Monday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, we again find this recurrent theme of being prepared to meet Jesus. At one level they are a discussion of the end of the world. In every generation there have been people who thought the end would come during their own lifetime, and at some point in history, that will be the case. At another level, this encounter of Jesus occurs at every Eucharist. Of course, this encounter does not occur at some hidden time in the future, and therefore it is much easier to prepare for.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, we again find this recurrent theme of being prepared to meet Jesus. At one level they are a discussion of the end of the world. In every generation there have been people who thought the end would come during their own lifetime, and at some point in history, that will be the case. At another level, this encounter of Jesus occurs at every Eucharist. Of course, this encounter does not occur at some hidden time in the future, and therefore it is much easier to prepare for.
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Does religion make sense even though there are so many wars fought and so many division caused in the name of God? What do you think?
Today's Mass Readings
Does religion make sense even though there are so many wars fought and so many division caused in the name of God? What do you think?
Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist
Today's Mass Readings
It’s interesting how the far the account of John the Baptist’s death in today’s gospel reading parallels the Jesus’ passion narrative. Both Herod, in this passage, and Pilate in the passion narrative hold the power of life or death over persons they acknowledge to be holy and both operate out of fear. Herodias and the crowds stand in the place of the accusers: they hold such hatred for these men because of John’s and Jesus’ teaching, which challenged the way that they lived their lives. Both John and Jesus were given a proper burial by respected people who requested their bodies from the authorities.
Today's Mass Readings
It’s interesting how the far the account of John the Baptist’s death in today’s gospel reading parallels the Jesus’ passion narrative. Both Herod, in this passage, and Pilate in the passion narrative hold the power of life or death over persons they acknowledge to be holy and both operate out of fear. Herodias and the crowds stand in the place of the accusers: they hold such hatred for these men because of John’s and Jesus’ teaching, which challenged the way that they lived their lives. Both John and Jesus were given a proper burial by respected people who requested their bodies from the authorities.
Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
There is an old hymn called “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying!” It is a rendition of today’s gospel lesson (Matthew 25:1-13), and J.S. Bach has written a rather glorious version of it. “Wake, awake, the night is flying!/ The watchmen from the heights are crying / Awake Jerusalem at last./ Midnight hears the welcome voices / And at the thrilling cry rejoices./ Come forth ye virgins, night is past. / The Bridegroom comes, awake! / Your lamps with gladness take, alleluia! / And for his wedding feast prepare, / for ye must go and meet him there.”
Today's Mass Readings
There is an old hymn called “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying!” It is a rendition of today’s gospel lesson (Matthew 25:1-13), and J.S. Bach has written a rather glorious version of it. “Wake, awake, the night is flying!/ The watchmen from the heights are crying / Awake Jerusalem at last./ Midnight hears the welcome voices / And at the thrilling cry rejoices./ Come forth ye virgins, night is past. / The Bridegroom comes, awake! / Your lamps with gladness take, alleluia! / And for his wedding feast prepare, / for ye must go and meet him there.”
Memorial of Saint Monica
Today's Mass Readings
In his Confessions, St. Augustine gives an account of a conversations he had with his mother Monica as her last days drew near. He writes: “… she said, “For my part, my son, I no longer find pleasure in anything that this life holds. What I am doing here still, or why I am still here, I do not know, for worldly hope has withered away for me. One thing only there was for which I desired to linger in this life: to see you a Catholic Christian before I died. And my God has granted this to me more lavishly than I could have hoped, letting me see even you spurning earthly happiness to be his servant. What am I still doing here?””
Today's Mass Readings
In his Confessions, St. Augustine gives an account of a conversations he had with his mother Monica as her last days drew near. He writes: “… she said, “For my part, my son, I no longer find pleasure in anything that this life holds. What I am doing here still, or why I am still here, I do not know, for worldly hope has withered away for me. One thing only there was for which I desired to linger in this life: to see you a Catholic Christian before I died. And my God has granted this to me more lavishly than I could have hoped, letting me see even you spurning earthly happiness to be his servant. What am I still doing here?””
Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Most people know the cliché “actions speak louder than words.” The phrase is commonly understood to suggest that “how we live” (our actions) says more about each of us, than “how we say we live”( our words). St. Francis of Assisi who lived almost 800 years ago taught his brothers, “Preach the gospel always if necessary use words.” Francis reinvigorated the idea of simple living because he knew that from a life of poverty he could preach more genuinely about the itinerate preacher he loved named Jesus. Today’s readings proclaim most clearly these thoughts and remind us how deeply rooted the idea of hypocrisy is in what it means to be human.
Today's Mass Readings
Most people know the cliché “actions speak louder than words.” The phrase is commonly understood to suggest that “how we live” (our actions) says more about each of us, than “how we say we live”( our words). St. Francis of Assisi who lived almost 800 years ago taught his brothers, “Preach the gospel always if necessary use words.” Francis reinvigorated the idea of simple living because he knew that from a life of poverty he could preach more genuinely about the itinerate preacher he loved named Jesus. Today’s readings proclaim most clearly these thoughts and remind us how deeply rooted the idea of hypocrisy is in what it means to be human.
Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass readings
Today’s readings provide an opportunity to consider whether we have each developed our faith in a manner that is pleasing to God. When we attempt to gain a deeper understanding of God, we are always processing that understanding through our own perception. When we attempt to understand God through our own perception, it is possible that our understanding might be more about us and less about God. When the finite mind attempts to understand the infinite, there are opportunities for problems. Our readings highlight some of these potential problems and warn us to be vigilant in discerning when our actions are really intended to please other people instead of God.
Today's Mass readings
Today’s readings provide an opportunity to consider whether we have each developed our faith in a manner that is pleasing to God. When we attempt to gain a deeper understanding of God, we are always processing that understanding through our own perception. When we attempt to understand God through our own perception, it is possible that our understanding might be more about us and less about God. When the finite mind attempts to understand the infinite, there are opportunities for problems. Our readings highlight some of these potential problems and warn us to be vigilant in discerning when our actions are really intended to please other people instead of God.
Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of the Apostle Bartholomew, known in the gospels as Nathaniel. In today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation, we find the Church described as the bride of the Lamb, the heavenly Jerusalem, founded upon the twelve apostles and the twelve tribes of Israel. Throughout its pages, the Book of Revelation displays, in the words of today’s responsorial Psalm, the glorious splendor of God’s kingdom. This is in part what today’s reading of the Gospel is about.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of the Apostle Bartholomew, known in the gospels as Nathaniel. In today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation, we find the Church described as the bride of the Lamb, the heavenly Jerusalem, founded upon the twelve apostles and the twelve tribes of Israel. Throughout its pages, the Book of Revelation displays, in the words of today’s responsorial Psalm, the glorious splendor of God’s kingdom. This is in part what today’s reading of the Gospel is about.
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
We make all kinds of choices. Some are pretty insignificant choices, like where do we go for dinner today- to Applebees or to The Pine Club. And while I’m there should I get a steak or the grilled fish. Some choices are more significant than that- like which job to finally choose of the many offers that I get or which school do I send my children to. There are even more important choices- like who do I marry or why my marriage should end or should I try the priesthood or choices that affect my children’s future. Whether big or small, it perhaps would not be an exaggeration to say that almost at every point of our life we are confronted with choices.
Today's Mass Readings
We make all kinds of choices. Some are pretty insignificant choices, like where do we go for dinner today- to Applebees or to The Pine Club. And while I’m there should I get a steak or the grilled fish. Some choices are more significant than that- like which job to finally choose of the many offers that I get or which school do I send my children to. There are even more important choices- like who do I marry or why my marriage should end or should I try the priesthood or choices that affect my children’s future. Whether big or small, it perhaps would not be an exaggeration to say that almost at every point of our life we are confronted with choices.
Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Our sensibilities from reading and hearing the gospel stories are conditioned to think of the Pharisees only as hypocrites and show offs. This conception, however, misses some of the force of Jesus’ critique of these folk. They were not such easy targets. On the whole, they were considered the most pious Jews of their day, admired for there adherence to the law and their dedication to God. Nevertheless, their conflicts with Jesus centered around their overly legalistic adherence to the law.
Today's Mass Readings
Our sensibilities from reading and hearing the gospel stories are conditioned to think of the Pharisees only as hypocrites and show offs. This conception, however, misses some of the force of Jesus’ critique of these folk. They were not such easy targets. On the whole, they were considered the most pious Jews of their day, admired for there adherence to the law and their dedication to God. Nevertheless, their conflicts with Jesus centered around their overly legalistic adherence to the law.
Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of Saint Pius X, pope
Today's Mass Readings
My students like to think that church and all that “religion stuff” doesn’t have much of an effect on their “real lives”. Sure, they go to mass on Sunday for an hour but the rest of the week, they don’t need it. They are in the midst of a culture war – video games and hanging out with friends are far more enticing than going to Mass. Indeed, lots of Catholics like to think that all this church stuff doesn’t really affect me and my life as a Christian (not really).
Today's Mass Readings
My students like to think that church and all that “religion stuff” doesn’t have much of an effect on their “real lives”. Sure, they go to mass on Sunday for an hour but the rest of the week, they don’t need it. They are in the midst of a culture war – video games and hanging out with friends are far more enticing than going to Mass. Indeed, lots of Catholics like to think that all this church stuff doesn’t really affect me and my life as a Christian (not really).
Thursday of the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time/ Feast of St Bernard, Abbot and Doctor
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Bernard and I thought I would propose an extract from his writings as a reflection for today. Bernard writes in Sermo 83, 4-6:
Love is sufficient of itself, it gives pleasure by itself and because of itself. It is its own merit, its own reward. Love looks for no cause outside itself, no effect beyond itself. Its profit lies in its practice. I love because I love, I love that I may love. Love is a great thing so long as it continually returns to its fountainhead, flows back to its source, always drawing from there the water which constantly replenishes it. Of all the movements, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of similar return however unequal though it be. For when God loves, all he desires is to be loved in return; the sole purpose of his love is to be loved, in the knowledge that those who love him are made happy by their love of him.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Bernard and I thought I would propose an extract from his writings as a reflection for today. Bernard writes in Sermo 83, 4-6:
Love is sufficient of itself, it gives pleasure by itself and because of itself. It is its own merit, its own reward. Love looks for no cause outside itself, no effect beyond itself. Its profit lies in its practice. I love because I love, I love that I may love. Love is a great thing so long as it continually returns to its fountainhead, flows back to its source, always drawing from there the water which constantly replenishes it. Of all the movements, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of similar return however unequal though it be. For when God loves, all he desires is to be loved in return; the sole purpose of his love is to be loved, in the knowledge that those who love him are made happy by their love of him.
Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something which is not meant to be understood literally. This is definitely true with the readings for this day. In the first reading from Judges we hear a parable which alludes to the people of God as wanting a king. In today’s gospel we hear the parable of the landowner who system of paying employees is far from what we might call capitalism.
Today's Mass Readings
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something which is not meant to be understood literally. This is definitely true with the readings for this day. In the first reading from Judges we hear a parable which alludes to the people of God as wanting a king. In today’s gospel we hear the parable of the landowner who system of paying employees is far from what we might call capitalism.
Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The primary focus of our society is the accumulation of wealth. Virtually everything revolves around the mechanisms for wealth generation and growth. For our society, a flat or declining gross domestic product is cause for fear and alarm and it is simply unacceptable. The state of the economy fills our media and is frequently cited as the primary issue that we consider when we decide to vote. Of course the economy as a whole is merely a reflection of its parts, which is each of us and the decisions that we make. For most in this country, the primary focus of their life is working to accumulate wealth that is far in excess of what is required to fill their basic needs. In a society that tends to value individuals on their ability to produce, people are drawn to dedicating their lives to the acquisition of wealth as a means of validating themselves by the standards that have been set. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus, in no uncertain terms, warns us that the cost of placing material wealth before God is one that we might feel for eternity.
Today's Mass Readings
The primary focus of our society is the accumulation of wealth. Virtually everything revolves around the mechanisms for wealth generation and growth. For our society, a flat or declining gross domestic product is cause for fear and alarm and it is simply unacceptable. The state of the economy fills our media and is frequently cited as the primary issue that we consider when we decide to vote. Of course the economy as a whole is merely a reflection of its parts, which is each of us and the decisions that we make. For most in this country, the primary focus of their life is working to accumulate wealth that is far in excess of what is required to fill their basic needs. In a society that tends to value individuals on their ability to produce, people are drawn to dedicating their lives to the acquisition of wealth as a means of validating themselves by the standards that have been set. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus, in no uncertain terms, warns us that the cost of placing material wealth before God is one that we might feel for eternity.
Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes found in today’s readings is that of peace, God’s peace. This is most clearly seen today’s responsorial psalm, Psalm 85, where we read that the Lord proclaims peace “to his people, and to his faithful ones, and to those who put in him their hope.” And again, “justice and peace shall kiss.” The antiphon itself pertains to peace: “The Lord speaks of peace to his people.”
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes found in today’s readings is that of peace, God’s peace. This is most clearly seen today’s responsorial psalm, Psalm 85, where we read that the Lord proclaims peace “to his people, and to his faithful ones, and to those who put in him their hope.” And again, “justice and peace shall kiss.” The antiphon itself pertains to peace: “The Lord speaks of peace to his people.”
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today we examine the history of the controversy of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The controversy as old as the gospels themselves. The crowds quarrelled, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (Jn 6:52) Jesus’ answer to that question stresses two things: First, “The bread that I will give is my flesh,” (Jn 6:51) and second, “My (his) flesh is real food and my (his) blood is real drink” (Jn 6: 55). And the controversy continues today. In a survey done, only 30% of the Catholics believed that the bread and wine they received at Eucharist was indeed the body and blood of Jesus. I bet you the 70% who do not believe do not read the scriptures and have certainly not read the John’s bread of life discourse.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we examine the history of the controversy of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The controversy as old as the gospels themselves. The crowds quarrelled, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (Jn 6:52) Jesus’ answer to that question stresses two things: First, “The bread that I will give is my flesh,” (Jn 6:51) and second, “My (his) flesh is real food and my (his) blood is real drink” (Jn 6: 55). And the controversy continues today. In a survey done, only 30% of the Catholics believed that the bread and wine they received at Eucharist was indeed the body and blood of Jesus. I bet you the 70% who do not believe do not read the scriptures and have certainly not read the John’s bread of life discourse.
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mass during the Day
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today’s feast and readings ask us to reflect upon the mystery of our bodies and our hope for resurrection in Christ.
It is very interesting, and indeed deeply significant, that the dogma of the assumption of Mary was infallibly proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950. It remains the third of three such proclamations by any pope (the other two being the Immaculate Conception and papal infallibility itself). So this is a significant teaching. But why? Why did Pius declare this dogma at this time? The Assumption has been believed by many throughout the history of the Church; it’s certainly not a new teaching. It is indeed central to the faith, but one can surely think of more central teachings, the Creation and the Holy Trinity come to mind.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today’s feast and readings ask us to reflect upon the mystery of our bodies and our hope for resurrection in Christ.
It is very interesting, and indeed deeply significant, that the dogma of the assumption of Mary was infallibly proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950. It remains the third of three such proclamations by any pope (the other two being the Immaculate Conception and papal infallibility itself). So this is a significant teaching. But why? Why did Pius declare this dogma at this time? The Assumption has been believed by many throughout the history of the Church; it’s certainly not a new teaching. It is indeed central to the faith, but one can surely think of more central teachings, the Creation and the Holy Trinity come to mind.
Memorial of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
We have spent much of the last two months or so reading from the Torah, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). But yesterday and today, we have jumped to the first of the historical books in the Old Testament. Today’s Old Testament reading (Joshua 24:1-13) is situated after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the land God promised them way back in the Book of Exodus. The concern Joshua is addressing in this passage is that some of the people have continued to hold on to the “old gods” they had back in Egypt, and he is exhorting them to give up those old gods, for all they need is the one true God.
Today's Mass Readings
We have spent much of the last two months or so reading from the Torah, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). But yesterday and today, we have jumped to the first of the historical books in the Old Testament. Today’s Old Testament reading (Joshua 24:1-13) is situated after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the land God promised them way back in the Book of Exodus. The concern Joshua is addressing in this passage is that some of the people have continued to hold on to the “old gods” they had back in Egypt, and he is exhorting them to give up those old gods, for all they need is the one true God.
Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
We have been following the journey of the Hebrew people under the leadership of Moses throughout these last several weeks. Today, our attention shifts to the next hero of the people, namely, Joshua. Our first reading for today comes from the book of Joshua. It is Joshua, not Moses, who leads the Hebrew people to the promised land.
Today's Mass Readings
We have been following the journey of the Hebrew people under the leadership of Moses throughout these last several weeks. Today, our attention shifts to the next hero of the people, namely, Joshua. Our first reading for today comes from the book of Joshua. It is Joshua, not Moses, who leads the Hebrew people to the promised land.
Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
God’s ways are not our ways, however that does not mean that there is no deeper plan being carried out. In today’s first reading we a get view of the end of Moses life in the closing chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy. We have traveled with Children of Israel from Egypt to Promised Land. God’s promise to Moses and Israel is now fulfilled and indeed Moses gets a complete glimpse of the whole of the Promised Land. It is a foretaste which Moses will not enjoy himself as this view is his last. In many ways Moses worked his whole life for this moment and God gives Him some closure by allowing him to see it.
Today's Mass Readings
God’s ways are not our ways, however that does not mean that there is no deeper plan being carried out. In today’s first reading we a get view of the end of Moses life in the closing chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy. We have traveled with Children of Israel from Egypt to Promised Land. God’s promise to Moses and Israel is now fulfilled and indeed Moses gets a complete glimpse of the whole of the Promised Land. It is a foretaste which Moses will not enjoy himself as this view is his last. In many ways Moses worked his whole life for this moment and God gives Him some closure by allowing him to see it.