DATE |
WEEK |
GOSPEL |
THEMES |
COMMENTS |
08/02 |
18 |
Matthew 14:13-21 |
All Ate and Were Satisfied Five loafs and two fish are all we have. |
Jesus’ heart is moved with pity. He asked the disciples to feed the crowd. Then, he blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. Jesus provides with great abundance. |
08/09 |
19 |
Matthew 14:22-23 |
Calling on the Lord Jesus walks on water. Command me to come to you. |
When we step out in faith, we can find ourselves in deep water; we must call on Jesus to save us. And like the disciples, we will know Jesus as he is. |
08/16 |
20 |
Matthew 15:21-28 |
Expanding God’s Table Even dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table. |
The Canaanite woman, a foreigner, seeks healing from Jesus. This is shocking. Mercy & goodness extends to everyone – even those who we think may not deserve it. |
08/23 |
21 |
Matthew 16:13-20 |
A Life Changing Question Who is Jesus? This question leads to us discovering who we are. |
Peter recognizes Jesus’ true and full identity. This awareness came from God. In Jesus, Peter’s identity is revealed. Our identities are also revealed in Jesus. |
08/30 |
22 |
Matthew 16:21-27 |
Called to Carry the Cross Do not conform to this age. Be transformed by Christ. |
We too must take up our cross, die to our old self so that we can live the risen life of Jesus. Discipleship is a difficult path that leads us away from our comfort zones. The cross leads to life. |
09/06 |
23 |
Matthew 18:15-20 |
Reconciliation – A Recipe What to do when hurt by a member of the community. |
Harmful behavior by another is met with humility. Each step requires courage and a desire for unity. Also, deep heartfelt forgiveness takes prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. |
09/13 |
24 |
Matthew 18: 21-35 |
Shocking Offer of Forgiveness The Unforgiving Servant Forgive not seven times but seventy-seven times. |
We belong to the Lord; therefore, we ought to forgive as God forgives. A simple formula: We have received unexpected generosity. We are merciful to others as God is merciful to us. |
09/20 |
25 |
Matthew 20:1-16a |
God is Generous Parable of Laborers in the Vineyard Everyone has reason to be grateful that the Lord is generous. |
God gives and loves abundantly. The late hires received something they did not deserve or merit – a gift that God is free to give. If we lose focus, we can resent the good fortune of others. |
09/27 |
26 |
Matthew 21:28-32 |
Saying and Doing “Yes” The Parable of the Two Sons He changed his mind and went. |
It’s about doing rather than talking. Words alone do not prove that one is a disciple of Jesus. Choices & deeds ought to match one’s words. We have to walk the talk! |
10/04 |
27 |
Matthew 21:33-43 |
On Being God’s Servants Parable of the Wicked Tenants The kingdom of God will be given to a people that will produce its fruit. |
Do we reject the message of Jesus and live by our own rules? The core issue is to bear good fruit. We bear good fruit by living in faithful obedience to God’s will. |
10/11 |
28 |
Matthew 22:1-14 |
Called to the Feast of Life Parable of the Wedding Banquet Invite whomever you find. |
The feast is the union of our lives with God’s life. The wedding garment may be the lifestyle that we weave as we put into practice Jesus’ teaching and bear fruit. We are to be clothed in Christ. |
10/18 |
29 |
Matthew 22:15-21 |
Our Relationship with God Question of Paying Taxes to Cesar. Cesar’s image is on a coin; God’s image is on our hearts. |
God’s image is stamped on each and every one of us; therefore, we belong to God. If the human person bears the image of God, then, our purpose in life is to give ourselves back to God. |
10/25 |
30 |
Matthew 22:34-40 |
The Greatest Commandments You shall love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself. |
Our love of God requires us to commit our whole being to God. Jesus links this love to caring for the needs of our neighbors. Genuine love for neighbor reveals the Truth of God. |
11/01 |
All Saints |
Matthew 5:1-12a |
The Feast of All Saints Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven. |
The Gospel selected for this feast shifts the focus from heaven to earth. The beatitudes describe the attitude of those destined for eternal life in heaven: Children of God here and now. |
11/08 |
32 |
Matthew 25:1-13 |
Be Ready for the Kingdom The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids Come out to meet him! |
The mission of the bridesmaids is to welcome the bridegroom with lit lamps. We respond to a lifelong courtship with patience, preparation and resources to live as disciples. Jesus knows us. |
11/15 |
33 |
Matthew 25:14-30 |
Responsible for Bearing Fruit The Parable of the Talents Come share your master’s joy. |
Our talents are the good allotment of grace that God gives us to become disciples. We are to take risks, do our best to build up God’s kingdom. If we are complacent, we will not bear fruit. |
11/22 |
Christ The King |
Matthew 25:31-46 |
Celebrating Christ the King End Times: Separating the sheep & goats. |
God shepherds – serves, heals, seeks out and cares for those in need. We have a responsibility to do as Christ would in the world in which we find ourselves. |
DATE |
WEEK |
GOSPEL |
THEMES |
COMMENTS |
11/29 |
1st Sunday Of Advent |
Mark 13:33-37 |
Each of us is a Gatekeeper Be Watchful! Be Alert! Be faithful to our work. |
We live between the now of Jesus’ victory over death and the not yet of his return to glory. Being alert is not passive. We work to further the master’s interest. |
12/06 |
2nd Sunday Of Advent |
Mark 1:1-8 |
Hear What God Proclaims Mark begins to tell the story Make straight the path of the Lord |
The Good News is that the promise has happened! The Good News is victory over evil, sin and death. Jesus Christ is the Good News. The messenger prepared the way. |
12/13 |
3rd Sunday Of Advent |
John 1:6-8; 19-28 |
The Coming of the Light The Baptist testifies to the light Why then do you baptize? |
John’s primary role is to testify or bear witness to Jesus. John points to the Expected One – who is already in their (and our) midst. Do we recognize Him? |
12/20 |
4th Sunday Of Advent |
Luke 1:26-38 |
The Annunciation God’s plan & Mary’s acceptance |
God’s grace overshadows Mary and transforms her. God requires just a simple, “yes.” May we surrender and say “yes” to God’s will with the same confidence as Mary. |
DATE |
WEEK |
GOSPEL |
THEMES |
COMMENTS |
12/25 |
Christmas |
John 1:1-18 |
The Word Becomes Flesh God’s own Son is the Message God becomes human in Jesus. |
The Word continues to be born in us who by baptism have received a share of his fullness. Can we live a life that takes the incarnation of God seriously? |
12/27 |
Holy Family |
Luke 2:22-40 |
Holy Families The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. |
Jesus is salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel. All of our relationships ought to bring the presence of Christ to the world, one holy family. |
01/01 |
Mary Mother of God |
Luke 2: 16-21 |
Restful Contemplation We ponder the “All” of our experiences. |
Mary responds to the shepherds and their message by reflecting – from the heart, with painful realities and delightful surprises. |
01/03 |
Epiphany |
Matthew 2:1-12 |
Celebrating Spiritual Growth The human race follows the star |
Epiphany means “manifestation.” Our faith is based on God who entered into human history. We celebrate Jesus in the world. |
01/10 |
Baptism Of The Lord |
Mark 1:7-11 |
Chosen to Serve This is my beloved Son |
Jesus is Chosen, blessed, broken, and given as are we when we connect our lives to him. |
DATE |
WEEK |
GOSPEL |
THEMES |
COMMENTS |
01/17 |
2 |
John 1: 35-42 |
God Draws us into Service Jesus calls the first disciples And they stayed with him. |
Jesus calls ordinary people: “What are you looking for.” Come and see he tells them and us. And they follow and remain with Jesus, in His presence. |
01/24 |
3 |
Mark 1:14-20 |
Responding to the Call of Jesus Disciples leave everything to follow Him. |
The decision to make God our first priority is a thoughtful choice. The decision to follow Jesus will disrupt our daily lives. |
01/31 |
4 |
Mark 1:21-28 |
On the Authority of Jesus’ teaching Jesus in the synagogue at Capernaum. He taught them as one having authority |
There is a link between teaching and exorcisms – they go together: Reign of God destroys demons. Demons are real but the power and authority of Christ is infinitely superior. |
02/07 |
5 |
Mark 1:29-39 |
On the Urgency of Jesus’ Mission For this is the purpose I have come Discipleship gives purpose to our lives. |
Peters’ mother-in-law is sick. Disciples immediately tell Jesus about their troubles. And healing happens. Peter’s mother in-law-immediately serves Jesus, a mark of discipleship. |
02/14 |
6 |
Mark 1:40-45 |
On Being Made Clean The healing of a leper |
The leper is healed; he responds like an evangelist, spreading the Good News. |
DATE |
WEEK |
GOSPEL |
THEMES |
COMMENTS |
02/17 |
Ash Wednesday |
Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18 |
For God’s Eyes Only Almsgiving, Fasting & Prayer |
These fundamental acts of piety ought to be done in a true spirit of worship from the heart. |
02/21 |
1 Lent |
Mark 1:12-15 |
Temptation in the Desert Trust God whatever the circumstance |
It’s risky to let ourselves be led by the Spirit, often it leads to the wilderness. We must trust. |
02/28 |
2 Lent |
Mark 9:2-10 |
On a Mountain with Jesus A Glimpse of Glory |
Our Task: to bring the mountain top experience of knowing Jesus with us on our daily journey. |
03/07 |
3 Lent |
John 4:5-42 |
Jesus Offers Living Water Jesus & The Woman at the Well |
Jesus reveals Himself to a person who is an outcast, resistant to growth. She & we are called. |
03/14 |
4 Lent |
John 9: 1-41 |
Jesus Brings Creation to Completion The Man Born Blind |
Jesus Heals: The light of the world gave sight to the man born blind, who listened & believed. |
03/21 |
5 Lent |
John 11: 1-45 |
Jesus’ Love: The Source of our Hope The Raising of Lazarus |
Love allows for deep grief; love is stronger than darkness & death. God’s love fills us with hope. |
03/28 |
Palm Sunday |
Mark 14:1 - 15:47 |
Jesus’ Last Journey of Joy & Sorrow Into Jerusalem and to the hill of Calvary |
Jesus comes from the Father bringing life. We pray that we will follow Jesus faithfully. |
DATE |
WEEK |
GOSPEL |
THEMES |
COMMENTS |
04/01 |
Holy Thursday |
John 13: 1-15 |
Jesus Loved to the End Jesus Washes his Disciples’ Feet As I have done for you, you shall also do |
The meal is tied to the Jewish Passover to emphasize the passage through death to new life. We follow Jesus’ example and learn to live in service for one another. We celebrate Jesus’ love for us with the Eucharist. |
04/02 |
Good Friday |
John 18:1 to 19:42 |
Jesus – Obedient to Death The New Lamb of God The Way of Nonviolence |
The key here is the life-giving faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. Jesus is faithful; freely chooses to lay down his life in order to draw all people to life in him. |
04/03 |
Easter Vigil |
Mark 16: 1-7 |
You Seek Jesus. He has been Raised Go tell his disciples. You will see him! |
We too are invited to open our eyes, in faith, and see the risen Christ in our midst, and be sent. |
DATE |
WEEK |
GOSPEL |
THEMES |
COMMENTS |
04/11 |
2 Easter |
John 20:19-31 |
Jesus Offers the Gift of Peace Jesus stands in their midst. Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!” |
The Disciples hid in fear. Jesus gives them peace so that they – and we – may have life in his name. |
04/18 |
3 Easter |
Luke 24: 35-48 |
Jesus Again Offers Peace They were incredulous with joy “You are a witness of these things.” |
Jesus opened the minds of those in the upper room to understand scripture. This gift is available to us as well. |
04/25 |
4 Easter |
John 10: 11-18 |
Jesus is the Good Shepherd I know mine and mine know me |
Jesus seeks to guide, guard, and nurture. He knows his sheep and they know him. He lays down his life for his sheep. |
05/02 |
5 Easter |
John 15: 1-8 |
Stay Connected to the Lord I am the vine; you are the branches |
Jesus is the true vine planted by the Father. What is important is that we remain connected. |
05/09 |
6 Easter |
John 15: 9-17 |
On Being Friends with Jesus There is no greater love |
If we love one another with the love of God through Jesus, our loneliness will be overcome. |
05/16 |
Ascension |
Mark 16:15-20 |
The End of Mark Is the beginning of discipleship |
Jesus commissions us to be his hands and feet in the world; Jesus will be with us always. |
05/23 |
Pentecost |
John 20: 19-23 |
The Gifts of Pentecost Peace, Mission, and the Holy Spirit |
The gift of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for the disciples-and us- to be Christ to the world. |
The Catholic Community of Pleasanton
925.846.4489 St. Augustine Church
3999 Bernal Avenue Pleasanton, CA 94566 |
"To know Christ better,
live as He calls us to live, and make Him better known." © 2020 Catholic Community of Pleasanton
Comments or Questions About The Site webteam@catholicsofpleasanton.org |