Friday of the First Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In graduate school, I taught catechesis classes for six-to-nine year olds every Wednesday afternoon. I quickly discovered that children that age have a very deep-seated sense of what is “fair” and what is not “fair”. In fact, where adults might see shades of grey in a situation, the children had a precise sense of when justice was being done and when it wasn’t, and each week I usually heard at least one refrain of, “That’s not fair!” Adults tell their children, “Life is not fair. Adults have to learn to deal with that.”
Today's Mass Readings
In graduate school, I taught catechesis classes for six-to-nine year olds every Wednesday afternoon. I quickly discovered that children that age have a very deep-seated sense of what is “fair” and what is not “fair”. In fact, where adults might see shades of grey in a situation, the children had a precise sense of when justice was being done and when it wasn’t, and each week I usually heard at least one refrain of, “That’s not fair!” Adults tell their children, “Life is not fair. Adults have to learn to deal with that.”
Thursday of the First Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In the dramatic first reading for today, Esther along with her handmaids pray, even plead, to the LORD. Her situation, and all of Israel’s in exile is desperate. They are living under a foreign king, and one of the members of the king’s royal court has asked for their deaths. Esther and her companions hence do that which is in keeping with their formation as Jews: they fast, they don sackcloth and ashes (signs of repentance), and they beseech the LORD to rescue them. Esther’s actions here are a beautiful testimony to her loyal faith in the God of Israel. Certainly, what Esther asks of God is a big request; she asks to be saved, to have her mourning turned into gladness, her sorrow into wholeness.
Today's Mass Readings
In the dramatic first reading for today, Esther along with her handmaids pray, even plead, to the LORD. Her situation, and all of Israel’s in exile is desperate. They are living under a foreign king, and one of the members of the king’s royal court has asked for their deaths. Esther and her companions hence do that which is in keeping with their formation as Jews: they fast, they don sackcloth and ashes (signs of repentance), and they beseech the LORD to rescue them. Esther’s actions here are a beautiful testimony to her loyal faith in the God of Israel. Certainly, what Esther asks of God is a big request; she asks to be saved, to have her mourning turned into gladness, her sorrow into wholeness.
Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The Lenten readings for today are a terrific reminder of the purpose of Lent. We called into a time of purification so that we might be transformed to live the Lord’s will for us more fully. In the first reading, Jonah decides to listen to the call of the Lord and to deliver the message from God to the people of Nineveh. Jonah proclaimed God’s warning to this pagan people. The prophecy declared, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” (Jonah 3:4b) Upon hearing this, the king of Nineveh declared a fast, that man and beast alike would put on sackcloth and ashes and that everyone would turn from their evil. Here we recall the ashes we ourselves displayed last Wednesday.
Today's Mass Readings
The Lenten readings for today are a terrific reminder of the purpose of Lent. We called into a time of purification so that we might be transformed to live the Lord’s will for us more fully. In the first reading, Jonah decides to listen to the call of the Lord and to deliver the message from God to the people of Nineveh. Jonah proclaimed God’s warning to this pagan people. The prophecy declared, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” (Jonah 3:4b) Upon hearing this, the king of Nineveh declared a fast, that man and beast alike would put on sackcloth and ashes and that everyone would turn from their evil. Here we recall the ashes we ourselves displayed last Wednesday.
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord explains that His Word does not return without fulfilling its mission. He employs the analogy of rain and snow never returning without watering the earth. This is not a random analogy. As the Lord mentions in this passage, rain nourishes the ground, making it fertile and fruitful. So too, God's Word produces fruit where it goes.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord explains that His Word does not return without fulfilling its mission. He employs the analogy of rain and snow never returning without watering the earth. This is not a random analogy. As the Lord mentions in this passage, rain nourishes the ground, making it fertile and fruitful. So too, God's Word produces fruit where it goes.
Monday of the First Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Our two readings today, together with the psalm, seem to focus on instruction – we might even say “rules” or “commands.” In the passage from Leviticus, the LORD gives Moses instructions to give to the people of Israel. Each of these commands begins with a teaching about interacting with others and ends with “I am the LORD.” This indicates that rightness in our actions with others has its source in knowing that God is the LORD. We know that he is holy, and therefore that we who follow him should also be holy.
Today's Mass Readings
Our two readings today, together with the psalm, seem to focus on instruction – we might even say “rules” or “commands.” In the passage from Leviticus, the LORD gives Moses instructions to give to the people of Israel. Each of these commands begins with a teaching about interacting with others and ends with “I am the LORD.” This indicates that rightness in our actions with others has its source in knowing that God is the LORD. We know that he is holy, and therefore that we who follow him should also be holy.
First Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The story of the Great Flood and God’s subsequent covenant with Noah is a great story of human-divine relationship. It tells us about the kind of fidelity that only God can have. Here is a God who does not disown creation no matter what. This covenant tells us about a God who loves people in spite of their sin and beyond their sin. It may seem to us at first reading that God’s Covenant with Noah was about not destroying creation ever again. On a deeper reading we realize that this Covenant was really about saving creation. This covenant was about because of God’s fidelity and love.
Today's Mass Readings
The story of the Great Flood and God’s subsequent covenant with Noah is a great story of human-divine relationship. It tells us about the kind of fidelity that only God can have. Here is a God who does not disown creation no matter what. This covenant tells us about a God who loves people in spite of their sin and beyond their sin. It may seem to us at first reading that God’s Covenant with Noah was about not destroying creation ever again. On a deeper reading we realize that this Covenant was really about saving creation. This covenant was about because of God’s fidelity and love.
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
As we close these opening days of Lent and enter into the first full week of this penitential season we reflect in a particular way on our sinfulness and on penance as reparation for it.
Lent is a season of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer – all practices of penance, that is expressions of our sorrow for sin and our commitment to lead a better life. Good practices of penance cause us to reflect more deeply on our own sinfulness.
Today's Mass Readings
As we close these opening days of Lent and enter into the first full week of this penitential season we reflect in a particular way on our sinfulness and on penance as reparation for it.
Lent is a season of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer – all practices of penance, that is expressions of our sorrow for sin and our commitment to lead a better life. Good practices of penance cause us to reflect more deeply on our own sinfulness.
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
Several years ago, as a young young adult, I broke up with the first serious boyfriend I had ever had. Breaking up in that instance was the right thing to do, but I still remember feeling quite physically ill and a bit like I was in mourning (for the relationship that would never be? We had thought about getting married, after all). I felt so bad, in fact, that I went for a whole week where I did not eat. I couldn’t eat – couldn’t face eating food. It was a self-imposed fast that reflected the depth of my emotion and the toll that both the relationship and its demise took on me. It was the first time I had ever truly experienced the connection that exists between mental and emotional well-being, and physical well-being.
Today's Mass Readings
Several years ago, as a young young adult, I broke up with the first serious boyfriend I had ever had. Breaking up in that instance was the right thing to do, but I still remember feeling quite physically ill and a bit like I was in mourning (for the relationship that would never be? We had thought about getting married, after all). I felt so bad, in fact, that I went for a whole week where I did not eat. I couldn’t eat – couldn’t face eating food. It was a self-imposed fast that reflected the depth of my emotion and the toll that both the relationship and its demise took on me. It was the first time I had ever truly experienced the connection that exists between mental and emotional well-being, and physical well-being.
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
Lent has begun, and we will be hearing selections from the Hebrew exodus in the Old Testament. In today’s passage from Deuteronomy, Moses presents the Israelite people with a choice: they can choose either life or death, blessing or curse, the one true God or many false gods and idols. This choice is a constant theme throughout the Old Testament, and the Hebrew people struggle, sometimes choosing false gods, and sometimes turning to God. It is a choice and a struggle that has great consequences. In choosing for God, the people can be assured of God’s protections. In abandoning God, however, the people may face their own destruction.
Today's Mass Readings
Lent has begun, and we will be hearing selections from the Hebrew exodus in the Old Testament. In today’s passage from Deuteronomy, Moses presents the Israelite people with a choice: they can choose either life or death, blessing or curse, the one true God or many false gods and idols. This choice is a constant theme throughout the Old Testament, and the Hebrew people struggle, sometimes choosing false gods, and sometimes turning to God. It is a choice and a struggle that has great consequences. In choosing for God, the people can be assured of God’s protections. In abandoning God, however, the people may face their own destruction.
Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
Lent is upon us. This day we recall the fact that we are sinners in need of conversion. In the Church ritual today, we are marked with the sign of the cross on our forehead using ashes. This cross recalls the sign of the cross we received traced on our forehead at our baptism. That original cross claimed us for Christ, and began our journey as members in the Body of Christ. Today’s cross is penitential in nature and reminds us of our own sinfulness as well as our need for conversion.
Today's Mass Readings
Lent is upon us. This day we recall the fact that we are sinners in need of conversion. In the Church ritual today, we are marked with the sign of the cross on our forehead using ashes. This cross recalls the sign of the cross we received traced on our forehead at our baptism. That original cross claimed us for Christ, and began our journey as members in the Body of Christ. Today’s cross is penitential in nature and reminds us of our own sinfulness as well as our need for conversion.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes we encounter in today's readings is the theme of trial.We have many trials throughout our lives. All of us suffer. One of the messages of the Cross is that such trials need not be fruitless, but can be transformed through Jesus' suffering love.
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes we encounter in today's readings is the theme of trial.We have many trials throughout our lives. All of us suffer. One of the messages of the Cross is that such trials need not be fruitless, but can be transformed through Jesus' suffering love.
Memorial of Saint Polycarp, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin our Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, but it will be interrupted on Wednesday when the season of Lent begins. Monday and Tuesday, however, provide us with beautiful readings from the book of Sirach in the Old Testament. Wisdom is often thought of as having an elusive quality, and that is perhaps why Sirach turns to poetic language to describe wisdom. Our Christian tradition, however, adds another dimension to our understanding of wisdom. When this Old Testament book is read through the lens of the New Testament, this passage can be understood Christologically. In other words, many Christians through the years have regarded Christ to be wisdom personified or, at least, the one through whom all wisdom comes. For Christians, wisdom is inextricably linked to this person of Christ.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin our Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, but it will be interrupted on Wednesday when the season of Lent begins. Monday and Tuesday, however, provide us with beautiful readings from the book of Sirach in the Old Testament. Wisdom is often thought of as having an elusive quality, and that is perhaps why Sirach turns to poetic language to describe wisdom. Our Christian tradition, however, adds another dimension to our understanding of wisdom. When this Old Testament book is read through the lens of the New Testament, this passage can be understood Christologically. In other words, many Christians through the years have regarded Christ to be wisdom personified or, at least, the one through whom all wisdom comes. For Christians, wisdom is inextricably linked to this person of Christ.
Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
If you could start a chapter of your life over again, is there anything you would do differently? We know, however, that we can never go back in life. We can only go forward. For those who find this universal law of life a burden, Jesus Christ has good news. Though we can never go back, in going forward we do not need to drag behind us an ever lengthening tale of guilty mistakes. There is One who came to lift this burden from our shoulders. His name is Jesus Christ. For this Jesus was born.
Today's Mass Readings
If you could start a chapter of your life over again, is there anything you would do differently? We know, however, that we can never go back in life. We can only go forward. For those who find this universal law of life a burden, Jesus Christ has good news. Though we can never go back, in going forward we do not need to drag behind us an ever lengthening tale of guilty mistakes. There is One who came to lift this burden from our shoulders. His name is Jesus Christ. For this Jesus was born.
Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings there appears a rather sharp contrast between the generations who were faithful to God – Abel, Enoch, Noah – and Jesus’ three closest apostles – Peter, James, and John.
In today’s first reading, Abel, Enoch, and Noah are exemplars of faith. Each in a different way is gifted with overcoming death by faith. Abel’s more perfect sacrifice speaks in contrast to Cain’s even after Cain slaughters his brother. Enoch was so faithful that God took him up to dwell with Him, by-passing death (cf. Gen 5:24). Noah had such profound faith in God that he built the ark, saving his household (and ultimately creation) from death by the great flood.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings there appears a rather sharp contrast between the generations who were faithful to God – Abel, Enoch, Noah – and Jesus’ three closest apostles – Peter, James, and John.
In today’s first reading, Abel, Enoch, and Noah are exemplars of faith. Each in a different way is gifted with overcoming death by faith. Abel’s more perfect sacrifice speaks in contrast to Cain’s even after Cain slaughters his brother. Enoch was so faithful that God took him up to dwell with Him, by-passing death (cf. Gen 5:24). Noah had such profound faith in God that he built the ark, saving his household (and ultimately creation) from death by the great flood.
Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Sometimes I think I am guilty of paying too little attention to words and the damage they can do. What was I taught as a child? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Yet of course, it is clearly evident that words hurt. And more particularly, the words we speak to loved ones and friends, people we know best, are the words that are liable to hurt the most. Strangers’ words may be shrugged off, but loved ones’ words stick around, perhaps to be dredged up in a later accusation, or later fight.
Today's Mass Readings
Sometimes I think I am guilty of paying too little attention to words and the damage they can do. What was I taught as a child? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Yet of course, it is clearly evident that words hurt. And more particularly, the words we speak to loved ones and friends, people we know best, are the words that are liable to hurt the most. Strangers’ words may be shrugged off, but loved ones’ words stick around, perhaps to be dredged up in a later accusation, or later fight.
Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In yesterday’s first reading from Genesis, we heard the end of the flood story, as Noah sent out a dove to look for dry ground. Today we hear what happened after this great flood. It almost sounds as though it is a second creation story. God makes a new covenant with his people: He gives all the animals to Noah and his family, and he reaffirms that human beings are made in God’s image. He also gives these people the same instruction he had given Adam and Eve, namely, to be fertile and multiply so as to fill the earth and subdue it. In this new covenant, God promises never to send a flood again to devastate the earth.
Today's Mass Readings
In yesterday’s first reading from Genesis, we heard the end of the flood story, as Noah sent out a dove to look for dry ground. Today we hear what happened after this great flood. It almost sounds as though it is a second creation story. God makes a new covenant with his people: He gives all the animals to Noah and his family, and he reaffirms that human beings are made in God’s image. He also gives these people the same instruction he had given Adam and Eve, namely, to be fertile and multiply so as to fill the earth and subdue it. In this new covenant, God promises never to send a flood again to devastate the earth.
Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The readings speak to us today of God’s extraordinary power, God’s generosity and how we need to be grateful for God’s accomplishments. The story of the flood and Noah continues in the readings today. The rain has stopped, but the journey is nowhere near complete. Noah sends forth a bird three weeks in a row to find out if it’s possible to download his cargo. The first week the dove returns, the second the dove returns with an olive leaf. The third time the dove does not return at all, signaling Noah that the land was dry enough leave the ark.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings speak to us today of God’s extraordinary power, God’s generosity and how we need to be grateful for God’s accomplishments. The story of the flood and Noah continues in the readings today. The rain has stopped, but the journey is nowhere near complete. Noah sends forth a bird three weeks in a row to find out if it’s possible to download his cargo. The first week the dove returns, the second the dove returns with an olive leaf. The third time the dove does not return at all, signaling Noah that the land was dry enough leave the ark.
Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
When we think of the idea of a "new creation," I think we often think, and rightly so, of the new creation in Christ. But biblically, there are multiple places that can be spoken of as new creations. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem is one clear example, especially for the ancient interpreters. The construction of the Tabernacle was likewise viewed as a new creation, as was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.
But today's reading from the Book of Genesis concerning Noah and the flood is yet another example of a new creation, and is more proximate to the creation account in Genesis 1.
Today's Mass Readings
When we think of the idea of a "new creation," I think we often think, and rightly so, of the new creation in Christ. But biblically, there are multiple places that can be spoken of as new creations. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem is one clear example, especially for the ancient interpreters. The construction of the Tabernacle was likewise viewed as a new creation, as was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.
But today's reading from the Book of Genesis concerning Noah and the flood is yet another example of a new creation, and is more proximate to the creation account in Genesis 1.
Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Reading
Today’s first reading from Genesis contains another familiar story, namely, the story of Cain killing his brother Abel after God prefers the offering of Abel. The text is rather concise, and hence it is not clear exactly why God prefers Abel’s offering from his flock as compared to Cain’s offering from his field. The response from today’s psalm provides some insight as to why this would be: “Offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Ps. 50:14a). We can only surmise that Abel better offered his sacrifice with genuine praise.
Today's Mass Reading
Today’s first reading from Genesis contains another familiar story, namely, the story of Cain killing his brother Abel after God prefers the offering of Abel. The text is rather concise, and hence it is not clear exactly why God prefers Abel’s offering from his flock as compared to Cain’s offering from his field. The response from today’s psalm provides some insight as to why this would be: “Offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Ps. 50:14a). We can only surmise that Abel better offered his sacrifice with genuine praise.
Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and the Gospel deal with the question of inclusivity and exclusivity. The Old Testament, for the times in which it was written was a rather forward-looking and inclusive. For example, when it came to orphans, widows, foreigners and the poor, the laws prescribed special care for them. There were some laws, though, that were rather oppressive. One of them had to do with lepers (Lev 13: 44-45).
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and the Gospel deal with the question of inclusivity and exclusivity. The Old Testament, for the times in which it was written was a rather forward-looking and inclusive. For example, when it came to orphans, widows, foreigners and the poor, the laws prescribed special care for them. There were some laws, though, that were rather oppressive. One of them had to do with lepers (Lev 13: 44-45).