Today is the second Sunday of Easter, and our reading encourages us to reflect on our faith as modern-day members of the church.

In last week’s Gospel, the disciples discovered Jesus’ empty tomb. In this week’s Gospel, they encounter Jesus in his resurrected body.

Read more: https://cmmb.org/god-is-always-with-us/

Thank you to Michael Hilbert, S.J., CMMB Board Member, for sharing this special Easter reflection with us. 

The most joyous expression of Easter is the ringing of bells. To wake up on Easter morning to the swelling of church bells touches the heart and lifts the soul! I like to read Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “The Bells” and its euphony.

Read more: https://cmmb.org/the-bells-of-easter/

Today we recognize the first day of the Triduum—Palm Sunday. On this special Sunday, we read two Gospels. The first takes us through Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the second follows the events of Jesus’ passion.

With both readings from the Gospel of Mark, they invite us to reflect on the purpose of Jesus’ death.

Read more: https://cmmb.org/with-god-we-are-never-alone/

Today’s reading comes from chapter 12 of John’s Gospel. Falling on the fifth Sunday of Lent, our passage prepares us for Holy Week.

In the first part of our reading, Jesus offers a metaphor. Knowing his passion is near, Jesus seeks to prepare his disciples for his death and shed light on its purpose. Jesus proclaims, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

Read More: https://cmmb.org/preparing-for-holy-week/

On this fourth Sunday of Lent, or Laetare Sunday, we will explore the theme of Jesus as our savior. Today’s reading comes from chapter three of John’s Gospel.

Our reading begins as Jesus concludes his conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who had come to Jesus in the night. Jesus tells him, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

Read More: https://cmmb.org/find-joy-in-sacrifice/

On this third Sunday of Lent, our reading comes from chapter two of John’s Gospel.

It begins at the Temple of Jerusalem, where Jesus has discovered merchants and moneychangers. Not wanting the scene before him to continue, he overturned their tables and drove them out.

To those around him he proclaimed, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”

Read more at: https://cmmb.org/faith-can-move-mountains/

Today is the second Sunday of Lent, and our reading invites us to reflect on the transfiguration of Jesus. The event is chronicled in Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s Gospels, but today we read Mark’s account.

Read more at: https://cmmb.org/our-actions-today-matter-tomorrow/

Today’s Gospel marks the first Sunday of Lent. On this day each year, we read an account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. This year, we read Mark’s account of the event.

According to Mark, Jesus goes into the desert immediately after his baptism. The only details he describes are as follows. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert and was tempted by Satan. During his final days there, Angels ministered to him.

Learn more: https://cmmb.org/join-us-as-we-journey-to-easter/

In today’s Gospel, we continue to learn about Jesus’ incredible healings. Our reading begins in Galilee, where Jesus has been traveling to synagogues to preach.

Hearing of Jesus’ ability to heal, a man with leprosy approached him. During the time in which this reading takes place, there was little known about leprosy. Those with the disease were avoided, untouched, and cast out of society. It would have been unusual for a person with leprosy to approach a healthy man.

Learn more at: https://cmmb.org/let-love-be-your-guide/

In last week’s reading, we met Jesus’ first disciples. Today, we follow them to Capernaum.

The Gospel reports on Jesus’ teachings in the synagogue. Those who come to listen note the authority with which he speaks. But as powerful as Jesus’ words are, his actions are what inspire the crowds and give credence to his teachings.

Read more: https://cmmb.org/who-inspires-you/