Looking Ahead: Week of April 7-12, 2025

Looking ahead. The readings for this week heighten the fact that Jesus is heading toward his death. Here is a preview of what we will focus on with the daily Mass readings.

Looking Ahead

In a simple summary, this week is about those who have been accused. But it is even more than that. It is about those who have been accused of something they did not do. Imagine how difficult a place that must be for those accused.

We live in a culture that loves to accuse. It is almost the case that we seem to revel in the failings of others. Ironically, we also are a culture that tends to make excuses for the failings of those people who are famous, that we like, or that do things that our like our own failings.

The theme is easy to understand, as we enter the last week before Holy Week. And if one theme this week is the accused, the second, and more important theme is the constant presence of God reaching out to save us.

Monday, April 7. Susanna is falsely accused, the people assume her guilt, and Daniel, as a faithful servant of God shows the truth.

Today’s first reading is one of those that, despite its length, should be heard in the long form. The story is powerful. The scene dramatic. There is suspense, and the demonstration of faithful commitment to God. It serves as a reminder to us of the faithfulness of God.

Tuesday, April 8. Complaining when the path of God is difficult.

If I were Moses, I would have certainly had it by now. How many great deeds can be worked by God through him? And how can all these deeds be done without the people understanding the power of God and the faithful leadership of Moses?

And yet, in my own life, I can see that I simply fail to trust God, despite all I have witnessed, and all I know about the faith. Lord, help me to believe. Increase my faith.

Wednesday, April 9. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are falsely accused, brutally tortured, and saved by God.

King Nebuchadnezzar was not a nice guy. In fact he was mean, unkind, vindictive, and evil. He did not like to be defied. Yet time and again Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show forth the power of the God of Israel.

Thursday, April 10. Abraham is the man of faith, a man of the covenant, the covenant that leads to Jesus.

Dionne Warwick sang a song called Promises, Promises. The title could be a summary of today’s readings. The promise made to Abraham is the focus of the first reading. And the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham is the focus of the gospel.

Friday, April 11. Jeremiah is denounced for doing the works of God and speaking his message.

Poor Jeremiah. He is a prophet who does exactly what God wants, speaks his message most clearly, and his “reward” is his rejection by the very people he was trying to save. It is not hard, then, to see the parallels between Jeremiah and Jesus.

Saturday, April 12. What should we do?

This is the question of the Pharisees. What should we do? But it is not a question that arises from faith, but rather one that arises from the attempt to escape faith. How often do we focus on what we should do. The prophet Ezekiel in the first reading reminds us the question is always about what God will do.

On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.

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