Memorial of Saint Cecilia
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus interacting with representatives from some of the various schools of Judaism of His day (of course, we must remember that Jesus was a Jew who observed the requirements of the Jewish Law). Since Jesus was known as a rabbi (or teacher), it would have been customary for him to debate the interpretation of the law with other Jewish leaders. Not surprisingly, these debates often included attempts to undercut and outsmart the other, especially if the authority of opposing party was suspect.
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus interacting with representatives from some of the various schools of Judaism of His day (of course, we must remember that Jesus was a Jew who observed the requirements of the Jewish Law). Since Jesus was known as a rabbi (or teacher), it would have been customary for him to debate the interpretation of the law with other Jewish leaders. Not surprisingly, these debates often included attempts to undercut and outsmart the other, especially if the authority of opposing party was suspect.
Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the memorial feast day of the presentation of the Virgin Mary in the temple, a feast that dates at least to the sixth century. According to tradition, Mary was brought to the temple by her parents Anna and Joachim at the age of three. Some suggest that Mary likely learned to read scripture through her association with the temple, and as a result, she knew a lot about the prophecies of a Messiah that would come for the people of Israel. This makes Mary’s later “Yes” to God at the time when she conceived Jesus all the more significant, because she is even more aware than most of what it means that the Messiah is to be born.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the memorial feast day of the presentation of the Virgin Mary in the temple, a feast that dates at least to the sixth century. According to tradition, Mary was brought to the temple by her parents Anna and Joachim at the age of three. Some suggest that Mary likely learned to read scripture through her association with the temple, and as a result, she knew a lot about the prophecies of a Messiah that would come for the people of Israel. This makes Mary’s later “Yes” to God at the time when she conceived Jesus all the more significant, because she is even more aware than most of what it means that the Messiah is to be born.
Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In both today’s first reading and today’s gospel, our passages open with weeping. The gospel passage from Luke describes Jesus’ reaction to seeing the city of Jerusalem. It is clearly a city that Jesus loves, and filled with people for whom Jesus has great compassion. Here Jesus seems to be prophesying about the destruction of Jerusalem which was to come forty years after his own crucifixion. Notice that Jesus does not in any way delight over the impending destruction of the city that failed to recognize him as their Messiah. Rather, he weeps, the most human sign of sorrow.
Today's Mass Readings
In both today’s first reading and today’s gospel, our passages open with weeping. The gospel passage from Luke describes Jesus’ reaction to seeing the city of Jerusalem. It is clearly a city that Jesus loves, and filled with people for whom Jesus has great compassion. Here Jesus seems to be prophesying about the destruction of Jerusalem which was to come forty years after his own crucifixion. Notice that Jesus does not in any way delight over the impending destruction of the city that failed to recognize him as their Messiah. Rather, he weeps, the most human sign of sorrow.
Wednesday of Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
As the liturgical year comes to an end, the readings push us toward an eschatological view of the world. This is important, not that the end of the World is imminent, yet the end of days, especially personally is part of the cycle of life. The first reading today continues in the book of Revelation. John was called upon by a voice from heaven and given a vision. The imagery of this vision describes the scene in a trumpet like voice. In vivid detail the picture portrayed is one where an angel takes the visionary through a large door into heaven. The scene that unfolds is one of the heavenly court and all its attendants.
Today's Mass Readings
As the liturgical year comes to an end, the readings push us toward an eschatological view of the world. This is important, not that the end of the World is imminent, yet the end of days, especially personally is part of the cycle of life. The first reading today continues in the book of Revelation. John was called upon by a voice from heaven and given a vision. The imagery of this vision describes the scene in a trumpet like voice. In vivid detail the picture portrayed is one where an angel takes the visionary through a large door into heaven. The scene that unfolds is one of the heavenly court and all its attendants.
Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Revelation is appropriate since we are approaching the end of the liturgical year. Yesterday, we heard John's message to the Church at Ephesus. In today's first reading, we encounter John writing to Christians in Sardis and Laodicia on behalf Jesus. He stands at the door and knocks, if they open the door He will enter and dine with them.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Revelation is appropriate since we are approaching the end of the liturgical year. Yesterday, we heard John's message to the Church at Ephesus. In today's first reading, we encounter John writing to Christians in Sardis and Laodicia on behalf Jesus. He stands at the door and knocks, if they open the door He will enter and dine with them.
Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Today's Mass Readings
Today we commemorate a saint who made great sacrifices in order to dedicate her life to the service of Christ. Elizabeth was a queen, married at age 14 and widowed by age 21 with three children. During her reign as a queen she spent much of her time assisting the poor, and following her husband’s death, she made formal vows to religious life and renounced her wealth. Elizabeth is honored in Germany and Hungary for her dedication to those in need. What could have motivated such a privileged woman to live her life in this way? Today’s Scripture readings provide some answer to this question; St. Elizabeth was motivated by the gospel message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to give glory to God in her life.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we commemorate a saint who made great sacrifices in order to dedicate her life to the service of Christ. Elizabeth was a queen, married at age 14 and widowed by age 21 with three children. During her reign as a queen she spent much of her time assisting the poor, and following her husband’s death, she made formal vows to religious life and renounced her wealth. Elizabeth is honored in Germany and Hungary for her dedication to those in need. What could have motivated such a privileged woman to live her life in this way? Today’s Scripture readings provide some answer to this question; St. Elizabeth was motivated by the gospel message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to give glory to God in her life.
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today gospel reading is about the parable of the talents and how God rewards the ones who fruitfully ttraded with the talents. There are many questions that emerge and many answer we must seek. I am proposing that we understand this parable as being about life itself.
Today's Mass Readings
Today gospel reading is about the parable of the talents and how God rewards the ones who fruitfully ttraded with the talents. There are many questions that emerge and many answer we must seek. I am proposing that we understand this parable as being about life itself.
Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us a rather odd parable to illustrate the necessity that his disciples pray constantly. There are two important aspects of it, however, that perhaps we might miss on a first read, both of which are common features of Jesus’ parables in general and both of which help us to understand the story a bit better.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us a rather odd parable to illustrate the necessity that his disciples pray constantly. There are two important aspects of it, however, that perhaps we might miss on a first read, both of which are common features of Jesus’ parables in general and both of which help us to understand the story a bit better.
Friday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
When I was about twelve years old, I remember that my sister and I really, really wanted a Nintendo set, the large console type that hooked up to the tv. It was the newest, coolest thing going at the time. So we worked hard to earn money to buy the Nintendo set, and when we bought it, we were quite pleased with ourselves. Of course, a year later when the new newest thing, the Nintendo Gameboy emerged on the scene, people saw it as even more awesome than the Nintendo set. The Nintendo set that my sister and I had worked so hard to earn was now “uncool” and a thing of the past – in only a year! It was the first of many times that I have been confronted with the fact that “progress”, especially in technology, has an expensive dark side.
Today's Mass Readings
When I was about twelve years old, I remember that my sister and I really, really wanted a Nintendo set, the large console type that hooked up to the tv. It was the newest, coolest thing going at the time. So we worked hard to earn money to buy the Nintendo set, and when we bought it, we were quite pleased with ourselves. Of course, a year later when the new newest thing, the Nintendo Gameboy emerged on the scene, people saw it as even more awesome than the Nintendo set. The Nintendo set that my sister and I had worked so hard to earn was now “uncool” and a thing of the past – in only a year! It was the first of many times that I have been confronted with the fact that “progress”, especially in technology, has an expensive dark side.
Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Luke is an interesting one that directs our attention toward the end of the liturgical year. It is only a few weeks until Advent begins, and a new Catholic liturgical year begins with it. In the reading for today, Jesus is asked by the Pharisees about the timing of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ answer is not very satisfying for the Pharisees. Nor is it completely clear to us who read it today. Jesus seems to be redirecting their attention from their concern, and we might interpret his comment that the “Kingdom of God is among you” (Lk 17:21) as meaning either that He is the kingdom or that his followers are the kingdom or that the kingdom lives in each one of them if they choose to embrace it. Each of these three interpretations has its own history within the tradition of the Church.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Luke is an interesting one that directs our attention toward the end of the liturgical year. It is only a few weeks until Advent begins, and a new Catholic liturgical year begins with it. In the reading for today, Jesus is asked by the Pharisees about the timing of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ answer is not very satisfying for the Pharisees. Nor is it completely clear to us who read it today. Jesus seems to be redirecting their attention from their concern, and we might interpret his comment that the “Kingdom of God is among you” (Lk 17:21) as meaning either that He is the kingdom or that his followers are the kingdom or that the kingdom lives in each one of them if they choose to embrace it. Each of these three interpretations has its own history within the tradition of the Church.
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today continue from yesterday. Today Paul reminds us to be obedient to our Christian duties that he listed in yesterday’s reading from Titus. We were once non-believers who entered into sin. Now we have been rescued by the generous love of God who sent Jesus to free us from sin. For Paul, our salvation transpires through the sacrament of baptism. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is poured out on us through this bath of transformation. (Titus 3:6). Thus we are made acceptable to the Lord and become heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today continue from yesterday. Today Paul reminds us to be obedient to our Christian duties that he listed in yesterday’s reading from Titus. We were once non-believers who entered into sin. Now we have been rescued by the generous love of God who sent Jesus to free us from sin. For Paul, our salvation transpires through the sacrament of baptism. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is poured out on us through this bath of transformation. (Titus 3:6). Thus we are made acceptable to the Lord and become heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading from St. Luke's Gospel can be a confusing one. Some might mistakenly take it to imply that we will not be asked to fellowship with God at the heavenly banquet table, that God is to be viewed as a tyrant master for Whom we serve as slaves. This image would be mistaken, and it would misunderstand what Jesus is telling His disciples today.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading from St. Luke's Gospel can be a confusing one. Some might mistakenly take it to imply that we will not be asked to fellowship with God at the heavenly banquet table, that God is to be viewed as a tyrant master for Whom we serve as slaves. This image would be mistaken, and it would misunderstand what Jesus is telling His disciples today.
Memorial of Saint Leo the Great
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin St. Paul’s letter to Titus. This is considered to be one of Paul’s pastoral letters because of his very practical advice; here it is in regard to the requirements and duties of Church leaders known as presbyters and bishops. Such a Church leader ought to live an upright life, as indicated by his personal conduct as well as his family’s. Indeed, every Christian should behave as described by Paul here, but for those who lead it is particularly important that they witness well to the Christian faith in the entirety of their lives. The last line describes well the task of such a leader, namely, that he hold fast to the true message in order both to refute opponents and to exhort the faithful (Tit 1:9).
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin St. Paul’s letter to Titus. This is considered to be one of Paul’s pastoral letters because of his very practical advice; here it is in regard to the requirements and duties of Church leaders known as presbyters and bishops. Such a Church leader ought to live an upright life, as indicated by his personal conduct as well as his family’s. Indeed, every Christian should behave as described by Paul here, but for those who lead it is particularly important that they witness well to the Christian faith in the entirety of their lives. The last line describes well the task of such a leader, namely, that he hold fast to the true message in order both to refute opponents and to exhort the faithful (Tit 1:9).
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate an unusual feast. It is not the feast of an event from Christ's life (like the baptism of Jesus) or even the feast of a saint. It is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. What is the significance of the Feast of the dedication of St. John Lateran?
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate an unusual feast. It is not the feast of an event from Christ's life (like the baptism of Jesus) or even the feast of a saint. It is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. What is the significance of the Feast of the dedication of St. John Lateran?
Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In our First Reading, St. Paul proudly tells the Philippians that he has learned to be “self-sufficient” in nearly any situation, even as he praises them for their generosity toward him. This contrast is worth noting for a couple of reasons. In the first place, the desire for “independence” is very strong in our own society. Nearly all of us like to think of ourselves as fundamentally independent. Yet, in many ways, we are the least “self-sufficient” society imaginable. We constantly rely on each other for everything we have, want and need. We require the help of others for our food, our electricity, our medicine… the list of ways that we are dependent on each other seems to go on forever. Yet, much like St. Paul before the Philippians, we often insist on our own self-sufficiency, despite our continual need for help from one another. But, unlike St. Paul, we are not always so quick to recognize that the true source of all strength is in the one who created us. St. Paul can speak of himself as “self-sufficient” only because he recognizes that all that he has comes from the one who “empowers” him at all times and in all places. As such, he is “self-sufficient” only because of his almost total reliance on the mercy of God.
Today's Mass Readings
In our First Reading, St. Paul proudly tells the Philippians that he has learned to be “self-sufficient” in nearly any situation, even as he praises them for their generosity toward him. This contrast is worth noting for a couple of reasons. In the first place, the desire for “independence” is very strong in our own society. Nearly all of us like to think of ourselves as fundamentally independent. Yet, in many ways, we are the least “self-sufficient” society imaginable. We constantly rely on each other for everything we have, want and need. We require the help of others for our food, our electricity, our medicine… the list of ways that we are dependent on each other seems to go on forever. Yet, much like St. Paul before the Philippians, we often insist on our own self-sufficiency, despite our continual need for help from one another. But, unlike St. Paul, we are not always so quick to recognize that the true source of all strength is in the one who created us. St. Paul can speak of himself as “self-sufficient” only because he recognizes that all that he has comes from the one who “empowers” him at all times and in all places. As such, he is “self-sufficient” only because of his almost total reliance on the mercy of God.
Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from the Gospel of St. Luke has long given readers difficulty in interpretation. Jesus seems to be telling His audience that they should imitate the dishonest steward. Indeed, the dishonest steward seems to receive much praise from Jesus in this parable. How can that be? Why would Jesus say anything at all positive about a dishonest steward?
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from the Gospel of St. Luke has long given readers difficulty in interpretation. Jesus seems to be telling His audience that they should imitate the dishonest steward. Indeed, the dishonest steward seems to receive much praise from Jesus in this parable. How can that be? Why would Jesus say anything at all positive about a dishonest steward?
Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel passage from Luke, Jesus uses two parables to convey his dedication to the “lost.” In the first of these, he compares the repentant sinner to a lost sheep who is found by his shepherd. In the second parable, Jesus compares the repentant sinner to a lost coin. In both cases, the one who finds, rejoices. So we are led to understand that Jesus rejoices in the sinners that he is accused of welcoming. This is an important lesson for the Pharisees and scribes to understand because of their emphasis on righteousness. While righteousness in and of itself is praiseworthy, the Pharisees and scribes used it for exclusionary purposes; they preferred the lost to stay lost rather than be found. The law provided a convenient way to disregard those who had fallen away.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel passage from Luke, Jesus uses two parables to convey his dedication to the “lost.” In the first of these, he compares the repentant sinner to a lost sheep who is found by his shepherd. In the second parable, Jesus compares the repentant sinner to a lost coin. In both cases, the one who finds, rejoices. So we are led to understand that Jesus rejoices in the sinners that he is accused of welcoming. This is an important lesson for the Pharisees and scribes to understand because of their emphasis on righteousness. While righteousness in and of itself is praiseworthy, the Pharisees and scribes used it for exclusionary purposes; they preferred the lost to stay lost rather than be found. The law provided a convenient way to disregard those who had fallen away.
Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
“Work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b) For St. Paul, who likely wrote these words from prison, wrote them to give strength to the community in Philippi. Paul wanted to express clearly to the Philippians how important it was to live the Gospel of Jesus in their daily lives. Paul, even though in prision was filled with joy through encountering Christ Jesus and living faithfully as a disciple.
Today's Mass Readings
“Work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b) For St. Paul, who likely wrote these words from prison, wrote them to give strength to the community in Philippi. Paul wanted to express clearly to the Philippians how important it was to live the Gospel of Jesus in their daily lives. Paul, even though in prision was filled with joy through encountering Christ Jesus and living faithfully as a disciple.
Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, who was the first bishop to implement the reforms of the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Many people don't realize that when the Protestant Reformation began in Europe, the Catholic Church was already in the middle of a very long process of reform. The Council of Trent was called to address the challenges of the Protestant Reformation. In addition to its doctrinal discussions, Trent addressed important measures of reform. St. Charles Borromeo fearlessly implemented Trent's reforms. Pope John XXIII, who launched the Second Vatican Council, was in the process of editing St. Charles Borromeo's papers when he was elected pope.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, who was the first bishop to implement the reforms of the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Many people don't realize that when the Protestant Reformation began in Europe, the Catholic Church was already in the middle of a very long process of reform. The Council of Trent was called to address the challenges of the Protestant Reformation. In addition to its doctrinal discussions, Trent addressed important measures of reform. St. Charles Borromeo fearlessly implemented Trent's reforms. Pope John XXIII, who launched the Second Vatican Council, was in the process of editing St. Charles Borromeo's papers when he was elected pope.
Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today we continue along with both St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians and with Jesus’ comments in the gospel of Luke regarding banquets. The passages are complementary inasmuch as they draw our attention to the blessings of humility. In the Philippians passage, Paul invites the Church of Philippi to be united. His words speak to the ideal unity of a church community when he instructs them: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others” (Phil. 2:3-4). Imagine if every member of the Church was able to act in this way. Certainly in such humility there would be a true unity, and in such unity, a great blessing.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we continue along with both St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians and with Jesus’ comments in the gospel of Luke regarding banquets. The passages are complementary inasmuch as they draw our attention to the blessings of humility. In the Philippians passage, Paul invites the Church of Philippi to be united. His words speak to the ideal unity of a church community when he instructs them: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others” (Phil. 2:3-4). Imagine if every member of the Church was able to act in this way. Certainly in such humility there would be a true unity, and in such unity, a great blessing.