So let's talk about today's readings 4/22/09

[cheeto1]

usccb.org/nab/readings/042209.shtml

(1st reading)
“without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people”.
Well, here’s a turnaround! Now the disciples didn’t have to fear being stoned
by the people, but the guards did. First they shout Hosanna, then crucify Him,
then they are ready to stone anyone who would arrest the disciples with force!
I can hardly figure this crowd out.

“The Lord hears the cry of the poor”. (psalm)
Lord, I am poor. Poor of courage, poor of love, poor of strength, poor of
speaking, poor of enthusiasm, poor of holiness, poor of peace-making, poor
of competence, poor of skills and intelligence, though I know everything, I
know nothing. I HAVE nothing, save what You have given me today, and in
this minute. Seeing as I am poor, Lord, hear me, as You have so many
times before. Grant me daily bread, and honor me by giving me a small
part to play in bringing Your kingdom to this earth today. Thank you for this
prayer. AMEN

(gospel)
“He is already condemned, because he has not believed in the NAME of
the only begotten Son of God”. There’s that word “name” again. And in
the “entrance antiphon” of today, it says “…I will spread the knowledge of
your NAME…” I am still asking: why is the word “name” used? Is it very
necessary for some reason? Or is it just to decorate the sentence?

So what struck you about today’s readings? :bible1::twocents:

 

[praise_Jesus_1]

I’m not sure about the purpose of the usage of ‘Name’. It could be to help distinguish ‘the only-begotten Son of God’.

I found the first part of the Gospel:
** For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.**

To be quite powerful. I’ve heard this passage time and time again but I think it really reinforces God’s saving plan for humanity from Adam and Eve through the old testament to the coming of Jesus. It’s a nice reminder that Christ came to save us, not to accuse us or condemn us for the horrible things we may have done, but to save us from our sinfulness and allow us to fully turn to God so that someday we may spend eternity with him.

 

[Crumpy]

I think the emphasis on “name” of the Lord is very important throughout the Bible. This reading is tying up the tradition of the Old Testament along with the new revelation that we have in Jesus Christ.

To use the divine name is to call God into our presence.It is therefore to give praise and thanksgiving to God, all at once.