him?
Date: 2020-04-15
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Day Description: Octave of Easter
Color of the Day: white Readings: Acts 3:1-10/Ps 105:1-2,3-4,6-9/Lk 24:13-35
Thought of the Readings: The gospel today is the envy of every good believer. It is the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus when the risen Christ joins them, unrecognized. He explains to them all the scriptures that pertain to Him, the Messiah! Finally, they recognize Him in “the breaking of the bread”, The Eucharist! What follows is amazing, considering their long journey. They immediately make the return trip to tell the others and here is where we would have like to experience, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke to us along the way?” This can be yours today!
Date: 2020-04-16
Day of the Week: Thursday
Day Description: Easter Color of the Day: white Readings: Acts 3:11-26/Ps 8:2AB&5, 6-7,8-9/Lk 24:35-48
Thought of the Readings: We are still within the Octave of Easter. An Octave embraces the immediate eight-day including the feast itself. There are two octaves in the Church year, Christmas and Easter. Following on yesterday’s gospel, the two disciples recount all they had experienced on the Road to Emmaus. Jesus suddenly appears to them with the salutation of “Peace be with you!” Christ always brings us peace and it is a characteristic that when Jesus is in our life even in the worst crisis there will be peace. Jesus does not berate them for deserting Him or denying Him. Jesus wants His peace in every situation and when there is no peace Jesus is not there. Another characteristic today is that Jesus physically eats with them.
Date: 2020-04-17
Day of the Week: Friday
Day Description: Octave of Easter
Color of the Day: white Readings: Acts 4:1-12/Ps 118:1-2&4,22-24,25-27A/Jn 21:1-14
Thought of the Readings: Today’s gospel is the miracle of the great catch of fish when the risen Lord appears for the third time to His disciples and performs a miracle for them and has breakfast with them. The wonderful and revealing statement that John says should be our daily statement. When the disciples were oohing and awing at the catch of fish, John says “It is the Lord!” This statement should be our daily introduction to what the Lord has for us that day!
Date: 2020-04-18
Day of the Week: Saturday
Day Description: Octave of Easter
Color of the Day: white Readings: Acts 4:13-21/Ps 118:1,14-21/Mk 16:9-15
Thought of the Readings: You have heard the expression ‘it’s too good to be true.’ Such is the situation in the gospel today when the disciples despite the witness of Mary Magdalene and the other women and also two of their own they refuse to believe that Jesus is risen. Jesus appears to them and rebukes them for their lack of faith. I see it constantly in people. One person who wanted so badly to be healed and was away from Church said I will go back if He heals me. Another woman was upset with me when I told her that I wouldn’t pray for her reconciliation with her boyfriend because he was going back to his wife. When will we ever get it into our heads that Jesus loves us and wants the best for us? All we have to do is humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. Could it be possible that we, like the disciples, are incredulous because Jesus didn’t do it my way?
Date: 2020-04-19
Day of the Week: Sunday
Day Description: 2ND SUNDAY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY!
Color of the Day: White
Readings: 2:42-47/ Ps 118:2-4,13-15, 22-24/1 Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31
Thought of the Readings: The 2nd Sunday of Easter, is the end of the Octave of Easter, Low Sunday, in comparison with the high Easter Sunday. The gospel has three points: 1st, Jesus appears to them again & tells them to “Receive the Holy Spirit!” Jesus, has now given the Spirit to us; We still have Thomas who refuses to believe – he has his own requirements, floored & overcome with faith when he experiences the Risen Lord & says some of the most beautiful words of all scripture, “My Lord and My God!” Jesus will meet us one on one no matter our past or present – all He wants us to know is that He has a future for us!
Date: 2020-04-20
Day of the Week: Monday
Day Description: EASTER WEEKDAY
Color of the Day: white
Readings: Acts 4:23-31/Ps 2:1-9/Jn 3:1-8
Thought of the Readings: Again the first reading contains the Pentecost speech of Peter. The gospel of John contains the problem of Nicodemus. Nicodemus did not understand the term being born again. Jesus tells him that it is not a physical birth as original, but a spiritual one of the Holy Spirit! We receive the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments! It is that which Jesus promised and sent to us. We receive it when we simply pray Come Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is our link to Jesus and Jesus’ links to us! We cannot live without the Holy Spirit in our lives!
Date: 2020-04-21
Day of the Week: Tuesday
Day Description: St Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Color of the Day: white/white
Readings: Acts 4:32-37/Ps 93:1-2, 5/Jn 3:7b-15
Thought of the Readings: In the first reading today, we get the recipe for life, life in Christ! First, we are to be witnesses of what Jesus has done for us. Then the other parts follow, they are prayer, personal and communal, the teaching of the Apostles, Eucharist and the care of the needy. It’s a simple recipe for the divine life!
Date: 2020-04-22
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Day Description: Easter Weekday
Color of the Day: white
Readings: Acts 5:17-26/Ps 34:2-9/Jn 3:16-21
Thought of the Readings: Again today focusing on the first reading we see God’s plan unfold much to the dismay of the Sanhedrin and the Chief Priest. The Apostles are arrested and put into prison. During the night an angel frees them and tells them to go and preach in the temple area. In the morning the Chief Priest is frustrated. He knows that there was no chance for them to escape, yet here they are. When we look at the whole scene we see the hand of God at work. Jesus is crucified. They got rid of Him. No, they didn’t! Now, He is risen and has appeared freely to many people. Then His followers, who dispersed in fear, are now openly proclaiming the teachings of Jesus Christ. Still, the Sanhedrin will not give up. How many times and ways has Jesus entered into your life and you continue to treat Him as second to yourself?
Date: 2020-04-23
Day of the Week: Day Description: Saint Mark, Evangelist Feast
Color of the Day: red
Readings: Acts 5:27-33/Ps 34:2,9,17-20/Jn 3:31-36
Thought of the Readings: The Apostles answered when they were accused of preaching Jesus, “We must obey God rather than man!” Does that work in our lives today? Rather do we not compromise? We have faith, but we weaken it when we do not confess it as the ordinary witness of our lives with Jesus Christ. Is fear, shame or not wanting to be thought of as foolish or stupid, not pleasing, because of choosing Jesus Christ, keeping us from our true selves?
Date: 2020-04-24
Day of the Week: Friday
Day Description: Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest and Martyr
Color of the Day: white/red Readings: Acts 5:34-42/Ps 27:1,4,13-14/Jn 6:1-15
Thought of the Readings: It is interesting to note the ongoing conflict between the Apostles & the Scribes & Pharisees. The Apostles are constantly in trouble for witnessing to Jesus Christ. They should be an example for us of the constant conflict & rejection we face when we choose Jesus! In the gospel we see a human Jesus having compassion on the crowd. They were hungry & he performed a miracle for them & fed at least ten thousand. Remember that Jesus is always concerned that we are not only fed physically, but also spiritually. Do we seek the spiritual food of the Eucharist or deprive ourselves of the real Jesus?
Date: 2020-04-25
Day of the Week: Saturday
Day Description: St. Mark, Evangelist, Feast
Color of the Day: red
Readings: 1 Pt 5:5b-14/Ps 89:2-3,6-7,16-17/Mk16:15-20
Thought of the Readings: Today is the Feast of St. Mark, he was the second person to write a gospel. He was a disciple of St. Paul and St. Peter. The whole set-up of his gospel is divided into two eight-chapter segments. The first eight chapters speak about Jesus as Son of God and the last chapters speak about Jesus as Son of Man. Interestingly enough, the gospel today was not written by St. Mark. It was added to St. Mark because these were the miracles that were happening in the early church.
Date: 2020-04-26
Day of the Week: Sunday
Day Description: THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Color of the Day: white
Readings: Acts 2:14,22-33/ Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11/1 Pt 1:17-21/Lk 24:13-35
Thought of the Readings: Realize the scriptures we have been reading. They seem to lose meaning because we have heard them before. Suppose you are hearing them for the first time? Realize their power when St. Peter is basically describing to his listeners the whole plan of God as it unfolded in the salvation won for us by Jesus Christ! Like the story of the road to Emmaus & the two disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread, the Eucharist & say; “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke to us along the way?” Our hearts will burn too, let Jesus in & not keep Him out by our sins & guilt!
Date: 2020-04-27
Day of the Week: Monday
Day Description: Easter Weekday
Color of the Day: white
Readings: Acts 6:8-15/Ps 119:23-24,26-27,29-30/Jn 6:22-29
Thought of the Readings: There is an interesting phenomenon in the gospel today. The people that He fed are looking for Him and cannot find Him. Finally, they realize that He is in Capernaum and they come seeking Him. He challenges them that the only reason they want Him is for the food. How often do we fall into the same trap? We are looking for what Jesus can do for us. We mistakenly think and operate out of our own need rather than giving Jesus the freedom to give us what He knows is best for us. We cannot have an ‘I says complex’ with Jesus!
Date: 2020-04-28
Day of the Week: Tuesday
Day Description: St Peter Chanel, Priest/Martyr; St Louis Mary de Montfort/Pr
Color of the Day: white/red/white
Readings: Acts 7:51-8:1/Ps 31:3-4,6-8,17,21/Jn 6:30-35
Thought of the Readings: The gospel today reminds us of ourselves. The crowd in the gospel is looking for signs. Does our faith depend on signs? Jesus rather says to them; “for the bread of God which comes down from heaven my Father gives you!” Signs and wonders are helpful, but if we miss the reality then they are only signs leading us astray. “Seek first the kingdom of God and all else will be given you!”
Date: 2020-04-29
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Day Description: St Catherine of Siena/Virgin/Doctor of the Church Memorial
Color of the Day: white
Readings: Acts 8:1-8/Ps 66:1-7/Jn 6:35-40
Thought of the Readings: Today’s gospel is the most controversial because it speaks about the Eucharist as His body & blood! They think that it is cannibalistic & it is difficult to understand. Even the disciples have misgivings about His speech. Jesus does not back down or rationalize. No, He plainly refers to his body as food for them. In our day & age, it is good for us to understand this particular gospel. The Eucharist is truly the Body & Blood, Soul & Divinity of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! It is not a symbol or a representation. It is truly Jesus & He gives it to us, heavenly food that unites heaven & earth
Date: 2020-04-30
Day of the Week: Thursday
Day Description: Saint Pius V, Pope
Color of the Day: white/white
Readings: Acts 8:26-40/Ps 66:8-9,16-17, 20/Jn 6:44-51
Thought of the Readings: Two great statements in the scriptures: In the gospel, Jesus tells us that “No one can come to Me, unless the Father draws him!” How often we think that we know how and exclude almighty God? Another gospel says, “Without Me” you can do nothing! Then what does the Our Father tell us? In the first reading, we see a miracle, a Eunuch is driving in his chariot, God told Phillip to get up and go to the Eunuch who desires God and baptism, and Phillip baptizes him on the spot. God’s way is the only way!