St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday / Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Amos 9: 11-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Matthew 9: 14-17 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday / Blessed Junipero Serra, Priest, Religious, Missionary First Reading: Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 28 Gospel: Matthew 9: 9-13 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday / First Martyrs of the Church of Rome First Reading: Amos 7: 10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 8, 9, 10, 11 Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19 Gospel: Matthew 9: 1-8 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul by Dr. John Bergsma. PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES Solemnity / Day First Reading: Acts 12: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Second Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18 Alleluia: Matthew 16: 18 Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-19 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Irenaeus by Dr. James Merrick. Irenaeus, Bishop, Martyr Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Amos 3: 1-8; 4: 11-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 5: 4b-6, 7, 8 Alleluia: Psalms 130: 5 Gospel: Matthew 8: 23-27 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday / Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Amos 2: 6-10, 13-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50: 16bc-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23 Alleluia: Psalms 95: 8 Gospel: Matthew 8: 18-22 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Readings: 1 Kings 19:16–21 Psalm 16:1–2, 5, 7–11 Galatians 5:1, 13–18 Luke 9:51–62 In this week's First Reading, Elijah's disciple is allowed to kiss his parents goodbye before setting out to follow the prophet's call. But we are called to follow a “greater than Elijah”, this week's Liturgy wants us to know. In Baptism, we have put on the cloak of Christ, been called to the house of a new Father, and been given a new family in the kingdom of God. We have been called to leave behind our past lives and never look back—to follow wherever He leads. Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind and his disciple was given a double portion of his spirit (see 2 Kings 2:9–15). Jesus too, the Gospel reminds us, was “taken up” (see Acts 1:2, 11, 22), and He gave us His Spirit to live by, to guide us in our journey in His kingdom. As this week's Epistle tells us, the call of Jesus shatters the yoke of every servitude, sets us free from the rituals of the old Law, and shows us the Law's fulfillment in the following of Jesus, in serving one another through love. His call sets our hands to a new plow, a new task—to be His messengers, sent ahead to prepare all peoples to meet Him and enter into His Kingdom. Elijah called down fire to consume those who wouldn't accept God (see 2 Kings 1:1–16). But we have a different Spirit with us. To live by His Spirit is to face opposition and rejection, as the Apostles do in this week's Gospel. It is to feel like an exile, with no lasting city (see Hebrews 13:14), no place in this world to lay our head or call home. But we hear the voice of the One we follow in this week's Psalm (see Acts 2:25–32; 13:35–37). He calls us to make His faith our own—to abide in confidence that He will not abandon us, that He will show us “the path to life,” leading us to the fullness of joy in His presence forever.

Lecturas: 1 Reyes 19, 16–21 Salmo 16,1–2.5.7–11 Gálatas 5,1.13–18 Lucas 9,51–62 En la primera lectura de esta semana, al discípulo de Elías se le permite dar el beso de despedida a sus papás antes de disponerse a seguir la llamada del profeta. Pero estamos llamados a seguir a alguien más grande que Elías. Eso es lo que la liturgia de esta semana nos quiere decir. En el Bautismo, nos hemos revestido con el manto de Cristo, fuimos llamados a la casa de un nuevo Padre; en el reino de Dios se nos dio una nueva familia. Hemos sido llamados a dejar nuestras vidas pasadas y nunca mirar atrás; a seguirle a donde quiera que nos guíe. Elías fue arrebatado en un torbellino y su discípulo recibió una doble porción de su espíritu (cfr. 2 Re 2,9–15). También Jesús, como nos recuerda el Evangelio, fue “arrebatado” (cfr. Hch 1,2.11.22), y nos dio su Espíritu para que tuviéramos vida y para guiarnos en nuestro camino a su reino. Y en esta semana la epístola nos dice que la llamada de Jesús sacude el yugo de toda servidumbre, nos libera de los rituales la Antigua Ley, nos muestra que la Ley se cumple en el seguimiento de Jesús y en servirnos unos a otros por amor. Su llamada dispone nuestras manos para un nuevo arado, una nueva tarea: ser mensajeros enviados a preparar a todos los pueblos para conocer a Cristo y entrar en su Reino. Elías bajó fuego del cielo para consumir a quienes no quisieron aceptar a Dios (cfr. 2 Re 1,1–16). Pero a nosotros nos acompaña un Espíritu diferente. Vivir por el Espíritu de Cristo implica enfrentar oposición y rechazo, como lo experimentaron los apóstoles en el Evangelio de esta semana. Es como vivir en el exilio sin tener ciudad fija, sin un lugar en este mundo al cual llamarle hogar o donde reclinar la cabeza. Sin embargo, en el salmo de hoy escuchamos la voz de Aquel a quien seguimos (cfr. Hch 2,25–32; 13,35–37). Nos llama a apropiarnos de su fe, a soportar las dificultades con la confianza en que Él no nos abandonará, en que nos mostrará el “camino del amor” y nos guiará a la alegría plena de su presencia para siempre.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Mr. Clement Harrold. Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Lamentations 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 74: 1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21 Alleluia: Luke 2: 19 Gospel: Luke 2: 41-51 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus by Dr. John Bergsma. SACRED HEART OF JESUS Solemnity First Reading: Ezekiel 34: 11-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Second Reading: Romans 5: 5b-11 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 29ab or John 10: 14 Gospel: Luke 15: 3-7 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Solemnity / Day First Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 139: 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 Second Reading: Acts 13: 22-26 Alleluia: Luke 1: 76 Gospel: Luke 1: 57-66, 80 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday / Paulinus of Nola, Bishop / John Fisher, Bishop, Martyr, and Thomas More, Married Man, Martyr First Reading: Second Kings 22: 8-13; 23: 1-3 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 33, 34, 36, 37, 40 Alleluia: John 15: 4a, 5b Gospel: Matthew 7: 15-20 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga by Dr. James Merrick. Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Kings 19: 9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 48: 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11 Alleluia: John 8: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 6, 12-14 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15a, 18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 60: 3, 4-5, 12-13 Alleluia: Hebrews 4: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 1-5 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Lecturas: Génesis 14, 18–20 Salmo 110,1–4 1 Corintios 11, 23–26 Lucas 9,11–17 En el alba de la historia de la salvación, Dios reveló nuestro futuro mediante figuras. Sobre ello trata la primera lectura de hoy: un rey y sumo sacerdote viene de Jerusalén (cfr. Sal 76,3) y ofrece pan y vino para celebrar la victoria del amado siervo de Dios—Abrán—sobre sus adversarios. Por medio de su ofrenda, Melquisedec consigue bendiciones divinas para Abrán. Nos quiere mostrar también que un día recibiremos las bendiciones de Dios y también lo bendeciremos a Él; nos enseña cómo le daremos gracias por librarnos de nuestros enemigos, del pecado y de la muerte. Como Pablo nos recuerda en la epístola de hoy, Jesús transformó el signo de pan y vino, haciéndolo signo de su Cuerpo y Sangre, mediante el cual Dios nos concede las bendiciones de su “nueva alianza”. Jesús es el “sacerdote para siempre, según el orden de Melquisedec” de quien Dios jura—en el salmo de hoy—que regirá desde Sión, la nueva Jerusalén (cfr. Hb 6,20–7,3). En el Evangelio de este día, con el milagro de los panes y peces, Jesús prefigura nuevamente las bendiciones de la Eucaristía. Notemos que Él toma el pan, lo bendice, lo parte y lo se lo da a los Doce. Las mismas palabras, en idéntico orden, aparecen en la Última Cena (cfr. Lc 22,19) y en la celebración de la Eucaristía que Jesús hace la primera noche de pascua (cfr. Lc 24,30). La Eucaristía cumple la ofrenda de Melquisedec. Es el milagro diario obrado por el sacerdocio celestial de Jesús. Cristo confiere a los Apóstoles el sacerdocio al ordenarles alimentar a la multitud; al llenar exactamente doce canastas con el pan sobrante; al mandarles, la noche que iba a ser entregado: “Hagan esto en memoria mía”. Por medio de sus sacerdotes, Jesús sigue alimentándonos en el “desierto” de nuestro exilio en esta tierra. Y mediante este signo nos da la prenda de la gloria futura. Cada vez que participamos de su Cuerpo y Sangre, proclamamos que ha vencido a la muerte hasta el día en que venga de nuevo para hacer nuestra su victoria.

Readings: Genesis 14:18–20 Psalm 110:1–4 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 Luke 9:11–17 At the dawn of salvation history, God revealed our future in figures. That's what's going on in today's First Reading: a priest-king comes from Jerusalem (see Psalm 76:3), offering bread and wine to celebrate the victory of God's beloved servant, Abram, over his foes. By his offering, Melchizedek bestows God's blessings on Abram. He is showing us, too, how one day we will receive God's blessings and in turn “bless God”—how we will give thanks to Him for delivering us from our enemies, sin and death. As Paul recalls in today's Epistle, Jesus transformed the sign of bread and wine, making it a sign of His body and blood, through which God bestows upon us the blessings of His “new covenant.” Jesus is “the priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek,” that God, in today's Psalm, swears will rule from Zion, the new Jerusalem (see Hebrews 6:20–7:3). By the miracle of loaves and fishes, Jesus in today's Gospel, again prefigures the blessings of the Eucharist. Notice that He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to the Twelve. You find the precise order and words in the Last Supper (see Luke 22:19) and in His celebration of the Eucharist on the first Easter night (see Luke 24:30). The Eucharist fulfills the offering of Melchizedek. It is the daily miracle of the heavenly high priesthood of Jesus. It is a priesthood He conferred upon the Apostles in ordering them to feed the crowd, in filling exactly twelve baskets with leftover bread—in commanding them on the night He was handed over: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Through His priests He still feeds us in “the deserted place” of our earthly exile. And by this sign He pledges to us a glory yet to come. For as often as we share in His body and blood. we proclaim His victory over death, until He comes again to make His victory our own.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday / Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Second Chronicles 24: 17-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89: 4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34 Alleluia: Second Corinthians 8: 9 Gospel: Matthew 6: 24-34 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 11: 1-4, 9-18, 20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 132: 11, 12, 13-14, 17-18 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 3 Gospel: Matthew 6: 19-23 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Sirach 48: 1-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7 Alleluia: Romans 8: 15bc Gospel: Matthew 6: 7-15 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 2: 1, 6-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 31: 20, 21, 24 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. James Merrick. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Kings 21: 17-29 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16 Alleluia: John 13: 34 Gospel: Matthew 5: 43-48 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua by Dr. Scott Hahn. Anthony of Padua, Priest, Religious, Doctor Obligatory Memorial (Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time) First Reading: First Kings 21: 1-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 5: 2-3ab, 4b-6, 7 Alleluia: Psalms 119: 105 Gospel: Matthew 5: 38-42 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Lecturas: Proverbios 8,22–31 Salmo 8, 4–9 Romanos 5,1–5 Juan 16,12–15 En la liturgia de hoy nos trasladamos a través del tiempo en una procesión gloriosa; desde antes que la tierra y el cielo estuvieran en su sitio, hasta la venida del Espíritu sobre la nueva creación: la Iglesia. Empezamos en el corazón de la Trinidad, como escuchamos en el testimonio de la Sabiduría en la primera lectura de este día. Engendrado eternamente, el Unigénito de Dios se procede dinámicamente desde la eternidad en el deleite amoroso del Padre. Por medio de Él se colocaron los cielos y se fijaron los cimientos de la tierra. Desde antes del principio, Él estaba con el Padre y era su “Artesano”, aquel por quien todo fue hecho. Y tuvo un deleite especial, nos dice, con la coronación gloriosa de su obra divina: la raza humana, los “hijos de los hombres”. En el salmo de hoy, Él desciende desde el cielo, es hecho poco inferior a los ángeles y viene en medio de nosotros como el “Hijo del Hombre” (cfr. Hb 2,6–10). Todas las cosas son puestas bajo sus pies, de modo que Él puede restaurar para la humanidad la gloria a la que estaba destinada desde el principio, la misma que perdió con el pecado. Él experimentó la muerte para que pudiéramos ser levantados a la vida en la Trinidad, para que su nombre fuera glorificado en toda la tierra. Mediante el Hijo, hemos ganado la gracia y el libre acceso al Padre en el Espíritu, como Pablo alardea en la epístola de hoy (cfr. Ef 2,18). El Espíritu, el Amor de Dios, ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones. Es un Espíritu de adopción que nos hace, una vez más, hijos del Padre (cfr. Rm 8,14–16). Ese es el Espíritu que Jesús promete en el Evangelio de este día. Su Espíritu nos viene como don divino y unción (cfr. 1 Jn 2,27) para guiarnos a toda la verdad; para mostrarnos “las cosas que han de venir” (aquellas destinadas a ser desde antes de todos los siglos): para que encontremos paz y unión en Dios, que compartamos la vida de la Trinidad, y vivamos en Dios como Él en nosotros (cfr. Jn 14,23; 17,21).

Readings: Proverbs 8:22–31 Psalms 8:4–9 Romans 5:1–5 John 16:12–15 In today's Liturgy we're swept through time in glorious procession—from before earth and sky were set in place to the coming of the Spirit upon the new creation, the Church. We begin in the heart of the Trinity, as we listen to the testimony of Wisdom in today's First Reading. Eternally begotten, the firstborn of God, He is poured forth from of old in the loving delight of the Father. Through Him, the heavens were established, the foundations of the earth fixed. From before the beginning, He was with the Father as His “Craftsman,” the artisan by Whom all things were made. And He took special delight, He tells us, in the crowning glory of God's handiwork—the human race, the “sons of men.” In today's Psalm, He comes down from heaven, is made a little lower than the angels, comes among us as “the Son of Man” (see Hebrews 2:6–10). All things are put under His feet so that He can restore to humanity the glory for which we were made from the beginning, the glory lost by sin. He tasted death that we might be raised to life in the Trinity, that His name might be made glorious over all the earth. Through the Son, we have gained grace and access in the Spirit to the Father, as Paul boasts in today's Epistle (see Ephesians 2:18). The Spirit, the Love of God, has been poured out into our hearts—a Spirit of adoption, making us children of the Father once more (see Romans 8:14–16). This is the Spirit that Jesus promises in today's Gospel. His Spirit comes as divine gift and anointing (see 1 John 2:27), to guide us to all truth, to show us “the things that are coming,” the things that were meant to be from before all ages—that we will find peace and union in God, share the life of the Trinity, and dwell in God as He dwells in us (see John 14:23; 17:21).

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Barnabas by Mr. Clement Harrold. Barnabas, Apostle Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Acts 11: 21b-26; 13: 1-3 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6 Alleluia: Psalms 119: 36a, 29b Gospel: Matthew 5: 33-37 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Kings 19: 9a, 11-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 27: 7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14 Alleluia: Philippians 2: 15d, 16a Gospel: Matthew 5: 27-32 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday / Ephrem of Syria, Deacon, Doctor First Reading: First Kings 18: 41-46 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 65: 10, 11, 12-13 Alleluia: John 13: 34 Gospel: Matthew 5: 20-26 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Kings 18: 20-39 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 16: 1b-2ab, 4, 5ab and 8, 11 Alleluia: Psalms 25: 4b, 5a Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-19 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church by Dr. Scott Hahn. Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church (Tenth Week in Ordinary Time) First Reading: First Kings 17: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 121: 1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 12a Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Lecturas: Hechos 2,1–11 Salmo 104,1, 24, 29–31, 34 1 Corintios 12, 3–7, 12–13 Juan 20,19–23 El don del Espíritu Santo al nuevo Pueblo de Dios es el acontecimiento que corona el plan de salvación del Padre. La fiesta judía de Pentecostés convocaba a todos los judíos devotos a Jerusalén, para celebrar su nacimiento como pueblo escogido de Dios, bajo la Ley dada a Moisés en el Sinaí (cfr. Lv 23,15-21; Dt 16, 9–11). La primera lectura de hoy nos muestra cómo los misterios prefigurados en esa fiesta se cumplen en el momento en que se derrama el Espíritu sobre María y los Apóstoles (cfr.Hch 2,14). El Espíritu sella la nueva Ley y el nuevo pacto traído por Jesús, escrito no sobre tablas de piedra, sino sobre los corazones de los creyentes, según lo que prometieron los profetas (cfr. Jr 31,31–34; 2 Co 3, 2–8; Rm 8,2). El Espíritu es revelado como el aliento dador de vida del Padre, la Voluntad por medio de la cual Él hizo todas las cosas, como nos dice el salmo de hoy. En el principio, el Espíritu era “viento de Dios” que “aleteaba por encima de las aguas” (Gn 1,2). Y en la nueva creación de Pentecostés, ese mismo Espíritu viene como un “viento fuerte, impetuoso” para renovar la faz de la tierra. Así como Dios modeló al primer hombre a partir del barro y lo llenó con su Espíritu (cfr. Gn 2,7), en el Evangelio de hoy vemos al Nuevo Adán que comparte el Espíritu vivificador, soplando sobre los apóstoles y dándoles nueva vida (cfr. 1 Co 15, 45.47). Como río de agua viva para todas las generaciones, Él derramará su Espíritu mediante su Cuerpo, la Iglesia, como nos dice la epístola de hoy (ver también Jn 7, 37–39). Recibimos ese Espíritu en los sacramentos; por el Bautismo somos hechos una “nueva creación” (cfr. 2 Co 5,17; Ga 6, 15). Alimentándonos del único Espíritu en la Eucaristía (cfr. 1 Co 10, 4), somos los primeros frutos de una nueva humanidad, nacida de cada nación que existe bajo el cielo, sin distinciones de lengua, raza o condición social. Somos gente nacida del Espíritu.

Readings: Acts 2:1–11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29–31, 34 1 Corinthians 12:3–7, 12–13 John 20:19–23 The giving of the Spirit to the new people of God crowns the mighty acts of the Father in salvation history. The Jewish feast of Pentecost called all devout Jews to Jerusalem to celebrate their birth as God's chosen people in the covenant Law given to Moses at Sinai (see Leviticus 23:15–21; Deuteronomy 16:9–11). In today's First Reading the mysteries prefigured in that feast are fulfilled in the pouring out of the Spirit on Mary and the Apostles (see Acts 1:14). The Spirit seals the new law and new covenant brought by Jesus, written not on stone tablets but on the hearts of believers, as the prophets promised (see 2 Corinthians 3:2–8; Romans 8:2). The Spirit is revealed as the life-giving breath of the Father, the Wisdom by which He made all things, as we sing in today's Psalm. In the beginning, the Spirit came as a “mighty wind” sweeping over the face of the earth (see Genesis 1:2). And in the new creation of Pentecost, the Spirit again comes as “a strong, driving wind” to renew the face of the earth. As God fashioned the first man out of dust and filled him with His Spirit (see Genesis 2:7), in today's Gospel we see the New Adam become a life-giving Spirit, breathing new life into the Apostles (see 1 Corinthians 15:45, 47). Like a river of living water, for all ages He will pour out His Spirit on His body, the Church, as we hear in today's Epistle (see also John 7:37–39). We receive that Spirit in the sacraments, being made a “new creation” in Baptism (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). Drinking of the one Spirit in the Eucharist (see 1 Corinthians 10:4), we are the first fruits of a new humanity—fashioned from out of every nation under heaven, with no distinctions of wealth or language or race, a people born of the Spirit.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Col 1:24–2:3, Psalm 62:6-7, 9, Lk 6:6-11 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga by Dr. John Bergsma. Charles Lwanga & Companions, Martyrs Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Acts 25: 13b-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab Alleluia: John 14: 26 Gospel: John 21: 15-19 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter by Dr. Scott Hahn. Easter Weekday / Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs First Reading: Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 16: 1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 Alleluia: John 17: 21 Gospel: John 17: 20-26 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Justin by Dr. John Bergsma. Justin, Martyr Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Acts 20: 28-38 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 68: 29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab Alleluia: John 17: 17b, 17a Gospel: John 17: 11b-19 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter by Dr. Scott Hahn. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 19: 1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 68: 2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab Alleluia: Colossians 3: 1 Gospel: John 16: 29-33 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Readings: Acts 7:55–60 Psalm 97:1–2, 6–7, 9 Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20 John 17:20–26 (In dioceses where Ascension is celebrated on Sunday, see also the reflection for the Ascension of the Lord.) Jesus is praying for us in today's Gospel. We are those who have come to believe in Him through the Word of the Apostles, handed on in His Church. Jesus showed the Apostles His glory, made known the Father's name and the love He has had for us from “before the foundation of the world.” He revealed that He and the Father are one (see John 14:9). Jesus is the “first and the last” (see Isaiah 44:6), the root of David (see Isaiah 11:10; 2 Samuel 7:12), as today's Second Reading declares. Wrapped in clouds and darkness as God was at Sinai (see Exodus 19:16), He is “the king . . . the Most High over all the earth,” as we sing in today's Psalm. Exalted at God's right hand, as Stephen sees in the First Reading, the Lord calls to us through the Church, His Bride. He calls us to “the tree of life,” to communion with God. This is the goal of His love, His saving purpose from all eternity—that each of us enter into the life of the Blessed Trinity and be “brought to perfection as one” with the Father and Son in the Spirit. The story of Stephen, the first martyr, shows us how we are to answer His call. Listen for the echoes of the Crucifixion: Stephen, like Jesus, sees the Son of Man in glory and dies with words of forgiveness and self-offering on his lips (compare Acts 7:56–60; Matthew 26:64–65; Luke 23:24,46). We, too, are to commend our spirits to the Father, to pray and offer our lives in love for our brethren, awaiting His coming in judgment. We renew our vows in every Mass, coming forward to receive the gift of His life. We answer His call by crying out a call of our own: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” And in our communion we answer our Lord's prayer: “That they may all be one, as You, Father are in Me and I in You.”

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 18: 23-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47: 2-3, 8-9, 10 Alleluia: John 16: 28 Gospel: John 16: 23b-28 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday / Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop, Religious, Missionary First Reading: Acts 18: 9-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7 Alleluia: Luke 24: 46, 26 Gospel: John 16: 20-23 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Ascension of the Lord by Dr. Scott Hahn. ASCENSION OF THE LORD Solemnity, Philip Neri, Priest Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Acts 1: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Alleluia: Matthew 28:19a, 20b Gospel: Luke 24:46-53 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com  

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday / Venerable Bede, Priest, Religious, Doctor / Gregory VII, Pope, Religious / Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, Virgin, Religious First Reading: Acts 17: 15, 22 – 18: 1 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 148: 1-2, 11-12, 13, 14 Alleluia: John 14: 16 Gospel: John 16: 12-15 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter by Dr. James Merrick. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 16: 22-34 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138: 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 Alleluia: John 16: 7, 13 Gospel: John 16: 5-11 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter by Dr. Scott Hahn. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 16: 11-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b Alleluia: John 15: 26b, 27a Gospel: John 15: 26 – 16: 4 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Readings: Acts 15:1–2, 22–29 Psalm 67:2–3, 5–6, 8 Revelation 21:10–14, 22–23 John 14:23–29 The first Church council, the Council of Jerusalem we hear about in today's First Reading, decided the shape of the Church as we know it. Some Jewish Christians had wanted Gentile converts to be circumcised and obey all the complex ritual and purity laws of the Jews. The council called this a heresy, again showing us that the Church in the divine plan is meant to be a worldwide family of God, no longer a covenant with just one nation. Today's Liturgy gives us a profound meditation on the nature and meaning of the Church. The Church is One, as we see in the First Reading: “the Apostles [bishops] and presbyters [priests], in agreement with the whole Church [laity].” The Church is Holy, taught and guided by the Spirit that Jesus promises the Apostles in the Gospel. The Church is Catholic, or universal, making known God's ways of salvation to all peoples, ruling all in equity, as we sing in today's Psalm. And the Church, as John sees in the Second Reading, is Apostolic—founded on the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. All these marks of the Church are underscored in the story of the council. Notice that everybody, including Paul, looks to “Jerusalem [and] . . . the Apostles” to decide the Church's true teaching. The Apostles, too, presume that Christian teachers need a “mandate from us.” And we see the Spirit guiding the Apostles in all truth. Notice how they describe their ruling: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us.” Knowing these truths about the Church, our hearts should never be troubled. The Liturgy's message today is that the Church is the Lord's, watched over and guarded by the Advocate, the Holy Spirit sent by the Father in the name of the Son.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Easter Weekday / Christopher Magallanes, Priest & Companions, Martyrs First Reading: Acts 16: 1-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 2, 3, 5 Alleluia: Colossians 3: 1 Gospel: John 15: 18-21 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday / Bernardine of Siena, Priest, Religious, Missionary First Reading: Acts 15: 22-31 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 57: 8-9, 10 and 12 Alleluia: John 15: 15b Gospel: John 15: 12-17 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter by Dr. James Merrick. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 15: 7-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 10 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: John 15: 9-11 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday / John I, Pope, Martyr First Reading: Acts 15: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 122: 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 Alleluia: John 15: 4a, 5b Gospel: John 15: 1-8 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter by Dr. Scott Hahn. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 14: 5-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 115: 1-2, 3-4, 15-16 Alleluia: John 14: 26 Gospel: John 14: 21-26 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Readings: Acts 14:21-27 Psalm 145:8-13 Revelation 21:1-5 John 13:31-35 By God's goodness and compassion, the doors of His kingdom have been opened to all who have faith, Jew or Gentile. That's the good news Paul and Barnabas proclaim in today's First Reading. With the coming of the Church—the new Jerusalem John sees in today's Second Reading —God is “making all things new.” In His Church, the “old order” of death is passing away and God for all time is making His dwelling with the human race, so that all peoples “will be His people and God Himself will always be with them.” In this the promises made through His prophets are accomplished (see Ezekiel 37:27; Isaiah 25:8; 35:10). The Church is “the kingdom for all ages” that we sing of in today's Psalm. That's why we see the Apostles, under the guidance of the Spirit, ordaining “presbyters” or priests (see 1 Timothy 4:14; Titus 1:5). Anointed priests and bishops will be the Apostles' successors, ensuring that the Church's “dominion endures through all generations” (see Philippians 1:1, note that the New American Bible translates episcopois, the Greek word for bishops, as “overseers”). Until the end of time, the Church will declare to the world God's mighty deeds, blessing His holy name and giving Him thanks, singing of the glories of His kingdom. In His Church, we know ourselves as His “faithful ones,” as those Jesus calls “My little children” in today's Gospel. We live by the new law, the “new commandment” that He gave in His final hours. The love He commands of us is no human love but a supernatural love. We love each other as Jesus loved us in suffering and dying for us. We love in imitation of His love. This kind of love is only made possible by the Spirit poured into our hearts at Baptism (see Romans 5:5), renewed in the sacrifice His priests offer in every Mass. By our love we glorify the Father. And by our love all peoples will know that we are His people, that He is our God.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Feast of St. Matthias by Mr. Clement Harrold. Matthias, Apostle Feast First Reading: Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 113: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Alleluia: John 15: 16 Gospel: John 15: 9-17 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com