These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people recline." (Jn 6:1-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041224.cfm
So much depends upon a boy with a bag lunch and a mom who lovingly prepared it for him—that’s how miracles happen.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 34)
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041124.cfm
Taste and see . . . an interesting description of God’s goodness which points us to the Eucharist. Saint Stanislaus (1030-1079), the first native Polish saint, gave his life for Christ. HIs story is very similar to that of Saint Thomas Becket (1120-1170).
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (Jn 3:16-21)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041024.cfm
Scripture never intended that John 3:16 be used as a weapon to beat people over the head. The emphasis is not on the perishing part, but rather on the LOVE God has for the world and the gift of ETERNAL LIFE.
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. (Acts 4:32-37)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040924.cfm
That very first community doesn’t sound like an endorsement of capitalism or free enterprise. It sounds very much like a commune. Maybe faith in the Risen Lord is not about getting ahead of your neighbors or making a nest egg for your retirement, but rather taking care of widows and orphans, the poor, and those no one else wants to welcome.
Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” (Lk 1:26-38)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040824.cfm
Normally, the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25. But this year, due to Holy Week and the Octave of Easter, today is the first day “free” to celebrate his coming into the world to accomplish the great work of our salvation. And in the middle of this solemn announcement to the Virgin Mary, the excited angel breaks into the Hallelujah Chorus!
