Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Almost every culture has creation stories. The reading from Genesis today begins our second creation story. This inspired story looks at the act of all creation as it relates to humanity. What is so powerful from the readings imagery is that the original sculptor, God, forms a creature from the earth and breaths life into the unanimated form. Thus humanity came into existence. This breath of life may be seen as the Holy Spirit, also it might be seen as a scriptural reference for God infusing humanity with soul.
Today's Mass Readings
Almost every culture has creation stories. The reading from Genesis today begins our second creation story. This inspired story looks at the act of all creation as it relates to humanity. What is so powerful from the readings imagery is that the original sculptor, God, forms a creature from the earth and breaths life into the unanimated form. Thus humanity came into existence. This breath of life may be seen as the Holy Spirit, also it might be seen as a scriptural reference for God infusing humanity with soul.
Memorial of Saint Scholastica
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of St. Scholastica. St. Scholastica was the twin sisterof St. Benedict, the St. Benedict who is the father of western monasticism,and the same St. Benedict after whom the current pope is named. Both Sts.Scholastica and Benedict are examples of the holiness to which we all are called.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of St. Scholastica. St. Scholastica was the twin sisterof St. Benedict, the St. Benedict who is the father of western monasticism,and the same St. Benedict after whom the current pope is named. Both Sts.Scholastica and Benedict are examples of the holiness to which we all are called.
Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In this 5th Week of Ordinary Time, we begin reading the book of Genesis. This book is the first in the Bible, and it contains many of the most familiar stories from the Old Testament. Today we hear the very beginning of Genesis, namely, the first four days of creation. Two aspects should stand out to us in this reading. First, God’s creating is done easily and intentionally with a repeated spoken formula, “Let there be…” Secondly, after every act of creation, God sees that his creation is good.
Today's Mass Readings
In this 5th Week of Ordinary Time, we begin reading the book of Genesis. This book is the first in the Bible, and it contains many of the most familiar stories from the Old Testament. Today we hear the very beginning of Genesis, namely, the first four days of creation. Two aspects should stand out to us in this reading. First, God’s creating is done easily and intentionally with a repeated spoken formula, “Let there be…” Secondly, after every act of creation, God sees that his creation is good.
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading taken from the book of Job is about struggles. Job’s story is a story of a man of sorrow and heavy burdens. Like many of us, his suffering is an innocent person’s suffering. More significant than the suffering of Job is the reaction of those around him. His friends who have seemingly come to console him end up tormenting him. Even his wife gets upset with him and asks Job to curse God and die. But Job’s story is no ordinary story. His story is that of a man who suffers but tries to make sense of it with faith.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading taken from the book of Job is about struggles. Job’s story is a story of a man of sorrow and heavy burdens. Like many of us, his suffering is an innocent person’s suffering. More significant than the suffering of Job is the reaction of those around him. His friends who have seemingly come to console him end up tormenting him. Even his wife gets upset with him and asks Job to curse God and die. But Job’s story is no ordinary story. His story is that of a man who suffers but tries to make sense of it with faith.
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading we have a beautiful conclusion to the letter to the Hebrews. In the readings leading up to this passage there has been much emphasis placed on discipline, disobedience, and the penalties of disobedience. There is a final plea to be obedient to our leaders, and to share and sacrifice ourselves for the good of others. However, in this final blessing we are left with a conclusion without fear of consequence, and with the hope that we are not alone in our journey as we strive to be obedient and grow closer to the Lord. As God promised the people of Israel, so too he promises us, that through the help of Jesus Christ we would be brought closer to God “as we carry out what it pleasing to him” (Hebrews 13: 21).
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading we have a beautiful conclusion to the letter to the Hebrews. In the readings leading up to this passage there has been much emphasis placed on discipline, disobedience, and the penalties of disobedience. There is a final plea to be obedient to our leaders, and to share and sacrifice ourselves for the good of others. However, in this final blessing we are left with a conclusion without fear of consequence, and with the hope that we are not alone in our journey as we strive to be obedient and grow closer to the Lord. As God promised the people of Israel, so too he promises us, that through the help of Jesus Christ we would be brought closer to God “as we carry out what it pleasing to him” (Hebrews 13: 21).
Memorial of Saint Paul Miki, martyr, and his companions, martyrs
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Memorial Feast for St. Paul Miki and his companions, all martyrs for the faith. They are Japanese martyrs, crucified in the sixteenth century because of the government’s fear of the Christian missionary activity there. Paul Miki preached his final sermon from the cross, saying, “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die.”
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Memorial Feast for St. Paul Miki and his companions, all martyrs for the faith. They are Japanese martyrs, crucified in the sixteenth century because of the government’s fear of the Christian missionary activity there. Paul Miki preached his final sermon from the cross, saying, “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die.”
Memorial of Saint Agatha, virgin and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews and the gospel passage from Mark serve as an intriguing pair. At first glance, the Hebrews reading is very otherworldly, focused on heaven, while the passage from Mark is very down-to-earth. In the gospel, we sense Jesus’ humanity, and the mission of those who followed him. This mission involved such commonplace things as walking, sandals, clothes, dust, and preaching. We can almost picture this man Jesus providing his disciples with simple instructions and sending them on their way.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews and the gospel passage from Mark serve as an intriguing pair. At first glance, the Hebrews reading is very otherworldly, focused on heaven, while the passage from Mark is very down-to-earth. In the gospel, we sense Jesus’ humanity, and the mission of those who followed him. This mission involved such commonplace things as walking, sandals, clothes, dust, and preaching. We can almost picture this man Jesus providing his disciples with simple instructions and sending them on their way.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
How tragic it is for us read the very last statement of the gospel reading: “So he (Jesus) was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mk 6:5-6). Jesus, the Son of God, the one whom even the evil spirits recognized, the one whom they acknowledged as the “Holy One of God” (Mk 1:24), this same Jesus was “unable” to perform any mighty deeds because of the lack of faith of the people. This indeed is tragic.
Today's Mass Readings
How tragic it is for us read the very last statement of the gospel reading: “So he (Jesus) was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mk 6:5-6). Jesus, the Son of God, the one whom even the evil spirits recognized, the one whom they acknowledged as the “Holy One of God” (Mk 1:24), this same Jesus was “unable” to perform any mighty deeds because of the lack of faith of the people. This indeed is tragic.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading we find Jesus healing two women. The first is healed because of her faith in Jesus through touching Him. The second is raised from the dead because of her father's faith in Jesus' ability to heal. One of the synagogue officials, desperate to save his daughter's life, turns to Jesus for help. The daughter is dead by the time they arrive, but Jesus raises her from the dead.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading we find Jesus healing two women. The first is healed because of her faith in Jesus through touching Him. The second is raised from the dead because of her father's faith in Jesus' ability to heal. One of the synagogue officials, desperate to save his daughter's life, turns to Jesus for help. The daughter is dead by the time they arrive, but Jesus raises her from the dead.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This is the day that commemorates Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the Temple after his birth. The very idea of Jesus’ presentation is remarkable: here in this most holy of places is presented he who is even holier. In the midst of the stone building is the true and living Temple, the King of Glory. What’s more, this King appears to be a helpless infant: a weak child in the midst of this strong and sturdy structure. Who would have thought that God would come to his people in this way? Who would have guessed that God, whose presence was already in that Temple would enter the Temple in an even more profound way?
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This is the day that commemorates Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the Temple after his birth. The very idea of Jesus’ presentation is remarkable: here in this most holy of places is presented he who is even holier. In the midst of the stone building is the true and living Temple, the King of Glory. What’s more, this King appears to be a helpless infant: a weak child in the midst of this strong and sturdy structure. Who would have thought that God would come to his people in this way? Who would have guessed that God, whose presence was already in that Temple would enter the Temple in an even more profound way?
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, God raised prophets from among the people of Israel. The reason for this is because the people believed that God is so awesome that if they either saw or heard God directly, they would not live. Thus God chose prophets who spoke with authority on behalf of God. Moses was one such prophet. (It is interesting to note that he did not cross over into the Promised Land because he was “disobedient” to God (Numbers 20 13). In the NT, it is not God’s awe but God’s solidarity with humanity that is stressed. But there too Jesus raises disciples and apostles to exercise His authority.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, God raised prophets from among the people of Israel. The reason for this is because the people believed that God is so awesome that if they either saw or heard God directly, they would not live. Thus God chose prophets who spoke with authority on behalf of God. Moses was one such prophet. (It is interesting to note that he did not cross over into the Promised Land because he was “disobedient” to God (Numbers 20 13). In the NT, it is not God’s awe but God’s solidarity with humanity that is stressed. But there too Jesus raises disciples and apostles to exercise His authority.
Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest
Today's Mass Readings
“Who has faith?” is perhaps the driving question of Mark’s gospel. In today’s reading, the disciples prove themselves deficient. At first read, their fear of the oncoming storm seems quite reasonable – they’re afraid because their little boat is already filling up with water! (Mk 4: 37). Yet, Mark concludes the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which immediately precedes this story, by telling us that Jesus explained everything to his disciples in private without the use of parables (Mk 4:34). With this set up we expect the disciples to understand the scope of Jesus’ power, but they don’t. Even after the miracle, the disciples question who He is (Mk 4:41).
Today's Mass Readings
“Who has faith?” is perhaps the driving question of Mark’s gospel. In today’s reading, the disciples prove themselves deficient. At first read, their fear of the oncoming storm seems quite reasonable – they’re afraid because their little boat is already filling up with water! (Mk 4: 37). Yet, Mark concludes the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which immediately precedes this story, by telling us that Jesus explained everything to his disciples in private without the use of parables (Mk 4:34). With this set up we expect the disciples to understand the scope of Jesus’ power, but they don’t. Even after the miracle, the disciples question who He is (Mk 4:41).
Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scriptures are about having the courage to keep on going even in the face of terrible adversity. I like readings stories about someone’s faith in the face of adversity: like, say, the story of Oscar Romero trying to defend the poor in El Salvador and being assassinated for it; or the story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe who, in the concentration camps, kept his own faith alive and helped others. I often wonder, could I be such a person myself? I worry that I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, be a person who lives for Christ this way. I worry that I would be concerned only about myself.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scriptures are about having the courage to keep on going even in the face of terrible adversity. I like readings stories about someone’s faith in the face of adversity: like, say, the story of Oscar Romero trying to defend the poor in El Salvador and being assassinated for it; or the story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe who, in the concentration camps, kept his own faith alive and helped others. I often wonder, could I be such a person myself? I worry that I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, be a person who lives for Christ this way. I worry that I would be concerned only about myself.
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
“Is a lamp to be placed in a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?” asks Jesus in today’s gospel passage from Mark (Mk. 4:21). The answer to this is quite obvious; a light is not made to be hidden or secret. One way of interpreting this passage is in relation to our lives as Christians. We are not called to live our Christianity in secret, consigning it to the private areas of our lives. Rather, we are called to witness to God’s love in each action of our lives, bearing testimony to the multitude of blessings God has given us.
Today's Mass Readings
“Is a lamp to be placed in a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?” asks Jesus in today’s gospel passage from Mark (Mk. 4:21). The answer to this is quite obvious; a light is not made to be hidden or secret. One way of interpreting this passage is in relation to our lives as Christians. We are not called to live our Christianity in secret, consigning it to the private areas of our lives. Rather, we are called to witness to God’s love in each action of our lives, bearing testimony to the multitude of blessings God has given us.
Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s memorial celebrates Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican priest and doctor of the church. Thomas is best known for his prolific writing that brought deep clarity and understanding to many Church dogmas and doctrines. The readings for this memorial give us insight into the Lord and perhaps even a small glimpse into the mind of St. Thomas.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s memorial celebrates Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican priest and doctor of the church. Thomas is best known for his prolific writing that brought deep clarity and understanding to many Church dogmas and doctrines. The readings for this memorial give us insight into the Lord and perhaps even a small glimpse into the mind of St. Thomas.
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading is commonly thrown in the face of Catholics and other Christians who venerate Our Holy Mother Mary. The point would seem that even Jesus honored those who do God's will more than His Mother or His own family members.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading is commonly thrown in the face of Catholics and other Christians who venerate Our Holy Mother Mary. The point would seem that even Jesus honored those who do God's will more than His Mother or His own family members.
Memorial of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus. St. Paul saw both Timothy and Titus as spiritual children. In some way the shape of their faith and the positions they held within the church were a result of St. Paul’s ministry among them. They are both carrying on St. Paul’s ministry.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus. St. Paul saw both Timothy and Titus as spiritual children. In some way the shape of their faith and the positions they held within the church were a result of St. Paul’s ministry among them. They are both carrying on St. Paul’s ministry.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In continuation with last week’s readings, we have even more call stories in this week’s readings. The difference is that this week the purpose of the call is more defined. Jonah is called to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Jesus himself came proclaiming, “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). Lateer when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, he would send them with the same message that he himself proclaimed (Lk 10:9).
Today's Mass Readings
In continuation with last week’s readings, we have even more call stories in this week’s readings. The difference is that this week the purpose of the call is more defined. Jonah is called to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Jesus himself came proclaiming, “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). Lateer when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, he would send them with the same message that he himself proclaimed (Lk 10:9).
Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel strikes firmly and in brief. We are left with the words of Jesus’ relatives, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).
If we explore the passage immediately preceding it, we are presented with an interesting contrast. Right before today’s gospel passage, as we heard in yesterday’s gospel, Jesus ascends to the top of a mountain and appoints his twelve apostles so that “they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14). Often in the Scriptures, really important events occur on the top of mountains: the Sermon on the Mount, which mirrors Moses’ reception of the Ten Commandments on Sinai, Moses and the Burning Bush, the Transfiguration. We know, then, that Jesus’ naming those who would be his closest companions and stand at the beginning of the Church is really important.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel strikes firmly and in brief. We are left with the words of Jesus’ relatives, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).
If we explore the passage immediately preceding it, we are presented with an interesting contrast. Right before today’s gospel passage, as we heard in yesterday’s gospel, Jesus ascends to the top of a mountain and appoints his twelve apostles so that “they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14). Often in the Scriptures, really important events occur on the top of mountains: the Sermon on the Mount, which mirrors Moses’ reception of the Ten Commandments on Sinai, Moses and the Burning Bush, the Transfiguration. We know, then, that Jesus’ naming those who would be his closest companions and stand at the beginning of the Church is really important.
Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's passages highlight for me the importance of establishing a relationship and attachment to Jesus Christ. That attachment in turn leads us directly toward God because Jesus mediates that relationship.
Initially, the verse that stood out for me in today's reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (8:6-13) was: "[They] did not stand by my covenant and I ignored them, says the Lord." The author is quoting from the prophet Jeremiah. God's people did not uphold my covenant and so I (God) did not uphold my end of the bargain either. This is a rather despairing note to me – the idea that God would ignore people, any people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's passages highlight for me the importance of establishing a relationship and attachment to Jesus Christ. That attachment in turn leads us directly toward God because Jesus mediates that relationship.
Initially, the verse that stood out for me in today's reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (8:6-13) was: "[They] did not stand by my covenant and I ignored them, says the Lord." The author is quoting from the prophet Jeremiah. God's people did not uphold my covenant and so I (God) did not uphold my end of the bargain either. This is a rather despairing note to me – the idea that God would ignore people, any people.