Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings encourage us to reflect upon our ability to listen, especially to words that we may not want to hear, and to discern the voice of God.
The prophetic profession is not easy. Even the valiant Jeremiah of today’s first reading had protested to God that he was too young to be a prophet when God called him (see Jer 1:6). It’s not easy because it often demands delivering God’s word to people who don’t want to hear it. Jeremiah has warned the Jews that their infidelity to the covenant will lead to their destruction (Jer 26:13). In return, the leaders want to kill him.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings encourage us to reflect upon our ability to listen, especially to words that we may not want to hear, and to discern the voice of God.
The prophetic profession is not easy. Even the valiant Jeremiah of today’s first reading had protested to God that he was too young to be a prophet when God called him (see Jer 1:6). It’s not easy because it often demands delivering God’s word to people who don’t want to hear it. Jeremiah has warned the Jews that their infidelity to the covenant will lead to their destruction (Jer 26:13). In return, the leaders want to kill him.
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Today's Mass Readings
The image in today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah is one of the beloved of the tradition. Here the people of Israel are compared to clay in the hand of the potter. The implication is that God has the ability to shape the people into his liking, molding and remolding them at his will. Two important points stand out from this passage: First, we see that ultimately it is God’s work that makes us what we are. The clay cooperates with the potter, but it is the potter who molds the clay. This indicates a challenging aspect of our faith, namely, being open to God’s working within our community without thinking that we are finally in charge of all that happens to us. Secondly, note that the reference here is to the people Israel and not to individual persons. The emphasis is on God’s shaping of his people as a group.
Today's Mass Readings
The image in today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah is one of the beloved of the tradition. Here the people of Israel are compared to clay in the hand of the potter. The implication is that God has the ability to shape the people into his liking, molding and remolding them at his will. Two important points stand out from this passage: First, we see that ultimately it is God’s work that makes us what we are. The clay cooperates with the potter, but it is the potter who molds the clay. This indicates a challenging aspect of our faith, namely, being open to God’s working within our community without thinking that we are finally in charge of all that happens to us. Secondly, note that the reference here is to the people Israel and not to individual persons. The emphasis is on God’s shaping of his people as a group.
Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The Psalm response for today, “God is my refuge on the day of distress” seems an obvious truism. Most of us turn to the Lord on days that are tumultuous. It is in these times our prayers are often laments or complaints. It is in this context that we can understand what Jeremiah is trying to say to God in the first reading. The prophets’ strife is such that he almost wishes to renounce his birth.
Today's Mass Readings
The Psalm response for today, “God is my refuge on the day of distress” seems an obvious truism. Most of us turn to the Lord on days that are tumultuous. It is in these times our prayers are often laments or complaints. It is in this context that we can understand what Jeremiah is trying to say to God in the first reading. The prophets’ strife is such that he almost wishes to renounce his birth.
Memorial of Saint Martha
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah is prayed every Friday in the third week of the Psalter, as the second Psalm/hymn prayer for Morning prayer. In its biblical context, verses 17-18 represent God’s response to His disobedient people who have forsaken Him.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah is prayed every Friday in the third week of the Psalter, as the second Psalm/hymn prayer for Morning prayer. In its biblical context, verses 17-18 represent God’s response to His disobedient people who have forsaken Him.
Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The prophets are known for their unusual metaphors and images. Today’s passage from Jeremiah is a great example of this. In today’s reading, the people of Israel are compared to a rotted loincloth. As a loincloth is an intimate garment, so the people of Israel ought to have clung closely to the Lord. But because they have removed themselves from God, they have become “good for nothing” (Jer 13:7). This is insulting to the Lord precisely because God desires intimacy with his people for their own benefit.
Today's Mass Readings
The prophets are known for their unusual metaphors and images. Today’s passage from Jeremiah is a great example of this. In today’s reading, the people of Israel are compared to a rotted loincloth. As a loincloth is an intimate garment, so the people of Israel ought to have clung closely to the Lord. But because they have removed themselves from God, they have become “good for nothing” (Jer 13:7). This is insulting to the Lord precisely because God desires intimacy with his people for their own benefit.
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture explores the relationship between Wisdom and the Kingdom. In other words, today’s readings tell us that it would be impossible for us to recognize, be open and build the Kingdom without the wisdom that God gives to those whom God calls.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture explores the relationship between Wisdom and the Kingdom. In other words, today’s readings tell us that it would be impossible for us to recognize, be open and build the Kingdom without the wisdom that God gives to those whom God calls.
Feast of Saint James, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel is an important one. It tells of this interesting incident when St. John’s and St. James’ (whose feast it is today) mother approached Jesus to ask that her sons sit at His right and left in His kingdom. We might be able to relate to their mother, presumably Salome who was also a follower of Jesus, who desired her children to sit beside Jesus in the kingdom. Some have maintained that Salome was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s sister, in which case this desire would be even more natural.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel is an important one. It tells of this interesting incident when St. John’s and St. James’ (whose feast it is today) mother approached Jesus to ask that her sons sit at His right and left in His kingdom. We might be able to relate to their mother, presumably Salome who was also a follower of Jesus, who desired her children to sit beside Jesus in the kingdom. Some have maintained that Salome was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s sister, in which case this desire would be even more natural.
Memorial of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of Jeremiah, we are given a prophetic message from God delivered by Jeremiah to God’s people. The words are striking in their call to the Jewish people to make their worship congruent with their actions. We must understand a bit about the temple to understand this reading.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of Jeremiah, we are given a prophetic message from God delivered by Jeremiah to God’s people. The words are striking in their call to the Jewish people to make their worship congruent with their actions. We must understand a bit about the temple to understand this reading.
Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s reading is again from the prophet Jeremiah, who expresses God’s anguish and disappointment in his people who have abandoned them. The tone of Jeremiah’s words is emotional; he wants the people to understand just how treacherous are the acts they have been committing against God. In turning away from God, they have rejected his love and chosen idols. God’s passionate response to this is described in very human terms in order that the people might think of God in personal terms.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s reading is again from the prophet Jeremiah, who expresses God’s anguish and disappointment in his people who have abandoned them. The tone of Jeremiah’s words is emotional; he wants the people to understand just how treacherous are the acts they have been committing against God. In turning away from God, they have rejected his love and chosen idols. God’s passionate response to this is described in very human terms in order that the people might think of God in personal terms.
Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Accomplishing the work of God is frequently difficult and often phenomenally demanding. Our first reading today, gives us a small glimpse into the discourse between an overwhelmed prophet (Jeremiah) who represents humanity and God who calls humanity to be part of God’s work. The gospel reading shows how important this discourse is from God’s perspective and the seeds God sows through his word (today's gospel reading).
Today's Mass Readings
Accomplishing the work of God is frequently difficult and often phenomenally demanding. Our first reading today, gives us a small glimpse into the discourse between an overwhelmed prophet (Jeremiah) who represents humanity and God who calls humanity to be part of God’s work. The gospel reading shows how important this discourse is from God’s perspective and the seeds God sows through his word (today's gospel reading).
Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. We can see from today’s reading from the Gospel of John why she is often called in the tradition, the Apostle to the Apostles. The Gospels record how Mary Magdalene was, along with some other women disciples, the first to see Jesus’ empty tomb, and to see the risen Lord. Jesus chose to reveal the mystery of His resurrection first to women, who were so marginalized in the society of the time. So St. Mary Magdalene was the one who brought the message of Christ’s resurrection to Peter, the leader of the early apostles.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. We can see from today’s reading from the Gospel of John why she is often called in the tradition, the Apostle to the Apostles. The Gospels record how Mary Magdalene was, along with some other women disciples, the first to see Jesus’ empty tomb, and to see the risen Lord. Jesus chose to reveal the mystery of His resurrection first to women, who were so marginalized in the society of the time. So St. Mary Magdalene was the one who brought the message of Christ’s resurrection to Peter, the leader of the early apostles.
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
For the next two weekends, the Gospel reading will focus on the Kingdom of God. Jesus used a number of parables to explain the concept of the Kingdom of God. However the concept defies a clear definition. This is because when Jesus spoke about the Kingdom, sometimes he spoke about it as having already come and sometimes he spoke about it as a future reality; sometimes he spoke about it being inside the person and sometimes he spoke about being in the midst of people. Many scripture scholars also suggest that when he spoke about the kingdom he was speaking about himself.
Today's Mass Readings
For the next two weekends, the Gospel reading will focus on the Kingdom of God. Jesus used a number of parables to explain the concept of the Kingdom of God. However the concept defies a clear definition. This is because when Jesus spoke about the Kingdom, sometimes he spoke about it as having already come and sometimes he spoke about it as a future reality; sometimes he spoke about it being inside the person and sometimes he spoke about being in the midst of people. Many scripture scholars also suggest that when he spoke about the kingdom he was speaking about himself.
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings speak to us about God’s loving dedication to the poor and the outcasts.
In today’s first reading, the prophet Micah warns the people of Judah that God will allow them to be destroyed by their enemies because of their greed. The rich people of Judah have used their power to take land and houses away from the poor. Not only was this a form of manipulation of other Jews, but it manipulated the law which mandated certain practices – such as forgiveness of debts and land redistribution – precisely to mitigate such greed from creating an unjust situation. When conquered by their enemies, the Jews will no longer have the power which they have abused. They can no longer be greedy when they no longer have any control!
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings speak to us about God’s loving dedication to the poor and the outcasts.
In today’s first reading, the prophet Micah warns the people of Judah that God will allow them to be destroyed by their enemies because of their greed. The rich people of Judah have used their power to take land and houses away from the poor. Not only was this a form of manipulation of other Jews, but it manipulated the law which mandated certain practices – such as forgiveness of debts and land redistribution – precisely to mitigate such greed from creating an unjust situation. When conquered by their enemies, the Jews will no longer have the power which they have abused. They can no longer be greedy when they no longer have any control!
Third Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and second reading offer great parallels and contrasts. First, there is in both these readings the theme of a gradual discovery of God, and secondly, they both use the theme of water. Both the story of the grumbling Israelites and the story of the woman at the well offer us some deep insights into our own faith journey.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and second reading offer great parallels and contrasts. First, there is in both these readings the theme of a gradual discovery of God, and secondly, they both use the theme of water. Both the story of the grumbling Israelites and the story of the woman at the well offer us some deep insights into our own faith journey.
Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from Isaiah and the gospel reading from Matthew are both hard passages. Both challenge us, although in different ways. In the Isaiah text, we hear of God’s revulsion with his people who will offer sacrifices without appropriately engaging in the justice those acts signify. What we see here is the need for repentance and reconciliation prior to proper worship of God. Right action is itself glorifying to God, and the worship of God must go hand in hand with the just treatment of others. We are reminded of our own failings every time we gather for our own sacrifice, namely, that of the Eucharist. It is for this reason that we engage in “calling to mind our sins” and begging the mercy of God as well as our neighbors. It is also for this reason that we offer peace to the other members of our Church before receiving the sacrament. These liturgical actions are indications of the truth expressed in this Isaiah passage, namely, that our worship is most glorifying to God when it is offered by a holy and good people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from Isaiah and the gospel reading from Matthew are both hard passages. Both challenge us, although in different ways. In the Isaiah text, we hear of God’s revulsion with his people who will offer sacrifices without appropriately engaging in the justice those acts signify. What we see here is the need for repentance and reconciliation prior to proper worship of God. Right action is itself glorifying to God, and the worship of God must go hand in hand with the just treatment of others. We are reminded of our own failings every time we gather for our own sacrifice, namely, that of the Eucharist. It is for this reason that we engage in “calling to mind our sins” and begging the mercy of God as well as our neighbors. It is also for this reason that we offer peace to the other members of our Church before receiving the sacrament. These liturgical actions are indications of the truth expressed in this Isaiah passage, namely, that our worship is most glorifying to God when it is offered by a holy and good people.
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of the readings today is the Word of God. There is no other parable in the New Testament that captures the entirety of the relationship between the Word of God and a Christian than the parable of the sower.
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of the readings today is the Word of God. There is no other parable in the New Testament that captures the entirety of the relationship between the Word of God and a Christian than the parable of the sower.
Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Starting today, the readings for the next couple of weeks will be taken from the book of Isaiah. He is undoubtedly the greatest of the Old Testament prophets and prophesied during the second half of the eighth century BC. He saw the fall of the Northern Kingdom to the Assyrians. Isaiah took special effort to point out the moral breakdown of Judah, the Southern Kingdom and its capital Jerusalem.
In today’s first reading, we have the story of Isaiah’s call to be a prophet of God. Initially while standing before God’s glory Isaiah is terrified, for Jews held that to the see God would lead to one’s death. In the same vein, he is terrified because he, unlike the seraphim singing God’s praises, lives “among a people of unclean lips” (Is 6:4) and is therefore not worthy to proclaim such praise before God. What does God do? He has a seraph cleanse his lips, making him worthy. Notice, too, that Isaiah shifts from utter terror before God to courage, laying his service at God’s feet (Is 6:8).
Today's Mass Readings
Starting today, the readings for the next couple of weeks will be taken from the book of Isaiah. He is undoubtedly the greatest of the Old Testament prophets and prophesied during the second half of the eighth century BC. He saw the fall of the Northern Kingdom to the Assyrians. Isaiah took special effort to point out the moral breakdown of Judah, the Southern Kingdom and its capital Jerusalem.
In today’s first reading, we have the story of Isaiah’s call to be a prophet of God. Initially while standing before God’s glory Isaiah is terrified, for Jews held that to the see God would lead to one’s death. In the same vein, he is terrified because he, unlike the seraphim singing God’s praises, lives “among a people of unclean lips” (Is 6:4) and is therefore not worthy to proclaim such praise before God. What does God do? He has a seraph cleanse his lips, making him worthy. Notice, too, that Isaiah shifts from utter terror before God to courage, laying his service at God’s feet (Is 6:8).
Memorial of Saint Benedict
Today's Mass Readings
The message of today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea is particularly clear: Turn back to the Lord your God. As with much of the Book of Hosea, the message is again delivered to the rebellious northern 10 tribes of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. It’s rebellion against the Southern Kingdom not only involved political rebellion, but was in fact a rebellion against God as well. The message is one of hope. Israel need not remain in rebellion forever.
Today's Mass Readings
The message of today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea is particularly clear: Turn back to the Lord your God. As with much of the Book of Hosea, the message is again delivered to the rebellious northern 10 tribes of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. It’s rebellion against the Southern Kingdom not only involved political rebellion, but was in fact a rebellion against God as well. The message is one of hope. Israel need not remain in rebellion forever.
Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
We continue following the prophet Hosea in today’s first reading. The passage describes how God has lovingly cared for his people, guiding them with affection even as they strayed from him. Today’s excerpt ends with God’s assurance that he will not destroy the people, despite their unfaithful behavior. Against those who would portray “the God of the Old Testament” as someone who is vindictive, the God described in this Old Testament passage is compassionate and forgiving, committed to the people whom he loves so dearly.
Today's Mass Readings
We continue following the prophet Hosea in today’s first reading. The passage describes how God has lovingly cared for his people, guiding them with affection even as they strayed from him. Today’s excerpt ends with God’s assurance that he will not destroy the people, despite their unfaithful behavior. Against those who would portray “the God of the Old Testament” as someone who is vindictive, the God described in this Old Testament passage is compassionate and forgiving, committed to the people whom he loves so dearly.
Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the first reading these days may seem repetitive. As with the readings from Amos over the past week and as with the reading s of the last two days, today’s reading also focuses on Israel’s infidelity to the Covenant. In fact, the main purpose of the prophets was not so much to foretell the futures as we are often given to understand, but rather, to highlight the infidelity of the nation and call them to the original covenantal love and steadfastness. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea and a host of other prophets became God’s spokespersons communicating to the people God’s disappointment, God’s hurt, God’s frustration, God’s love and sometimes even God’s anger at a broken covenantal relationship.
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the first reading these days may seem repetitive. As with the readings from Amos over the past week and as with the reading s of the last two days, today’s reading also focuses on Israel’s infidelity to the Covenant. In fact, the main purpose of the prophets was not so much to foretell the futures as we are often given to understand, but rather, to highlight the infidelity of the nation and call them to the original covenantal love and steadfastness. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea and a host of other prophets became God’s spokespersons communicating to the people God’s disappointment, God’s hurt, God’s frustration, God’s love and sometimes even God’s anger at a broken covenantal relationship.