Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Today Jesus moves out of the territory ruled by Herod and into Tyre, a mixed district consisting of both Jews and Greeks. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is a man of his time and place who saw the children of Abraham as elected by God and others not so much.
The Syro-Phoenician woman is unique among all the figures in the Gospels. She is the only one to win an argument with Jesus! Initially he refuses to drive the demon out of her daughter. He tells her that he has come first to the descendants of Abraham. The pagan woman grovels by comparing herself with a dog that might eat the scraps from the table of Abraham. She falls at the feet of the Lord. Deeply moved by this, Jesus grants her request and her daughter is healed.
Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Just yesterday, the Pharisees and scribes were criticizing Jesus and his disciples for not following the tradition of the elders, for not keeping all the rituals. Jesus’ response then was to quote the prophet, “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Today, Jesus gathers the people and says to us that nothing that enters from the outside and goes into our stomach can defile us. What defiles is what comes out of us from our hearts - evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.
Memorial of St. Scholastica, Virgin
Today we remember St. Scholastica, who founded the Benedictine sisters in the sixth century following the Rule that her twin brother, St. Benedict had written. The rule contains much timeless wisdom that still applies nearly 1500 years later. It emphasizes the importance of balance in the spiritual life of time spent in work, prayer, community, solitude and rest. Many religious communities, such as my Marianist Family are based on the Benedictine rule. The practice of hospitality is expressed by ‘welcoming every guest as if they were Christ’. When making important decisions, the community is encouraged to listen to the youngest/newest member’s perspectives first, that we remain responsive to the Spirit and practice the deep listening of synodality and openness to new ways.
Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Tassels. Tassels are ornaments used in decor and fashion. Tassels are ceremonial wear within military and religious circles the world over. Fraternal orders such as the Shriners, the Elks, and the Masons like them. Throughout the Arab world tassels are worn to ward off demons. It is the same among native Americans. Tassels are switched proudly from right to left sides of mortarboards at graduations.
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
I don’t know about you, but two things really stuck with me from Father John’s homily last Sunday on the Beatitudes. The first was his observation that the Kingdom Jesus means to bring forth into the world looks upside down to us because its values are contrary to the values of the kingdom of the world that we inhabit every day. And it’s precisely those upside-down values that threaten to turn that worldly kingdom topsy turvy.
Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
We are given two different models of earthly kings in today’s readings. Likely, even if you haven’t yet read today’s readings, you’ll be able to guess who’s who. One who “offered thanks to God Most High, in words of praise” with his every deed, and “With his whole being he loved his Maker and daily had his praises sung.” The other acted out of insecurity, jealousy, and fear of losing his position of power and status, who made decisions against his better judgment to maintain the perceived respect of his guests. Any guesses?
Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr
Today in our gospel reading Jesus sends his apostles out and tells them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick. What significance might this reveal for the Twelve, and does it also provide guidance for us today?
Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Have you ever misunderstood someone via text because you ‘heard’ the text with a tone that the sender did not intend? This experience comes to mind as I pray with the gospel today. “Where did this man get all of this? What kind of wisdom has been given him?” The questions themselves aren’t bad questions. They could have been asked with wonder and awe, “Wow! He’s one of us! Isn’t it amazing that we are seeing this new side of him? Isn’t it wonderful how he’s grown into the man before us?”
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Our approach in life varies depending of course on the situations in which we find ourselves. Most people are who they are until a crisis seems to change the rules. When we look inward and truly reflect on our reality, we begin to understand we need an approach connected to something bigger than ourselves.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
As a kid growing up in the pre-Vatican II era, we referred to February 2 as “the last day of Christmas.” Since the reforms of Vatican Council II it is “the Presentation of the Lord” (and sometimes “Candlemas”). Now the Advent/Christmas cycle ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the LORD. Still February 2 commemorates the Holy Family as observant and obedient Jews, true to Mosaic Law.
Memorial of St. John Bosco, Priest
I attended a retreat where we reflected on the topic of awe and wonder. In today’s gospel story the disciples were filled with awe while on the lake with Jesus. Although Jesus is not walking the earth today, I wonder how often God’s creation and power is providing opportunity for our awe? What can we do to be more aware of these experiences in our daily lives?
Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Often when people hear Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel, they think of the mustard seed growing into a majestic tree. However, the mustard plant is more like a weed. Once its very small seed takes root and grows, it overtakes the crops it grew next to and becomes hard to get rid of. Ironically, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to this pesky plant. So what is Jesus trying to tell us?
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today David cries out, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house that you have brought me thus far?”
Like David, we might consider all that the LORD has done and wonder who we are that the Almighty LORD of the universe has brought us thus far. Grateful that Jesus came so that we might be sons and daughters of his Father, we may ask “who are we” that this greatest and most undeserved gift of all (Christ) has been given us?
Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church
“Let us build a house where love can dwell, and all can safely live…” As I read 2 Samuel today, these lyrics from the hymn “All are Welcome” sing in my soul. David, with his typical enthusiasm, is eager to build God a house in which to dwell. God pushes back a bit, though, “Did I ask you to build me house?” God reminds David that God has been journeying with the people in the moving tabernacle, under cloth. God does promise a day when God will raise one from David’s lineage to build a temple. We know that One to be Jesus the Christ!
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Consider the last time you were at a party that was very clearly happening to celebrate God’s presence in our lives. Maybe it was a baptism, confirmation, or carefully-prepared Christmas celebration. Some weddings are also a clear celebration not only of the couple, but of God’s love for us. Whatever your memory can supply, consider that party and the party portrayed in today’s reading from Samuel.
Memorial of Saints Timothy & Titus, Bishops
Today, we celebrate St Paul’s right hand and left hand: Timothy, whom Paul sent to oversee the church in Ephesus, and Titus, whom Paul sent to oversee the Christian community in Crete.
Given that he is my own patronal saint, I hope you’ll allow me to go on a bit about Timothy today.
Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Scripture Readings
The Gospel text from Mark today is really short—uncharacteristically so for the Catholic Liturgy. And it makes just three simple claims.
Here are the three claims:
- Jesus’s ministry was enjoying great, even shockingly great, success. The crowds were so big that they could hardly figure out a way to eat.
- People from Jesus’s home town (family and friends) were present and witnessing Jesus’s preaching and the crowd’s enthusiastic response.
- And their response to Jesus: “He’s out of his mind.”
Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
We make choices every day. Some simple, some difficult, some easy, some without much thought, some with much deliberation and prayer. Today’s readings speak to me about our choices, our free will, and what we do with those choices primarily as disciples of Jesus.
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
It seems that many people long to be noticed and even praised for the things that they do. In both readings today, we see two holy men who are great in their service of others, but recognize the potential danger in seeking attention for the deeds they do. As disciples, Jesus shows us that doing what we are called to do with humility and love is the best way to give glory to God.
Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr
David’s courage in today’s first reading is famous. David feels for his people and wants to make a difference. His eagerness to serve and willingness to face the giant is admirable. The giant takes one look at him and judges him not to be up to the task. David and his five small stones prove formidable.
Jesus’ courage in today’s gospel may not be as clear. However, he knows that ultimately this act is one of many small acts of compassion and love on behalf of the most vulnerable that will ultimately lead him to the cross. The Pharisees watch Jesus closely, judging him, waiting for an opportunity to accuse him of breaking the religious law. Jesus reminds them of the law by asking a question. In this simple question, Jesus points out that while the law says no work is to be done on the sabbath, the law also allows for the work of giving life in the face of death and deep woundedness. Jesus points out to them that sometimes our conventional boundaries must be crossed so that the ultimate law of love can be fulfilled.