Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark is a healing story, and, as such, it might be easy to pass over it as unremarkable. A man suffering from an ailment (in this case blindness) petitions Jesus for healing, and Jesus responds by healing him. It’s a common plot, but that does not make the story uninteresting or unimportant. What stands out from this story is the closing line: “Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way” (Mk. 10:52). Early Christians sometimes referred to their religion as “the way,” and here the implication is clearly that the blind man became a follower of Jesus upon his cure. We often hear it said that “seeing is believing.” In the case of Bartimaeus, seeing results in more than just simple belief. Seeing is following. His experience of Jesus’ healing power changed his life.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark is a healing story, and, as such, it might be easy to pass over it as unremarkable. A man suffering from an ailment (in this case blindness) petitions Jesus for healing, and Jesus responds by healing him. It’s a common plot, but that does not make the story uninteresting or unimportant. What stands out from this story is the closing line: “Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way” (Mk. 10:52). Early Christians sometimes referred to their religion as “the way,” and here the implication is clearly that the blind man became a follower of Jesus upon his cure. We often hear it said that “seeing is believing.” In the case of Bartimaeus, seeing results in more than just simple belief. Seeing is following. His experience of Jesus’ healing power changed his life.
Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Our reflection on the first letter of Peter continues. Among the various themes of this letter, today’s reading emphasizes steadfastness to Christ’s life and teachings in an otherwise hostile environment. Scripture scholars tell us that this letter was written around 70-90 AD, perhaps after the death of both Peter and Paul. This means that this letter was probably written by one of the disciples of Peter. There was no known official persecution at this time but the difficulty of living the Christian life in a secular environment that espoused values contrary to scripture is emphasized often.
Today's Mass Readings
Our reflection on the first letter of Peter continues. Among the various themes of this letter, today’s reading emphasizes steadfastness to Christ’s life and teachings in an otherwise hostile environment. Scripture scholars tell us that this letter was written around 70-90 AD, perhaps after the death of both Peter and Paul. This means that this letter was probably written by one of the disciples of Peter. There was no known official persecution at this time but the difficulty of living the Christian life in a secular environment that espoused values contrary to scripture is emphasized often.
Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
There are a lot of great themes packed into today's readings. I just want to highlight one of them, since our first readings for a while are taken from the First Letter of St. Peter, the first pope. Suffering plays an important role in this letter, which often alludes to the passage of the Suffering Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).
Today's Mass Readings
There are a lot of great themes packed into today's readings. I just want to highlight one of them, since our first readings for a while are taken from the First Letter of St. Peter, the first pope. Suffering plays an important role in this letter, which often alludes to the passage of the Suffering Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).
Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
Today's Mass Readings
As we begin the eighth week of Ordinary Time, we begin to read the letter of 1 Peter during our daily Masses this week. The Book of 1 Peter has traditionally been regarded as written by Peter, one of the first apostles and the first pope. During Jesus’ lifetime, Peter seemed not to understand Jesus’ suffering. The reflections in the short theological letter of 1 Peter demonstrate that Peter moved a long way toward understanding this following Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Today, for example, Peter indicates that Jesus’ followers may have to suffer through various trials (1 Pt. 1:6). As a whole, however, today’s passage from 1 Peter also features the theme of rejoicing. This is the rejoicing of faith. Those who have never even seen Jesus may still love him and believe in him, finding salvation in him. This is a particularly important sentiment coming from Peter, who himself had experienced Jesus in person.
Today's Mass Readings
As we begin the eighth week of Ordinary Time, we begin to read the letter of 1 Peter during our daily Masses this week. The Book of 1 Peter has traditionally been regarded as written by Peter, one of the first apostles and the first pope. During Jesus’ lifetime, Peter seemed not to understand Jesus’ suffering. The reflections in the short theological letter of 1 Peter demonstrate that Peter moved a long way toward understanding this following Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Today, for example, Peter indicates that Jesus’ followers may have to suffer through various trials (1 Pt. 1:6). As a whole, however, today’s passage from 1 Peter also features the theme of rejoicing. This is the rejoicing of faith. Those who have never even seen Jesus may still love him and believe in him, finding salvation in him. This is a particularly important sentiment coming from Peter, who himself had experienced Jesus in person.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Today's Mass Readings
Some time back a survey pointed out that only 30% of the church going Catholics actually believed that the bread and the wine at the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. So, the bread and wine; is it the really the body and blood of Christ? Of course it is !
Today's Mass Readings
Some time back a survey pointed out that only 30% of the church going Catholics actually believed that the bread and the wine at the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. So, the bread and wine; is it the really the body and blood of Christ? Of course it is !
Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
As we come to the end of James’s letter that we have been following for some time now, we see that St. James wraps up the letter with an exhortation to his fellow Christians. What we notice about his ending plea is that all things are to be brought to God – sufferings, good spirits, sickness, and sinfulness. This is, however, not possible by ourselves. In order to pray in our sufferings (Jas 5:13), we have to learn how to pray. In order sing a song of praise (Jas 5:13), we have to have been taught such a song. The role of our fellow Christians becomes even more obvious in the last two: the role of presbyters (priests) and our fellow Christians is made explicit (Jas 5:14, 19).
Today's Mass Readings
As we come to the end of James’s letter that we have been following for some time now, we see that St. James wraps up the letter with an exhortation to his fellow Christians. What we notice about his ending plea is that all things are to be brought to God – sufferings, good spirits, sickness, and sinfulness. This is, however, not possible by ourselves. In order to pray in our sufferings (Jas 5:13), we have to learn how to pray. In order sing a song of praise (Jas 5:13), we have to have been taught such a song. The role of our fellow Christians becomes even more obvious in the last two: the role of presbyters (priests) and our fellow Christians is made explicit (Jas 5:14, 19).
Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
There's a lot we could discuss from today's readings, since they bring up so many issues---oath-swearing, Jesus' teaching against divorce, etc. I want to focus, however, on the allusion to the Book of Job from today's first reading from the Letter of St. James.
In today's first reading, St. James gives us the example of Job from the Old Testament. Job is a great example of someone who had hardships and trials in his life. Job not only lost much of his wealth in the form of livestock, but he was harmed physically as well, with sores all over his body. Even worse, all of his children were killed. Job is then surrounded by his friends who basically blame Job for all of his problems.
Today's Mass Readings
There's a lot we could discuss from today's readings, since they bring up so many issues---oath-swearing, Jesus' teaching against divorce, etc. I want to focus, however, on the allusion to the Book of Job from today's first reading from the Letter of St. James.
In today's first reading, St. James gives us the example of Job from the Old Testament. Job is a great example of someone who had hardships and trials in his life. Job not only lost much of his wealth in the form of livestock, but he was harmed physically as well, with sores all over his body. Even worse, all of his children were killed. Job is then surrounded by his friends who basically blame Job for all of his problems.
Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
It should be difficult for nearly any of us in the United States to read today’s first reading and not feel convicted by the Holy Spirit by James’s writing. Whether we feel this way or not, we are the rich of the world. On a daily basis we are surrounded by a quantity and quality of possessions that most of the world can only dream about – houses, cars, furniture, clothes, toys, food, and so on. We need only look about us at this minute to know it is true. It is easy to reflect on our comfort and perhaps think to ourselves that we are truly blessed.
Today's Mass Readings
It should be difficult for nearly any of us in the United States to read today’s first reading and not feel convicted by the Holy Spirit by James’s writing. Whether we feel this way or not, we are the rich of the world. On a daily basis we are surrounded by a quantity and quality of possessions that most of the world can only dream about – houses, cars, furniture, clothes, toys, food, and so on. We need only look about us at this minute to know it is true. It is easy to reflect on our comfort and perhaps think to ourselves that we are truly blessed.
Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
I am sure that by now we have realized the fact that St. James was a straight talker. And may be he has begun getting on our nerves with his in-your-face wisdom that we have read over the last two weeks. His writing on humility in yesterday’s reading was difficult to digest, yet, we know it to be so true. Today’s reading unveils another bitter truth about human existence – that human beings think that they are in control of their lives. Instead, as James puts it, Christians have to get used to thinking, “If the Lord wills it… (Jas 4:14). And surprisingly, this is the meaning of humility that James was talking about in yesterday’s reading.
Today's Mass Readings
I am sure that by now we have realized the fact that St. James was a straight talker. And may be he has begun getting on our nerves with his in-your-face wisdom that we have read over the last two weeks. His writing on humility in yesterday’s reading was difficult to digest, yet, we know it to be so true. Today’s reading unveils another bitter truth about human existence – that human beings think that they are in control of their lives. Instead, as James puts it, Christians have to get used to thinking, “If the Lord wills it… (Jas 4:14). And surprisingly, this is the meaning of humility that James was talking about in yesterday’s reading.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Letter of St. James continues St. James' advice on how to live the Christian life, and is jam-packed with important insights. One theme which he brings up, which I want to focus on today, is that of humility. He exhorts us: "Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you" (James 4:10).
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Letter of St. James continues St. James' advice on how to live the Christian life, and is jam-packed with important insights. One theme which he brings up, which I want to focus on today, is that of humility. He exhorts us: "Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you" (James 4:10).
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Wisdom often seems to have an elusive quality. It’s hard to get a grasp on what precisely is wisdom. Doubtlessly, there are some who think they are wise but are not, which is why James begins his letter today by saying that the wise person will “show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Jas. 3:13). Although wisdom may seem intangible, the works of a good life is more tangible. We can probably call to mind many of these works – feeding the poor, caring for the sick, being nice to annoying co-workers, being patient with children, and so on. This is the kind of wisdom that comes from above, from God, in contrast with the earthly wisdom that includes jealousy, boasting, and selfishness. Hence James’ letter once again provides us with some practical advice for everyday Christian life. As Christians, we should want to be wise, and one way to receive wisdom from God is to engage in the many practical works of a good life.
Today's Mass Readings
Wisdom often seems to have an elusive quality. It’s hard to get a grasp on what precisely is wisdom. Doubtlessly, there are some who think they are wise but are not, which is why James begins his letter today by saying that the wise person will “show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Jas. 3:13). Although wisdom may seem intangible, the works of a good life is more tangible. We can probably call to mind many of these works – feeding the poor, caring for the sick, being nice to annoying co-workers, being patient with children, and so on. This is the kind of wisdom that comes from above, from God, in contrast with the earthly wisdom that includes jealousy, boasting, and selfishness. Hence James’ letter once again provides us with some practical advice for everyday Christian life. As Christians, we should want to be wise, and one way to receive wisdom from God is to engage in the many practical works of a good life.
Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
Sunday Mass Readings
I am sure that you have heard of the word "mystery" often used in relation to God. Especially in trying to describe the trinitarian nature of God, we run short of ways to explain the totality of God in human language. It is when human language falls short that we use the word mystery. It is our way of saying that God cannot be captured in human terms; that God is far beyond the limitations of human imagination and language. This does not mean that we know nothing about God. In fact, today's readings tell us much about God. In the second reading, God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Cor 13:13).
Sunday Mass Readings
I am sure that you have heard of the word "mystery" often used in relation to God. Especially in trying to describe the trinitarian nature of God, we run short of ways to explain the totality of God in human language. It is when human language falls short that we use the word mystery. It is our way of saying that God cannot be captured in human terms; that God is far beyond the limitations of human imagination and language. This does not mean that we know nothing about God. In fact, today's readings tell us much about God. In the second reading, God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Cor 13:13).
Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
After listening to today’s readings, one is struck by the theme of tongues, mouths, and speech. In today’s first reading, St. James warns us to watch our tongues. Here, James uses “tongue” to refer to “speech” and even more specifically, “teaching.” Indeed, he warns at the outset that not “Not many of you should become teachers” (Jas 3:1) because of our capacity to fall short with our tongues. James was deeply concerned about the authenticity of Christian teaching in the early Church.
Today's Mass Readings
After listening to today’s readings, one is struck by the theme of tongues, mouths, and speech. In today’s first reading, St. James warns us to watch our tongues. Here, James uses “tongue” to refer to “speech” and even more specifically, “teaching.” Indeed, he warns at the outset that not “Not many of you should become teachers” (Jas 3:1) because of our capacity to fall short with our tongues. James was deeply concerned about the authenticity of Christian teaching in the early Church.
Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary time
Today's Mass Readings
One of the important teachings of the Protestant Reformation is justification (salvation) by faith alone. Protestants often wonder why Catholics have historically rejected this Reformation teaching, which they often claim is taught by the Bible. The reason of course is that the phrase "faith alone" occurs only once in the entire Bible, and we encounter that phrase in today's first reading from the Letter of St. James: "See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24).
Today's Mass Readings
One of the important teachings of the Protestant Reformation is justification (salvation) by faith alone. Protestants often wonder why Catholics have historically rejected this Reformation teaching, which they often claim is taught by the Bible. The reason of course is that the phrase "faith alone" occurs only once in the entire Bible, and we encounter that phrase in today's first reading from the Letter of St. James: "See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24).
Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Much as we might like to think differently, we are greatly affected by the culture around us. This was true for the early church as well. The message of the gospel ought to have changed everything for Jesus’ first followers. And it ought to change everything for us as well. Unfortunately, this just is not always the case. In today’s first reading from James, we receive challenging practical advice. The particular subject for today concerns the treatment of the rich and the poor.
Today's Mass Readings
Much as we might like to think differently, we are greatly affected by the culture around us. This was true for the early church as well. The message of the gospel ought to have changed everything for Jesus’ first followers. And it ought to change everything for us as well. Unfortunately, this just is not always the case. In today’s first reading from James, we receive challenging practical advice. The particular subject for today concerns the treatment of the rich and the poor.
Feast of St. Matthias
Today's Mass Readings
Have you ever wondered why God can’t get it right the first time? Today is the feast of St. Matthias' who was elected as an apostle to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus. This is intriguing to me. Why did Jesus chose Judas in first place, knowing that he would betray him? Instead, if Matthias was chosen from the beginning perhaps Jesus would not have to undergo his passion and death.
Today's Mass Readings
Have you ever wondered why God can’t get it right the first time? Today is the feast of St. Matthias' who was elected as an apostle to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus. This is intriguing to me. Why did Jesus chose Judas in first place, knowing that he would betray him? Instead, if Matthias was chosen from the beginning perhaps Jesus would not have to undergo his passion and death.
Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Temptation is not necessarily something we talk a whole lot about. And yet, there is much discussion of temptation in the New Testament. Now that we're back in Ordinary time, we will be focusing on the Letter of St. James for a little while, and his letter is great for practical information on how to live the Christian life.
Today's Mass Readings
Temptation is not necessarily something we talk a whole lot about. And yet, there is much discussion of temptation in the New Testament. Now that we're back in Ordinary time, we will be focusing on the Letter of St. James for a little while, and his letter is great for practical information on how to live the Christian life.
Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
With Pentecost yesterday, we have returned to the season of Ordinary Time. This liturgical season is not called “ordinary” because it is boring, but because it counts the time by number. With five weeks of Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent, we are now on the sixth week of Ordinary Time. Throughout the summer months and into the autumn until Advent begins again, we will remain in Ordinary Time.
Today's Mass Readings
With Pentecost yesterday, we have returned to the season of Ordinary Time. This liturgical season is not called “ordinary” because it is boring, but because it counts the time by number. With five weeks of Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent, we are now on the sixth week of Ordinary Time. Throughout the summer months and into the autumn until Advent begins again, we will remain in Ordinary Time.
Feast of the Pentecost
Today's Mass Readings
Without the Holy Spirit:
The Church is an organization,
The Bible a dead letter,
The Eucharist a ritual
Prayer an obligation, and
Christian life a burden.
Today's Mass Readings
Without the Holy Spirit:
The Church is an organization,
The Bible a dead letter,
The Eucharist a ritual
Prayer an obligation, and
Christian life a burden.
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
We have come to the last day of the Easter Season, and with it to the end of both the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, both of which we have been following throughout the Easter Season. Both of these endings gesture toward the martyrdom of Peter and Paul in Rome.
Today's Mass Readings
We have come to the last day of the Easter Season, and with it to the end of both the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, both of which we have been following throughout the Easter Season. Both of these endings gesture toward the martyrdom of Peter and Paul in Rome.