My Prayer Box the Newsletter of My Catholic Tradition To subscribe to the newsletter, please follow this link.     Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  The Lord is risen! Hallelujah!        Easter Sunday April 12, 2009     First Reading From the Acts of the Apostles:   Acts 10:34a, 37-43   Peter proceeded to speak and said: "You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name."   Responsorial From the Book of Psalms: Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: Alleluia. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, "His mercy endures forever." R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: Alleluia. "The right hand of the LORD has struck with power; the right hand of the LORD is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: Alleluia. The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. or: Alleluia.   Second Reading from the Letter to the Colossians or 1 Corinthians Col 3:1-4 or I Cor 5:6b-8   Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory. or I Cor 5:6b-8 Brothers and sisters: Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.       Reading From the Gospel of John, Mark or Luke:   Jn 20:1-9 or Mk 16:1-7 or Lk 24:13-35   Jn 20:1-9 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into   the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. or Mk 16:1-7 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint him. Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb. They were saying to one another, "Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large. On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. He said to them, "Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. But go and tell his disciples and Peter,  'He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.'" or, at an afternoon or evening Mass, Lk 24:13-35 That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?" And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see." And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! as it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.               A few funny lines submitted by D.   I've had bad luck with both my wives. The first one left me, and the second one didn't. -James Holt McGavra Two secrets to keep your marriage brimming 1. Whenever you're wrong, admit it, 2. Whenever you're right, shut up. -Patrick Murra The most effective way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once.... -Nash You know what I did before I married? Anything I wanted to. -Anonymous My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met. -Henny Youngman A good wife always forgives her husband when she's wrong. -Rodney Dangerfield A man inserted an ad in the classifieds: Wife wanted. Next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: You can have mine. -Anonymous First Guy (proudly): My wife's an angel! Second Guy:.You're lucky, mine's still alive. -Anonymous             References Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life by Charles J. Chaput (Author) “At a time when the ‘faith and values’ vote has never been more important, Archbishop Charles Chaput deftly explores the intersection of morality, reason, and politics. This isn’t just a book for Catholics, but for anyone who cares about the state of America’s soul —and how that concern might shape the 2008 elections.” —John L. Allen Jr., NCR and CNN senior Vatican correspondent, Amazon   Happiness Is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual by Dennis Prager. In this unique blend of self-help and moral philosophy, talk-radio host Dennis Prager asserts that we're actually obligated to be happy, because it makes us better people.   Praying With Frederic Ozanam (Companions for the Journey Series) - Paperback, by Ronald Cm Ramson (Author) Praying With Louise De Marillac (Companions for the Journey Series) by Audrey Gibson (Author), Kieran Kneaves (Author) Praying with Vincent de Paul (Companions for the Journey) 2004, by Thomas McKenna     The Rise of Christianity: How the Obscure, Marginal, Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force .... (Paperback) by Rodney Stark (Author) From the Publisher "... this account of Christianity's remarkable growth within the Roman Empire is already the subject of much fanfare. "Anyone who has puzzled over Christianity's rise to dominance... must read it," ... Read the first page. Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration, and Catechesis for Sundays and Solemnities - Year B - 2009 by C.PP.S. Joyce Ann Zimmerman (Author), Thomas A. Greisen (Author), S.N.D. de N. Kathleen Harmon (Author), M.S. Thomas L. Leclerc (Author) "Perfect for home use or to prepare for weekly liturgy . . . It includes help for the celebration, ideas for catechesis on the particular event, and ways to understand the readings more deeply. Finally, it includes sample questions from which priests, deacons, lay groups, ministers and others can jump off into deeper discussion." Straight Answers, Answers to 100 Questions about the Catholic Faith by Ph.D Rev. William P. Saunders (Author) Review by: Reverend William G. Curlin Bishop of Charlotte Straight Answers offers Catholics a simple and direct response to the many questions concerning the Catholic Church. It spells out profound truths in very simple language for all who seek a better understanding of their Faith. I highly recommend it for Catholics, both young and old. The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way From Amazon: After years of spiritual study and reflection, inspirational speaker and bestselling author Wayne Dyer has emerged a highly esteemed teacher. His current message about tapping into the power of intention may sound like good old positive thinking: just stay focused on what you want, rather than focusing on the lack of having what you want. But the teaching here goes deeper than just controlling thoughts (although he does acknowledge that thought control is a surprisingly challenging and significant endeavor). This book might help readers land a better job, but it's more relevant for those who are ready to detach from an ego-driven life filled with quick fixes of happiness and step into a more authentic, joyful, and spiritually fulfilling life. His core teachings speak to tapping into a universal source of energy that can also be called the "power of intention." The Chariot of Israel: Exploits of the Prophet of Elijah  THE CHARIOT OF ISRAEL: When Elijah was caught up to heaven, his disciple Elisha cried out, "the chariot of Israel, and its horsemen." Elisha was referring not to the chariot but to the prophet. This study of Elijah’s life will captivate you as it walks you through a pivotal period in Israel’s history, and illustrative maps will give you a better picture of the physical geography of this ancient land. The First Book of Kings (Cambridge Bible Commentaries on the Old Testament)This volume of commentary on the New English Bible text of the First Book of Kings follows the pattern of the now well-established series on the Old and New Testaments. The main divisions of the text are those provided by the New English Bible itself, but these are further subdivided for the purposes of the commentary, which is printed in short sections following the relevant portion of the text. Canon Robinson suggests that the editors of I Kings compiled their history in order to teach the Hebrews that their existence as Israel, the covenant people of God, depended upon their continuing loyalty to their own religious traditions, and their refusal to exchange them for the very different traditions of the Canaanites among whom they lived.     I & II Samuel: A Commentary (Old Testament Library) First sentence in the book: ""THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL contain that part of the history of Israel which describes the foundation of the State, running from the close of the period of the Judges to the establishment of the united kingdom." Read more about the Liturgical Year   The Origins of the Liturgical Year (Pueblo Books) by Thomas J. Talley (Author) The Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Talley, Professor of Liturgics at the General Theological Seminary in New York, is one of the leading liturgists in the country. He gives us a fresh examination of the complex history of the Liturgical Year. The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle C. (Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday) by John J. Pilch (Author) Reader Review: The book by Pilch provides those who not only fill the pulpits across this country but also all interested in the cultural world in which Jesus lived with a lot of pertinent information that sheds light on a lot of areas that have been "muddled" in the past. Yes, I highly recommend this book. - James Mauldin Learn more and read the Old Testament. Preaching from the Old Testament by Elizabeth Achtemeier (Author) Reader Review: The author of these thirty-two short chapters begins and ends with the assumption that problems we experience with the Old Testament are our problem, not the Bible's. This subordinating of the Bible reader to the well-weathered book he holds in his hand opens doors, not to forced harmonisations of problematic passages, but to fresh reappraisal of difficult texts on their own terms. - David A. Baer The Navarre Bible: Pentateuch (The Navarre Bible: Old Testament) This volume helps you make the first five books of the Old Testament a vital part of your spiritual reading and practical growth in the Christian life. It contains the full English and Latin texts of these books, along with extensive and faithfully Catholic commentaries. Like other volumes in the world-renowned Navarre Bible series, these commentaries draw on Church documents, the exegesis of Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the works of contemporary spiritual writers — particularly St. Josemaría Escrivá, who initiated the Navarre Bible project.     Comments and Suggestions are Most Welcome. If you have any comments or contributions, please use the form in this link.                                                                                                           Comments and Suggestions are Most Welcome. If you have any comments or contributions, please use the form in this link.             Our Engine   This newsletter and the website is powered by Site Build It! It really is a "Genie In A Box." Don't forget to check out the Quick Tour Slide Show!   Want to try to win a free copy of the "Genie In A Box?" Click right here!   My Prayer Box Newsletter   My Prayer Box newsletter is published weekly and contains the readings for that Sunday. It has reflections, stories and reader contributions, prayers and news relevant to living a proud Catholic life. The reader contributions include announcements, interesting articles, pictures and greetings. We also solicit news regarding activities and events your parishes that you might useful for others. The newsletter has over 1000 subscribers.   Apologetics Mary and the Saints Mass and the Eucharist A collection of articles based on published books explaining the reasons behind certain Catholic practices and traditions.   The blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, figures very strongly in Catholic life.   The Catholic Mass is a true sacrifice and the Eucharist a representation in an unbloody manner of the sacrifice of Christ. Prayers Novenas The Rosary Traditional Prayers: Discover the origin of your favorite prayer. We might even have the original Latin version, too.   Novenas: Learn how to say a novena in honor of your favorite Saint.    You can learn how to say the Rosary.  The complete Rosary comes with the readings from the Gospel. Archived Articles Prayer Requests Tours and Pilgrimages A collection of original and submitted articles and stories from past issues of My Prayer Box newsletter.   A collection of requests for prayers and spiritual assistance from readers.   Take a journey to religious places. Contact our dedicated specialists by following this link.

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