Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene
Today's Mass Readings
Today we remember Mary Magdalene. According to all four Gospels, including today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Mary is the first witness of the resurrected Jesus. Contrary to urban legend, Mary of Magdala was never a prostitute. In fact, scripture scholars would say her prominence in the resurrection story shows she was very important to the early church community and a strong supporter of Jesus’ ministry. In a time when women were not allowed to be witnesses, Jesus’ choosing to reveal himself first to Mary is no small statement. In presenting himself, Jesus gave Mary and us something to hold on to.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we remember Mary Magdalene. According to all four Gospels, including today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Mary is the first witness of the resurrected Jesus. Contrary to urban legend, Mary of Magdala was never a prostitute. In fact, scripture scholars would say her prominence in the resurrection story shows she was very important to the early church community and a strong supporter of Jesus’ ministry. In a time when women were not allowed to be witnesses, Jesus’ choosing to reveal himself first to Mary is no small statement. In presenting himself, Jesus gave Mary and us something to hold on to.
Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings contain the classic account of the Israelites escaping their Egyptian pursuers by crossing a sea that God has parted. The sea then closes in and destroys the entire army pursuing the Israelites and Israel is saved “from the power of the Egyptians.” (Ex 14:30) In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is informed that his mother and other relatives have arrived to see him. To this news, Jesus responds by stretching out his hands to his disciples and proclaiming “Here are my mother and brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister and mother.” (Mt 12:49,50)
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings contain the classic account of the Israelites escaping their Egyptian pursuers by crossing a sea that God has parted. The sea then closes in and destroys the entire army pursuing the Israelites and Israel is saved “from the power of the Egyptians.” (Ex 14:30) In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is informed that his mother and other relatives have arrived to see him. To this news, Jesus responds by stretching out his hands to his disciples and proclaiming “Here are my mother and brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister and mother.” (Mt 12:49,50)
Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the book of Exodus contains one of the most storied passages of the Bible, namely, Moses’ parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Hebrew people to escape unscathed from the pursuit of Pharaoh’s Egyptian army. The drama of this scene transfers well into movies precisely because it is dramatic. God’s glory is shown in this marvelous deed, when he proves to his people that he loves them and will save them even when it seems impossible. God also demonstrates to the Egyptians that he is the one true God. It is a moment of triumph that brings Moses’ sister Miriam to break out in song – the song that serves as today’s responsorial psalm.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the book of Exodus contains one of the most storied passages of the Bible, namely, Moses’ parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Hebrew people to escape unscathed from the pursuit of Pharaoh’s Egyptian army. The drama of this scene transfers well into movies precisely because it is dramatic. God’s glory is shown in this marvelous deed, when he proves to his people that he loves them and will save them even when it seems impossible. God also demonstrates to the Egyptians that he is the one true God. It is a moment of triumph that brings Moses’ sister Miriam to break out in song – the song that serves as today’s responsorial psalm.
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tody's Mass Readings
To understand today’s readings we must understand the context within which Jeremiah prophesied. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet in the year 628 BC when Josiah was the King of Judah. Josiah began a process of reform that would rid the nation of idolatry, injustice and false religiosity. Jeremiah wholeheartedly supported Josiah’s reform. After Josiah, however, under King Zedekiah, the false prophet Hananiah began to counsel the King to revolt against the Babylonians. It was also at this time that the old idolatry and infidelity returned. On instruction from God Jeremiah opposed the King and the false prophet. As a result, Jeremiah was arrested, imprisoned, and publicly disgraced.
Tody's Mass Readings
To understand today’s readings we must understand the context within which Jeremiah prophesied. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet in the year 628 BC when Josiah was the King of Judah. Josiah began a process of reform that would rid the nation of idolatry, injustice and false religiosity. Jeremiah wholeheartedly supported Josiah’s reform. After Josiah, however, under King Zedekiah, the false prophet Hananiah began to counsel the King to revolt against the Babylonians. It was also at this time that the old idolatry and infidelity returned. On instruction from God Jeremiah opposed the King and the false prophet. As a result, Jeremiah was arrested, imprisoned, and publicly disgraced.
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
We often hear Christ described as the Passover lamb, the Eucharist as the Paschal (relating to “Passover”) Feast, and the Easter Triduum as a celebration of the Paschal Mystery. These designations have their roots in Scripture, in which Jesus makes many of these associations. It is at the Last Supper, presumably a celebration of the Passover meal, where Jesus cements the association between the Jewish feast of Passover and his impending suffering, death, and eventual resurrection. His Body and Blood are given up for all. His life is laid down for our salvation. Why should Jesus connect his saving mission with Passover? Couldn’t it stand on its own? There are many Jewish feasts. Why this association? What does it mean for us?
Today's Mass Readings
We often hear Christ described as the Passover lamb, the Eucharist as the Paschal (relating to “Passover”) Feast, and the Easter Triduum as a celebration of the Paschal Mystery. These designations have their roots in Scripture, in which Jesus makes many of these associations. It is at the Last Supper, presumably a celebration of the Passover meal, where Jesus cements the association between the Jewish feast of Passover and his impending suffering, death, and eventual resurrection. His Body and Blood are given up for all. His life is laid down for our salvation. Why should Jesus connect his saving mission with Passover? Couldn’t it stand on its own? There are many Jewish feasts. Why this association? What does it mean for us?
Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was a big feast and much anticipated holiday. In our family, we always started the feast with my grandmother’s “palate cleanser” – a crystal goblet of sparkling apple cider and a small scoop of lime sorbet. For dinner, we always had a long grace, followed by every person’s individual recitation of things they were thankful for. Then we dove into our feast: roast turkey, mashed potatoes gravy, as well as sweet potatoes with brown sugar and lemon pepper butter, green bean casserole, corn casserole, plus red raspberry jello with a special cream cheese frosting. There were fresh homemade dinner rolls on the side, with generous portions of butter and jam. For dessert (should I mention dessert?), we would usually have three kinds of pie (pumpkin, pecan, and my mother’s specialty, grape chiffon), and a dollop of whipped cream to go with each slice.
Today's Mass Readings
When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was a big feast and much anticipated holiday. In our family, we always started the feast with my grandmother’s “palate cleanser” – a crystal goblet of sparkling apple cider and a small scoop of lime sorbet. For dinner, we always had a long grace, followed by every person’s individual recitation of things they were thankful for. Then we dove into our feast: roast turkey, mashed potatoes gravy, as well as sweet potatoes with brown sugar and lemon pepper butter, green bean casserole, corn casserole, plus red raspberry jello with a special cream cheese frosting. There were fresh homemade dinner rolls on the side, with generous portions of butter and jam. For dessert (should I mention dessert?), we would usually have three kinds of pie (pumpkin, pecan, and my mother’s specialty, grape chiffon), and a dollop of whipped cream to go with each slice.
Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s psalm response, “The Lord remembers his covenant forever” (Ps. 105:8a) guides us in thinking about today’s first reading from the Book of Exodus. Here we have the continuation of one of the most well-known passages in all of our beloved Old Testament: God speaking to Moses from the burning bush. If you have been following the daily Mass readings for the last few weeks, then you know that we have been hearing the narratives of the great figures – Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Joseph, Jacob and now Moses, who has lately taken the lead role in these passages.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s psalm response, “The Lord remembers his covenant forever” (Ps. 105:8a) guides us in thinking about today’s first reading from the Book of Exodus. Here we have the continuation of one of the most well-known passages in all of our beloved Old Testament: God speaking to Moses from the burning bush. If you have been following the daily Mass readings for the last few weeks, then you know that we have been hearing the narratives of the great figures – Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Joseph, Jacob and now Moses, who has lately taken the lead role in these passages.
Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Oridinary Time/Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
A great teacher and theologian, St. Bonaventure was a Franciscan. St. Bonaventure is considered one of the founders of the Franciscans. His depth of understanding brought clarity and recommitment to the teachings of Francis. In many ways St. Bonaventure’s life reflects his vision of God.
Today's Mass Readings
A great teacher and theologian, St. Bonaventure was a Franciscan. St. Bonaventure is considered one of the founders of the Franciscans. His depth of understanding brought clarity and recommitment to the teachings of Francis. In many ways St. Bonaventure’s life reflects his vision of God.
Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
Today's Mass Readings
In the comedy Talladega Nights, Will Ferrell plays the role of a NASCAR driver whose family is falling apart around him. In one memorable scene, his family and friends are gathered together for a holiday dinner of fast food. Prior to the meal, Will Ferrell’s character announces that he will say a prayer, and he proceeds to pray to “baby Jesus.” This sparks a theological debate at the dinner table about which Jesus is the “best” Jesus, and it becomes clear that Will Ferrell’s character has reduced Jesus to an ornament in his life. It also becomes clear, that each person at the dinner table has formed a concept of Jesus that is more a reflection of the individual than of Jesus. While we may laugh at this scene, when we think about this fictional families ridiculous behavior, we might ask ourselves whether or not we are laughing because, at some level, the scene describes with disturbing accuracy, the temptation to convert Jesus into a friend who is around to validate our behavior, instead of recognizing him as the person that he really is.
Today's Mass Readings
In the comedy Talladega Nights, Will Ferrell plays the role of a NASCAR driver whose family is falling apart around him. In one memorable scene, his family and friends are gathered together for a holiday dinner of fast food. Prior to the meal, Will Ferrell’s character announces that he will say a prayer, and he proceeds to pray to “baby Jesus.” This sparks a theological debate at the dinner table about which Jesus is the “best” Jesus, and it becomes clear that Will Ferrell’s character has reduced Jesus to an ornament in his life. It also becomes clear, that each person at the dinner table has formed a concept of Jesus that is more a reflection of the individual than of Jesus. While we may laugh at this scene, when we think about this fictional families ridiculous behavior, we might ask ourselves whether or not we are laughing because, at some level, the scene describes with disturbing accuracy, the temptation to convert Jesus into a friend who is around to validate our behavior, instead of recognizing him as the person that he really is.
Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In the past few weeks, we have been following various stories in the book of Genesis. This week, we begin reading from the book of Exodus. The set-up for today’s passage comes in the figure of Joseph, who, you might recall, became a trusted advisor of Pharaoh, able to save many lives through his judicious economy with grain. The Egyptian king of Joseph’s time was grateful for his contributions and allowed for Joseph’s family to take up residence in Egypt. Now, however, the current Pharaoh has started to question the worth of Joseph’s descendants. He finds their great number threatening, and he clearly still regards them as foreigners. Hence the Pharaoh makes a plan to decrease the perceived threat; he will make the Hebrew people work hard and he will kill all their infant boys.
Today's Mass Readings
In the past few weeks, we have been following various stories in the book of Genesis. This week, we begin reading from the book of Exodus. The set-up for today’s passage comes in the figure of Joseph, who, you might recall, became a trusted advisor of Pharaoh, able to save many lives through his judicious economy with grain. The Egyptian king of Joseph’s time was grateful for his contributions and allowed for Joseph’s family to take up residence in Egypt. Now, however, the current Pharaoh has started to question the worth of Joseph’s descendants. He finds their great number threatening, and he clearly still regards them as foreigners. Hence the Pharaoh makes a plan to decrease the perceived threat; he will make the Hebrew people work hard and he will kill all their infant boys.
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Reflect on these words from today’s second reading for a few moments. Paul says, “In him (Christ) we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory….” (Eph 1:11-12). (Pause before you go on).
Today's Mass Readings
Reflect on these words from today’s second reading for a few moments. Paul says, “In him (Christ) we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory….” (Eph 1:11-12). (Pause before you go on).
Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time/Saint Benedict, abbot
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel continues with the instructions that Jesus gives to His disciples precisely about how to be disciples. He knows that proclaiming the Kingdom of God, with its challenging message of exalting the lowly over the powerful and living in selfless love of God and one another, will be met with some resistance (particularly from the rich and powerful!). Yet, Jesus assures his disciples that we are worthy in God’s eyes and therefore should not be afraid. Rather we should be courageous to live as disciples precisely because, like Isaiah, God has chosen us. This charge from God comes with the assurance that He deals with us most intimately and most carefully, counting even the hairs on our head!
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel continues with the instructions that Jesus gives to His disciples precisely about how to be disciples. He knows that proclaiming the Kingdom of God, with its challenging message of exalting the lowly over the powerful and living in selfless love of God and one another, will be met with some resistance (particularly from the rich and powerful!). Yet, Jesus assures his disciples that we are worthy in God’s eyes and therefore should not be afraid. Rather we should be courageous to live as disciples precisely because, like Isaiah, God has chosen us. This charge from God comes with the assurance that He deals with us most intimately and most carefully, counting even the hairs on our head!
Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
When I lived in Virginia, I had some neighbors who were very vocal about how absolutely silly Christianity was, in their view. “All this God stuff,” they’d say. “There’s just no proof for any of it and all that stuff about eternal life seems just so flaky.”
Today's Mass Readings
When I lived in Virginia, I had some neighbors who were very vocal about how absolutely silly Christianity was, in their view. “All this God stuff,” they’d say. “There’s just no proof for any of it and all that stuff about eternal life seems just so flaky.”
Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time/Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, priest and martyr, and his companions, martyrs
Today's Mass Readings
During these past few weeks we have been following the exciting narratives in the book of Genesis. Today’s passage about Joseph is a particularly poignant story. You may recall that Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph underwent great hardship, only to later rise to a position of power within the household of Pharaoh. Now he is in a position to help his family, along with all the people in that region.
Today's Mass Readings
During these past few weeks we have been following the exciting narratives in the book of Genesis. Today’s passage about Joseph is a particularly poignant story. You may recall that Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph underwent great hardship, only to later rise to a position of power within the household of Pharaoh. Now he is in a position to help his family, along with all the people in that region.
Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today challenge us to look at our own short comings, yet offer us God’s mercy if we place our trust in Him. Ultimately, our openness to God’s ability deliver us from evil allows us to be summoned and then sent forth to be disciples.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today challenge us to look at our own short comings, yet offer us God’s mercy if we place our trust in Him. Ultimately, our openness to God’s ability deliver us from evil allows us to be summoned and then sent forth to be disciples.
Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
When we think about the process for developing our relationship with God, we might think of prayer that is soothing and comfortable. In today’s readings, we are presented with a description of Jacob’s relationship with God that is far from peaceful and could be described as combative. This description of Jacob wrestling with an angel sent by God is one that has resonated with artists from Rembrandt to U2. Why has this rather odd story captured the imagination of so many? Perhaps it is because the events described in today’s readings challenge us to question our interaction with God through passive, comfortable prayer and force us to recognize that, at times, when our relationship with God is a struggle, we may be led to our most profound insights into ourselves and God.
Today's Mass Readings
When we think about the process for developing our relationship with God, we might think of prayer that is soothing and comfortable. In today’s readings, we are presented with a description of Jacob’s relationship with God that is far from peaceful and could be described as combative. This description of Jacob wrestling with an angel sent by God is one that has resonated with artists from Rembrandt to U2. Why has this rather odd story captured the imagination of so many? Perhaps it is because the events described in today’s readings challenge us to question our interaction with God through passive, comfortable prayer and force us to recognize that, at times, when our relationship with God is a struggle, we may be led to our most profound insights into ourselves and God.
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Genesis has much to do with Jacob building a shrine to God at Bethel. Bethel is a Hebrew name that literally means, "House of God." This is significant for a number of reasons. First, it points to the future Temple that would be built in Jerusalem. This Temple would be the House of God, built on a heavenly model, and recalling Creation, since the Temple was also known as a House of Rest for God. But, secondly, both the Temple, and Bethel, point to Jesus, who is the New Temple. We likewise become Temples of God through our Baptism.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Genesis has much to do with Jacob building a shrine to God at Bethel. Bethel is a Hebrew name that literally means, "House of God." This is significant for a number of reasons. First, it points to the future Temple that would be built in Jerusalem. This Temple would be the House of God, built on a heavenly model, and recalling Creation, since the Temple was also known as a House of Rest for God. But, secondly, both the Temple, and Bethel, point to Jesus, who is the New Temple. We likewise become Temples of God through our Baptism.
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Last Sunday's readings and this week’s readings seem to be seamless. They seem to convey the same message even though they use opposing stories. In last week’s reading from Mark 5, we heard two stories of healing that were instigated by the faith of the people who were healed. The synagogue official’s faith saw Jesus raise his daughter to life and the woman with the hemorrhage was healed by merely touching Jesus’ clothes. At the end of the miracle Jesus commended her faith and said, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." (Mk 5:34) The story before these two stories in the same chapter is the story of a demoniac who was possessed by Legion (a multitude of evil spirits). Even these demons acknowledged Jesus’ power and identity. Then comes opposing stories that describe faithlessness.
Today's Mass Readings
Last Sunday's readings and this week’s readings seem to be seamless. They seem to convey the same message even though they use opposing stories. In last week’s reading from Mark 5, we heard two stories of healing that were instigated by the faith of the people who were healed. The synagogue official’s faith saw Jesus raise his daughter to life and the woman with the hemorrhage was healed by merely touching Jesus’ clothes. At the end of the miracle Jesus commended her faith and said, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." (Mk 5:34) The story before these two stories in the same chapter is the story of a demoniac who was possessed by Legion (a multitude of evil spirits). Even these demons acknowledged Jesus’ power and identity. Then comes opposing stories that describe faithlessness.
Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
We get an overwhelming sense from today’s readings that God’s saving work is accomplished… but not always in the ways we expect!
What a great story in today’s first reading. Jacob was the younger son of Isaac and Rebekah and therefore not the one who would receive Isaac’s special blessing and inheritance. These things would go to Esau, who would become the new patriarch. Yet Jacob was his mother’s favorite and Isaac falls for their plot (right down to the goat’s hair stuck on his skin and the smelly clothes!). Jacob (renamed Israel) would become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, the one with whom God’s covenant continues. Notice how it’s the crafty schemers that win the day. We learn later that their deceit has earned them separation from each other (Gn 27: 42-45). Yet even through deceitful people, God brings about the salvation of His people.
Today's Mass Readings
We get an overwhelming sense from today’s readings that God’s saving work is accomplished… but not always in the ways we expect!
What a great story in today’s first reading. Jacob was the younger son of Isaac and Rebekah and therefore not the one who would receive Isaac’s special blessing and inheritance. These things would go to Esau, who would become the new patriarch. Yet Jacob was his mother’s favorite and Isaac falls for their plot (right down to the goat’s hair stuck on his skin and the smelly clothes!). Jacob (renamed Israel) would become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, the one with whom God’s covenant continues. Notice how it’s the crafty schemers that win the day. We learn later that their deceit has earned them separation from each other (Gn 27: 42-45). Yet even through deceitful people, God brings about the salvation of His people.
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
People usually know Saint Thomas as the one who doubted and had little faith. They see the passage from today (John 20:24-29) as showing what a “bad” disciple Thomas was because Jesus tells him that the ones who believe and do not see are blessed. We might even be prone to thinking that we are “better” disciples than Thomas because after all, 2000 years after Jesus’ death, we are the ones who are blessed because we have not touched Jesus’ hands and side. But if we only think of Thomas as the doubter, we miss some of the richness of what he has to teach us.
Today's Mass Readings
People usually know Saint Thomas as the one who doubted and had little faith. They see the passage from today (John 20:24-29) as showing what a “bad” disciple Thomas was because Jesus tells him that the ones who believe and do not see are blessed. We might even be prone to thinking that we are “better” disciples than Thomas because after all, 2000 years after Jesus’ death, we are the ones who are blessed because we have not touched Jesus’ hands and side. But if we only think of Thomas as the doubter, we miss some of the richness of what he has to teach us.