Homily Helps for Sunday Readings

April 2008 Sunday Cycle of Readings (Year A)
April 06 - The Thrid Sunday in Easter                       | mp3 Audio |
April 13 -  The Fourth Sunday of Easter                  | mp3 Audio |
April 20 -  The Fifth Sunday of Easter                        | mp3 Audio |
April 27 - The Sixth sunday of Easter                       | mp3 Audio |

March 2008 Sunday Cycle of Readings (Year A)
March 02  The Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 09  The Fith Sunday of Lent
March 16  Palm Sunday
March 23  Easter Sunday
March 30 Divine Mercy Sunday

February 2008 Sunday Cycle of Readings (Year A)
February 3 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 10 First Sunday of Lent
February 17 Second Sunday of Lent
February 24 Third Sunday of Lent

St. Paul Center Sunday Bible Studies Archive

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How to Read the Bible From the Heart of Church

The Bible readings we hear at Mass on Sunday are selected and arranged to show us what the Catechism calls "the unity of the divine plan in the two Testaments" (nos. 128-130).

The Liturgy invites us to read the Old Testament in light of the New and the New Testament in light of the Old. When we read this way, we see that what God says and does in the Old Testament points us to what Jesus says and does in the New. And what Jesus says and does in the New Testament sheds light on the promises and events we read about in the Old.

The divine plan of the two Testaments continues in the Church's Liturgy. That's why we re-read and re-live the great events of salvation history every Sunday. As the Catechism teaches, the Liturgy reveals the mysteries of God's plan and enables us to live them (nos. 1094-1095).

You have our permission to duplicate these short studies for use in RCIA or other small-group discussions. Please acknowledge the copyright of The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and www.SalvationHistory.com. Also if you like what we're offering here, please tell others about us and please consider supporting our non-profit apostolate.

Tips for Sunday Bible Study
Some tips for using these biblical reflections in your prayer and preparation for Sunday Mass:

1. Remember that reading Scripture is an encounter with the Word of Life (see Philippians 2:16). In the Sunday liturgy, especially, God speaks to His people, and opens to them the mystery of redemption and salvation; Christ is present to us through His own word.

2. Always begin your private mediation with prayer. Acknowledge God's presence, seek His pardon for your sins, and ask for the grace to make this time of reflection fruitful. Ask for the intercession of Mary, who gave flesh to the Word of God.

3. Read the readings for the day in order - First Reading, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel. Listen for how the Gospel reflects themes or concerns heard especially in the First Reading and Psalm.

4. Read our biblical reflections for that Sunday. Be sure to look up all of the Scriptures we cite - this will improve your practical knowledge of Scripture and take you deeper into the biblical worldview reflected in the Sunday liturgy.

5. Always end your meditation with prayer. Thank God for the inspirations, resolutions and insight He has given you through His Word. Ask for the grace to love His Word and to believe and live the truths contained in it. Seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother.