Putting Together the Mass readings for May 9, 2010

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The Bible readings chosen by the Church for Mass all somehow speak to the same theme -- and they aren't just a repeating of the theme, but a development of the theme. One should always try to see within the array of readings how the theme is developed.

When the priest giving his homily at Mass zeroes-in on the gospel, only, this frequently amounts to an abandonment of the overall theme of the readings.

Let us reexamine the readings for May 9, 2010, to see if we can perceive the theme developed.

Ultimately, we will be able to rearrange the order of the readings , to better understand how the theme is developed.


FIRST READING: In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit tells the Church that Gentiles need not be circumcized -- a good example of the Holy Spirit's action in the Church.

PSALM: Here we ask God to let His face shine upon us.

SECOND READING: From the Book of Revelation, a picture of Heaven.

GOSPEL: Jesus predicts that the Holy Spirit will come and teach His Church.


Can you arrnge them in a way that comprises a development?

Try this...


PSALM: Here we ask God to let His face shine upon us.

GOSPEL: Jesus predicts that the Holy Spirit will come and teach His Church that, in other words, the Holy Spirit will become the answer to the prayer asking God to let His face shine upon us.

FIRST READING: In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit tells the Church that Gentiles need not be circumcized -- a good example of the Holy Spirit's action in the Church -- so, here the Holy Spirit comes in fulfillment of Jesus' prediction.

SECOND READING: From the Book of Revelation, a picture of Heaven. In other words, the place the Holy Spirit leads us to, by his teaching.


When you comprehend the development WITHIN the readings structure, you fully comprehend the readings.

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