Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Historically, people have often thought that having a disability or an illness meant that you were a sinner, or that some sort of evil had touched you. So, in some ages, the hearing loss I have would have been a sign that both my parents and I were sinful people – they, because they had a disabled child, and me because I couldn’t hear or speak quite normally. Even in today’s world, I think that we sometimes have that kind of attitude. For example, obesity is often seen evidence that a person lacks personal strength to eat the right kinds of foods, perceived as their personal shortcoming. This is the case even though we know there are some other causes for obesity and weight gain, including hormonal imbalances and side effects of certain medications.
Today's Mass Readings
Historically, people have often thought that having a disability or an illness meant that you were a sinner, or that some sort of evil had touched you. So, in some ages, the hearing loss I have would have been a sign that both my parents and I were sinful people – they, because they had a disabled child, and me because I couldn’t hear or speak quite normally. Even in today’s world, I think that we sometimes have that kind of attitude. For example, obesity is often seen evidence that a person lacks personal strength to eat the right kinds of foods, perceived as their personal shortcoming. This is the case even though we know there are some other causes for obesity and weight gain, including hormonal imbalances and side effects of certain medications.
Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Barnabas, an apostle. Hence our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles provides us with a description of Barnabas. The first thing we hear about him is that he had been sent to Antioch. There he celebrated the growth of the church, and he is described as “a good man” (Acts 11:24). Barnabas is further depicted as chosen by the Holy Spirit to do specific work.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Barnabas, an apostle. Hence our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles provides us with a description of Barnabas. The first thing we hear about him is that he had been sent to Antioch. There he celebrated the growth of the church, and he is described as “a good man” (Acts 11:24). Barnabas is further depicted as chosen by the Holy Spirit to do specific work.
Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today speak to us as people of the covenant and challenge us to live and teach the commandments. In St. Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth, Paul speaks from his sense that our ministry is God given. Paul draws the contrast between the ministry of death and the ministry of the Spirit. “Indeed, what was endowed with glory has come to have no glory in this respect because of the glory that surpasses it.” (2 Cor 3:6) The Mosaic Law (the original law) was glorified God through Moses. That glory shone as radiance on Moses’ face. Over time that glory faded and was overshadowed by the new covenant given to us by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. This covenant gives life and the glory endures forever.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today speak to us as people of the covenant and challenge us to live and teach the commandments. In St. Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth, Paul speaks from his sense that our ministry is God given. Paul draws the contrast between the ministry of death and the ministry of the Spirit. “Indeed, what was endowed with glory has come to have no glory in this respect because of the glory that surpasses it.” (2 Cor 3:6) The Mosaic Law (the original law) was glorified God through Moses. That glory shone as radiance on Moses’ face. Over time that glory faded and was overshadowed by the new covenant given to us by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. This covenant gives life and the glory endures forever.
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's reading from the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus telling His disciples that they are the light of the world. As His followers, His disciples, we too are the light of the world. This is more than a calling, it is a fact. We are the light of the world. Our calling is to let our light, which is Jesus, shine before others.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's reading from the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus telling His disciples that they are the light of the world. As His followers, His disciples, we too are the light of the world. This is more than a calling, it is a fact. We are the light of the world. Our calling is to let our light, which is Jesus, shine before others.
Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's MassReadings
This week is the 10th week in Ordinary Time; we continue to count our weeks with the Lord. We also commence St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Paul’s letters were a way of remaining connected with communities that he had worked hard to convert to Christianity. It should come as no surprise that, like Christians today, those communities often struggled with living according to the gospel message. Today’s passage from 2 Corinthians is both inspiring and demanding. On the one hand, we read it and say, “Wow! We really find encouragement in Christ!” But on the other hand, we hear it and say, “Gosh, I’m supposed to endure suffering, including the suffering of others?” Encouragement sounds appealing, but suffering is a little more challenging.
Today's MassReadings
This week is the 10th week in Ordinary Time; we continue to count our weeks with the Lord. We also commence St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Paul’s letters were a way of remaining connected with communities that he had worked hard to convert to Christianity. It should come as no surprise that, like Christians today, those communities often struggled with living according to the gospel message. Today’s passage from 2 Corinthians is both inspiring and demanding. On the one hand, we read it and say, “Wow! We really find encouragement in Christ!” But on the other hand, we hear it and say, “Gosh, I’m supposed to endure suffering, including the suffering of others?” Encouragement sounds appealing, but suffering is a little more challenging.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Today's Mass Readings
What does it mean to be children of God? While this is a big question that we will consider throughout our lives, today’s readings seem to ask us to take time to think about how we would each answer that question. Most importantly, today’s readings provide us with some answers and point us in the direction of others.
Today's Mass Readings
What does it mean to be children of God? While this is a big question that we will consider throughout our lives, today’s readings seem to ask us to take time to think about how we would each answer that question. Most importantly, today’s readings provide us with some answers and point us in the direction of others.
Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, we have a wonderful story of Tobit and Tobiah’s encounter with the angel Raphael. After Tobit, Sarah, and Tobiah have illustrated their holiness in multiple ways, and especially by giving generously to Raphael, the angel of God reveals himself to them, acknowledging their dedication to God. It isn’t simply their handing over money that is godly, but their whole lives, which are obviously dedicated to God. They are obviously giving people, who have given money before, as they are well-practiced in the ways of giving. Had their whole lives not been a gift to God, giving a bit of money would be much harder!
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, we have a wonderful story of Tobit and Tobiah’s encounter with the angel Raphael. After Tobit, Sarah, and Tobiah have illustrated their holiness in multiple ways, and especially by giving generously to Raphael, the angel of God reveals himself to them, acknowledging their dedication to God. It isn’t simply their handing over money that is godly, but their whole lives, which are obviously dedicated to God. They are obviously giving people, who have given money before, as they are well-practiced in the ways of giving. Had their whole lives not been a gift to God, giving a bit of money would be much harder!
Memorial Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
As with most readings for saints’ days, today’s readings help us see Saint Boniface as someone who is a witness for Jesus Christ and who points us in the right direction toward following God.
Today’s gospel reading (Mark 12:35-37) depicts Jesus as converter and apologist. As he preaches in the temple to people who might well be quite skeptical of his message, Jesus quotes from Psalm 110. The question he addresses is a question about whether the Messiah is related to David. Jesus’ answer is a bit cryptic, but one way to understand it is that Jesus wants the crowd to understand Messiah as something much different and greater than being a son of David. Being related to a king is pretty nice, but Jesus’ point is that the Messiah who comes is not simply a king. So, when Psalm 110 depicts two Lords speaking to each other, Christians have seen this as evidence that Jesus is God – not a mere human. The crowds respond to Jesus’ words “with delight” – they are convinced by Jesus and presumably change the way they live their lives because of Jesus’ words.
Today's Mass Readings
As with most readings for saints’ days, today’s readings help us see Saint Boniface as someone who is a witness for Jesus Christ and who points us in the right direction toward following God.
Today’s gospel reading (Mark 12:35-37) depicts Jesus as converter and apologist. As he preaches in the temple to people who might well be quite skeptical of his message, Jesus quotes from Psalm 110. The question he addresses is a question about whether the Messiah is related to David. Jesus’ answer is a bit cryptic, but one way to understand it is that Jesus wants the crowd to understand Messiah as something much different and greater than being a son of David. Being related to a king is pretty nice, but Jesus’ point is that the Messiah who comes is not simply a king. So, when Psalm 110 depicts two Lords speaking to each other, Christians have seen this as evidence that Jesus is God – not a mere human. The crowds respond to Jesus’ words “with delight” – they are convinced by Jesus and presumably change the way they live their lives because of Jesus’ words.
Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout this 9th week of Ordinary Time, we have been reading from the book of Tobit. An excerpt from today’s passage is often read at weddings, which makes sense given that the story is of Tobiah finding his wife Sarah. Now, unlike your typical bride-to-be, Sarah has been given in marriage seven times, only to have each man killed by the demon Asmadeus. And yet, Tobiah is not afraid to marry Sarah. Why might this be?
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout this 9th week of Ordinary Time, we have been reading from the book of Tobit. An excerpt from today’s passage is often read at weddings, which makes sense given that the story is of Tobiah finding his wife Sarah. Now, unlike your typical bride-to-be, Sarah has been given in marriage seven times, only to have each man killed by the demon Asmadeus. And yet, Tobiah is not afraid to marry Sarah. Why might this be?
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga, martyr, and his companions, martyrs
Today's Mass Readings
In 1946 movie goers got to meet and walk in the shoes of a man named “George Bailey.” The movie was entitled, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Far from its title, the story begins by focusing on “George” and his imminent suicide. Unbeknownst to George, God is watching and decides to intervene, enter “Clarence” angel in training. Clarence teaches George that despite his desolate feelings, George’s his life has made a huge difference in the world.
Today's Mass Readings
In 1946 movie goers got to meet and walk in the shoes of a man named “George Bailey.” The movie was entitled, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Far from its title, the story begins by focusing on “George” and his imminent suicide. Unbeknownst to George, God is watching and decides to intervene, enter “Clarence” angel in training. Clarence teaches George that despite his desolate feelings, George’s his life has made a huge difference in the world.
Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today from the Book of Tobit is a great passage. It makes much more sense in its fuller context, the rest of chapter 2 as well as chapter 3. It is about Tobit, a just man, who does good. He is just, following God to the best of his abilities and loving his neighbors.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today from the Book of Tobit is a great passage. It makes much more sense in its fuller context, the rest of chapter 2 as well as chapter 3. It is about Tobit, a just man, who does good. He is just, following God to the best of his abilities and loving his neighbors.
Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Yesterday we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost, which ends the season of Easter. With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we know that we have been empowered by the Spirit. Jesus has not left us alone, but rather has given us – in the Holy Spirit – the guidance that we need to live as Church. Today we pick up with “Ordinary Time” in its 9th Week. Just as a reminder, ordinary time is not called “ordinary” because it is boring or unoriginal. The word “ordinary” refers to the “ordinal” numbers. Now is the time when we simply count the weeks of our journey with Christ, led by the Holy Spirit.
Today's Mass Readings
Yesterday we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost, which ends the season of Easter. With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we know that we have been empowered by the Spirit. Jesus has not left us alone, but rather has given us – in the Holy Spirit – the guidance that we need to live as Church. Today we pick up with “Ordinary Time” in its 9th Week. Just as a reminder, ordinary time is not called “ordinary” because it is boring or unoriginal. The word “ordinary” refers to the “ordinal” numbers. Now is the time when we simply count the weeks of our journey with Christ, led by the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost Sunday
Today's Mass Readings
As the seven weeks of Easter come to an end on this Pentecost Sunday, our readings focus on the gift of the Holy Spirit through which the Holy Trinity is fully revealed. It is the Spirit that dwells among us and assists and inspires us in the course of living our lives as Christians, and through which Christ’s paschal mystery is brought to completion. We see the manifestation of that inspiration and assistance as the Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles and assists them in proclaiming the Gospel.
Today's Mass Readings
As the seven weeks of Easter come to an end on this Pentecost Sunday, our readings focus on the gift of the Holy Spirit through which the Holy Trinity is fully revealed. It is the Spirit that dwells among us and assists and inspires us in the course of living our lives as Christians, and through which Christ’s paschal mystery is brought to completion. We see the manifestation of that inspiration and assistance as the Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles and assists them in proclaiming the Gospel.
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
We have come to the last day of the Easter Season, and with it to the end of both the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, both of which we have been following throughout the Easter Season. Both of these endings gesture toward the martyrdom of Peter and Paul in Rome.
Today's Mass Readings
We have come to the last day of the Easter Season, and with it to the end of both the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, both of which we have been following throughout the Easter Season. Both of these endings gesture toward the martyrdom of Peter and Paul in Rome.
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from St. John's Gospel is an important one. At a literal level it gives us a glimpse into the Petrine ministry of the Pope. St. Peter had already been installed into a special position by Jesus, as evidenced in Matthew 16:17-19, a call to special leadership and responsibility among the apostles, which would carry over to his successors. We see in the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22 Peter's role as one of service, where Jesus tells him to strengthen his brothers. In this passage, after St. Peter has already fallen away denying Jesus 3 times, Jesus reinstates St. Peter to this special unique role which future popes would follow. St. Peter is singled out to feed Jesus' lambs, tend Jesus' sheep, and feed Jesus' sheep. In a word, St. Peter is called to be a shepherd to the people of God. This involves providing spiritual food, the Eucharist, as well as material food for sustenance. And indeed, this is the Pope's role today.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from St. John's Gospel is an important one. At a literal level it gives us a glimpse into the Petrine ministry of the Pope. St. Peter had already been installed into a special position by Jesus, as evidenced in Matthew 16:17-19, a call to special leadership and responsibility among the apostles, which would carry over to his successors. We see in the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22 Peter's role as one of service, where Jesus tells him to strengthen his brothers. In this passage, after St. Peter has already fallen away denying Jesus 3 times, Jesus reinstates St. Peter to this special unique role which future popes would follow. St. Peter is singled out to feed Jesus' lambs, tend Jesus' sheep, and feed Jesus' sheep. In a word, St. Peter is called to be a shepherd to the people of God. This involves providing spiritual food, the Eucharist, as well as material food for sustenance. And indeed, this is the Pope's role today.
Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Pentecost is quickly approaching, and the liturgical season of Easter finally coming to an end. What does the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signify? Unity, for one thing. We see this foreshadowed dramatically in Jesus’ words of prayer in the gospel of John in today’s passage: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn. 17:20-21). The unity of his followers is something for which Jesus prays, and the cause of unity is one reason for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Today's Mass Readings
Pentecost is quickly approaching, and the liturgical season of Easter finally coming to an end. What does the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signify? Unity, for one thing. We see this foreshadowed dramatically in Jesus’ words of prayer in the gospel of John in today’s passage: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn. 17:20-21). The unity of his followers is something for which Jesus prays, and the cause of unity is one reason for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings continue to speak to us of Easter joy especially as we prepare for Pentecost. Joy can be fragile; so both Paul and Jesus today encourage the flock to be protective of their faith. Indeed, both of them are speaking about the near future when they will no longer be physically present to the community that they founded and nourished until now. In this context they “consecrate” their communities to God as an act of faith.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings continue to speak to us of Easter joy especially as we prepare for Pentecost. Joy can be fragile; so both Paul and Jesus today encourage the flock to be protective of their faith. Indeed, both of them are speaking about the near future when they will no longer be physically present to the community that they founded and nourished until now. In this context they “consecrate” their communities to God as an act of faith.
Memorial of Saint Philiph Neri, priest
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings highlight a number of themes, but among them stands service to the Lord. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus is depicted as the servant of God who is glorified and who glorifies God the Father. The hour has come, Jesus explains, as a reference to His own death. Jesus'service requires sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings highlight a number of themes, but among them stands service to the Lord. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus is depicted as the servant of God who is glorified and who glorifies God the Father. The hour has come, Jesus explains, as a reference to His own death. Jesus'service requires sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life.
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are very important ones especially as we prepare for the feast of the Pentecost. In the first reading we see the importance of the one baptism in Christ. John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of repentance, but Jesus brought the Holy Spirit with baptism, which St. Paul likewise brings to these people in today's first reading from Acts. There are other lessons to be learned from today's readings, but I just want to focus on one for today, and it is one that sums up the end of Easter, the feast of Pentecost which we are about to celebrate this upcoming Sunday, and the beginning of Ordinary Time: be courageous.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are very important ones especially as we prepare for the feast of the Pentecost. In the first reading we see the importance of the one baptism in Christ. John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of repentance, but Jesus brought the Holy Spirit with baptism, which St. Paul likewise brings to these people in today's first reading from Acts. There are other lessons to be learned from today's readings, but I just want to focus on one for today, and it is one that sums up the end of Easter, the feast of Pentecost which we are about to celebrate this upcoming Sunday, and the beginning of Ordinary Time: be courageous.
Ascension of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus says to his disciples today, “You are witness to these things.” Jesus’ command is for us today as it was for the disciples then. The greatest challenge to the witnessing in our society and in our time is the privatization of religion. In our society and culture, we have made religion and private individual affair.
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus says to his disciples today, “You are witness to these things.” Jesus’ command is for us today as it was for the disciples then. The greatest challenge to the witnessing in our society and in our time is the privatization of religion. In our society and culture, we have made religion and private individual affair.