Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus said to Peter, “…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). That Jesus would entrust his church to a mere human person baffles me. That is why we believe that the church is both, human and divine, holy and sinful at the same time.
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus said to Peter, “…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). That Jesus would entrust his church to a mere human person baffles me. That is why we believe that the church is both, human and divine, holy and sinful at the same time.
Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Our sensibilities from reading and hearing the gospel stories are conditioned to think of the Pharisees only as hypocrites and show offs. This conception, however, misses some of the force of Jesus’ critique of these folk. They were not such easy targets. On the whole, they were considered the most pious Jews of their day, admired for there adherence to the law and their dedication to God. Nevertheless, their conflicts with Jesus centered around their overly legalistic adherence to the law. These were different interpretations of the Jewish tradition.
Today's Mass Readings
Our sensibilities from reading and hearing the gospel stories are conditioned to think of the Pharisees only as hypocrites and show offs. This conception, however, misses some of the force of Jesus’ critique of these folk. They were not such easy targets. On the whole, they were considered the most pious Jews of their day, admired for there adherence to the law and their dedication to God. Nevertheless, their conflicts with Jesus centered around their overly legalistic adherence to the law. These were different interpretations of the Jewish tradition.
Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. Her queenship affirms not only her role as Queen Mother, since she is Jesus’ mother, but also in her resurrection and life in heaven. We see an important Old Testament witness to the belief in the resurrection from the dead in today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. Her queenship affirms not only her role as Queen Mother, since she is Jesus’ mother, but also in her resurrection and life in heaven. We see an important Old Testament witness to the belief in the resurrection from the dead in today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Memorial of Saint Pius X
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings, we see a theme of sin and redemption with God’s love shining throughout. The passage from the prophet Ezekiel is a well-known one: here God reveals his dedication to the people of Israel who have turned away from him. The Lord speaks of bringing the people back, cleansing them from their false worship, and giving them a “new heart” and a “new spirit” (Ez. 36:26). Even though the people have deserted God and worshiped other gods, the Lord remains faithful, and in this fidelity to his sinful people, God is willing to do the cleansing, to give the people another chance.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings, we see a theme of sin and redemption with God’s love shining throughout. The passage from the prophet Ezekiel is a well-known one: here God reveals his dedication to the people of Israel who have turned away from him. The Lord speaks of bringing the people back, cleansing them from their false worship, and giving them a “new heart” and a “new spirit” (Ez. 36:26). Even though the people have deserted God and worshiped other gods, the Lord remains faithful, and in this fidelity to his sinful people, God is willing to do the cleansing, to give the people another chance.
Memorial of Saint Bernard
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the good shepherd is a common thread for today’s readings. We come across Ezekiel just after he learns of Jerusalem’s fall. Ezekiel had already been in exile for twelve years. Ezekiel’s prophecy against the shepherds of Israel reads like a job description of a bad shepherd: you feed yourself instead of your sheep, you do not search for those who have strayed or are lost, and you do not strengthen the weak or heal the sick. The prophet is challenging the leaders of the faith, who have failed to hear the word of the Lord. The story does not end here. The Lord, the Good Shepherd, promises to search for the lost sheep and gather them back into their land.
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the good shepherd is a common thread for today’s readings. We come across Ezekiel just after he learns of Jerusalem’s fall. Ezekiel had already been in exile for twelve years. Ezekiel’s prophecy against the shepherds of Israel reads like a job description of a bad shepherd: you feed yourself instead of your sheep, you do not search for those who have strayed or are lost, and you do not strengthen the weak or heal the sick. The prophet is challenging the leaders of the faith, who have failed to hear the word of the Lord. The story does not end here. The Lord, the Good Shepherd, promises to search for the lost sheep and gather them back into their land.
Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading is a hard one for many. In today’s reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle. Indeed it would be impossible indeed for a camel, large as camels are, to go through the tiny eye of a needle. Some have interpreted this in light of the location, “Eye of the Needle,” which indeed camels are unable to pass through because it is too narrow. Other scholars point out that in Greek the word for camel and rope are spelled the exact same way, the only difference being the placement of the accent mark, absent from all the early manuscripts. Thus, the saying would read, a rope going through the eye of a needle. Regardless of what is intended, all three are difficult if not impossible.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading is a hard one for many. In today’s reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle. Indeed it would be impossible indeed for a camel, large as camels are, to go through the tiny eye of a needle. Some have interpreted this in light of the location, “Eye of the Needle,” which indeed camels are unable to pass through because it is too narrow. Other scholars point out that in Greek the word for camel and rope are spelled the exact same way, the only difference being the placement of the accent mark, absent from all the early manuscripts. Thus, the saying would read, a rope going through the eye of a needle. Regardless of what is intended, all three are difficult if not impossible.
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
When the Canaanite woman in today’s gospel passage came to Jesus looking for healing for her daughter, Jesus says to her, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 26). I can’t imagine Jesus being so prejudiced as to call an entire people “dogs.” This passage does not make sense especially if we consider that Jesus was very inclusive of all cultures otherwise. We think of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and how he offered her living waters. We think of how he appreciated the Good Samaritan in his parables as an example in charity. We think of how the pagan woman who was sick for twelve years was healed just by touching the hem of his garment. We think of the Roman centurion whose son was healed by Jesus purely by his word. Jesus commended his faith. In the context such inclusiveness that Jesus exhibited, today’s comments do not make sense. So why does he call the people of Israel children and non-Israelites dogs?
Today's Mass Readings
When the Canaanite woman in today’s gospel passage came to Jesus looking for healing for her daughter, Jesus says to her, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 26). I can’t imagine Jesus being so prejudiced as to call an entire people “dogs.” This passage does not make sense especially if we consider that Jesus was very inclusive of all cultures otherwise. We think of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and how he offered her living waters. We think of how he appreciated the Good Samaritan in his parables as an example in charity. We think of how the pagan woman who was sick for twelve years was healed just by touching the hem of his garment. We think of the Roman centurion whose son was healed by Jesus purely by his word. Jesus commended his faith. In the context such inclusiveness that Jesus exhibited, today’s comments do not make sense. So why does he call the people of Israel children and non-Israelites dogs?
Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Much ink has been spilled over what exactly Jesus means in today’s gospel reading. What is it precisely that Jesus is highlighting about the children that gives us insight into the Kingdom, which he says belongs to those “such as these”? (Mt 19:14). I think that there are several insights that can help us live as better disciples in today’s world.
Today's Mass Readings
Much ink has been spilled over what exactly Jesus means in today’s gospel reading. What is it precisely that Jesus is highlighting about the children that gives us insight into the Kingdom, which he says belongs to those “such as these”? (Mt 19:14). I think that there are several insights that can help us live as better disciples in today’s world.
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Such an important feast. It appears to me to be significant that although this dogma was believed by Christians, including Martin Luther after he left the Catholic Church, since the beginning, and is evidenced even before the medieval period, it was only in 1950, less than a decade after the end of World War II, that it was solemnly defined by the Pope. In a decade that had witnessed such a denial of the body, especially through the Holocaust, the Assumption stands out as hope to us all that we too may achieve the resurrection of the dead, as well as our transformed and glorified bodies. As today’s second reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians makes clear, such a resurrection hope is founded in Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Such an important feast. It appears to me to be significant that although this dogma was believed by Christians, including Martin Luther after he left the Catholic Church, since the beginning, and is evidenced even before the medieval period, it was only in 1950, less than a decade after the end of World War II, that it was solemnly defined by the Pope. In a decade that had witnessed such a denial of the body, especially through the Holocaust, the Assumption stands out as hope to us all that we too may achieve the resurrection of the dead, as well as our transformed and glorified bodies. As today’s second reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians makes clear, such a resurrection hope is founded in Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead.
Memorial of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus likens God the Father to a merciful king, who forgives the debt of one of his servants. Upon forgiving the debt, the king would expect that servant to show the same kind of mercy to anyone indebted to him. The failure to do so is understandably upsetting to the king. The parable recalls a line from the gospel of Luke 6:36: “Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful.” In other words, we are all sinners and hence owe a debt to God. God forgives that debt through Jesus, but our faith does not end there; rather, the knowledge that God has been merciful to us ought to spur us into action, being merciful to others.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus likens God the Father to a merciful king, who forgives the debt of one of his servants. Upon forgiving the debt, the king would expect that servant to show the same kind of mercy to anyone indebted to him. The failure to do so is understandably upsetting to the king. The parable recalls a line from the gospel of Luke 6:36: “Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful.” In other words, we are all sinners and hence owe a debt to God. God forgives that debt through Jesus, but our faith does not end there; rather, the knowledge that God has been merciful to us ought to spur us into action, being merciful to others.
Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Marking with a mark or a sign is a very common theme in the Old Testament. This in the book of Genesis, The Lord placed on Cain a mark so that no one who met him would strike him (Gen 4:15). This mark or the sign indicates that Cain is under the jurisdiction of the Lord, and that no one else will be able to harm him. A similar kind of thing is the mark of blood on the lintels and posts of doors and posts, when the angel of death passed through the roads of Egypt lamb (Exodus 12:7). Today’s first reading adds further significance to this theme. As we shall see later there is great Christian significance and meaning here as well.
Today's Mass Readings
Marking with a mark or a sign is a very common theme in the Old Testament. This in the book of Genesis, The Lord placed on Cain a mark so that no one who met him would strike him (Gen 4:15). This mark or the sign indicates that Cain is under the jurisdiction of the Lord, and that no one else will be able to harm him. A similar kind of thing is the mark of blood on the lintels and posts of doors and posts, when the angel of death passed through the roads of Egypt lamb (Exodus 12:7). Today’s first reading adds further significance to this theme. As we shall see later there is great Christian significance and meaning here as well.
Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
A theologian I know once pointed to an important theological book that he recommended his audience should read. It was not only an intellectual text dealing with theology, but it was also a beautifully written work that was of practical concern for anyone wishing to live the spiritual life, following Jesus. After he told us to read the book, he said we should read it again, and then eat it. Some people laughed at what was obviously a metaphor. There is a longstanding tradition within Judaism that when children first hear the word of God, the Shema on the oneness of God from Deuteronomy chapter 6, they are given a drop of honey. Both the theologian’s metaphor and the Jewish tradition linking honey with hearing the Word of God are inspired from today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Today's Mass Readings
A theologian I know once pointed to an important theological book that he recommended his audience should read. It was not only an intellectual text dealing with theology, but it was also a beautifully written work that was of practical concern for anyone wishing to live the spiritual life, following Jesus. After he told us to read the book, he said we should read it again, and then eat it. Some people laughed at what was obviously a metaphor. There is a longstanding tradition within Judaism that when children first hear the word of God, the Shema on the oneness of God from Deuteronomy chapter 6, they are given a drop of honey. Both the theologian’s metaphor and the Jewish tradition linking honey with hearing the Word of God are inspired from today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Memorial of Saint Clare
Today's Mass Readings
“Heaven and earth are filled with your glory” is the refrain for today’s responsorial psalm. This draws attention to two realms of Christian belief: both heaven and earth. And indeed, there is a certain “otherworldly” quality to the worldliness of Christians; we are meant to be occupied both with heaven and with earth. The saint whose feast we celebrate today – St. Clare of Assisi – is a great example of this. The eldest daughter of a wealthy family, her father expected her to marry well. Instead, her great Christian devotion prepared her to leave this wealthy lifestyle upon hearing St. Francis’s preaching. Clare became the founder of the order known as the Poor Clares, sisters who are dedicated to living a life of poverty.
Today's Mass Readings
“Heaven and earth are filled with your glory” is the refrain for today’s responsorial psalm. This draws attention to two realms of Christian belief: both heaven and earth. And indeed, there is a certain “otherworldly” quality to the worldliness of Christians; we are meant to be occupied both with heaven and with earth. The saint whose feast we celebrate today – St. Clare of Assisi – is a great example of this. The eldest daughter of a wealthy family, her father expected her to marry well. Instead, her great Christian devotion prepared her to leave this wealthy lifestyle upon hearing St. Francis’s preaching. Clare became the founder of the order known as the Poor Clares, sisters who are dedicated to living a life of poverty.
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today' s Mass Readings "
The gospel passage for today’s liturgy is very vivid. It tells us that the disciples cried out in fear thinking they were seeing a ghost. They, like any of us would be, were genuinely afraid. This is the scripture’s way of saying that fear is real.
Today' s Mass Readings "
The gospel passage for today’s liturgy is very vivid. It tells us that the disciples cried out in fear thinking they were seeing a ghost. They, like any of us would be, were genuinely afraid. This is the scripture’s way of saying that fear is real.
Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have a passage from the prophet Habakkuk. This is one of the shortest books in the entire Bible, composed of only three chapters. Habakkuk wrote during a tumultuous time for Judah – Babylon was breathing down its neck, winning decisive victories all around its borders. It wouldn’t be long before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity in 597 BC.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have a passage from the prophet Habakkuk. This is one of the shortest books in the entire Bible, composed of only three chapters. Habakkuk wrote during a tumultuous time for Judah – Babylon was breathing down its neck, winning decisive victories all around its borders. It wouldn’t be long before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity in 597 BC.
Memorial of Saint Dominic
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew includes a line we are all familiar with, namely, take up your cross. How many times have we heard that we each have a cross to bear? It might be difficult for us, however, to really grasp how challenging and shocking those words would have been for Jesus’ disciples. Keep in mind, when we hear about bearing our crosses, we already know about Jesus’ death by crucifixion, as well as His glorious resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven. But when the disciples first heard Jesus mention the importance of bearing their crosses, they didn’t quite get the fact that Jesus had to die on the cross. Jesus said as much only 3 verses earlier, but they didn’t get it then. Peter in fact actually rebuked Jesus when Jesus mentioned His own eventual death. The disciples probably would not fully understand what Jesus had to do until after the resurrection.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew includes a line we are all familiar with, namely, take up your cross. How many times have we heard that we each have a cross to bear? It might be difficult for us, however, to really grasp how challenging and shocking those words would have been for Jesus’ disciples. Keep in mind, when we hear about bearing our crosses, we already know about Jesus’ death by crucifixion, as well as His glorious resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven. But when the disciples first heard Jesus mention the importance of bearing their crosses, they didn’t quite get the fact that Jesus had to die on the cross. Jesus said as much only 3 verses earlier, but they didn’t get it then. Peter in fact actually rebuked Jesus when Jesus mentioned His own eventual death. The disciples probably would not fully understand what Jesus had to do until after the resurrection.
Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, we read about a new covenant whose laws are written on our hearts. The Lord specifically contrasts this new covenant with the old covenant forged with the Israelites at Mount Sinai in Exodus.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, we read about a new covenant whose laws are written on our hearts. The Lord specifically contrasts this new covenant with the old covenant forged with the Israelites at Mount Sinai in Exodus.
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
As with understanding most anything from a movie to a newspaper article, or more importantly scripture, the context of the story can play a tremendous role in assimilating the content. The context can include many elements, however for brevities sake the narrative is focus for today’s reflection.
Today's Mass Readings
As with understanding most anything from a movie to a newspaper article, or more importantly scripture, the context of the story can play a tremendous role in assimilating the content. The context can include many elements, however for brevities sake the narrative is focus for today’s reflection.
Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
AS yesterday's first reading, the beginning of today’s first reading from Jeremiah also seems very negative. If we were just left with verses 12-15 we might despair. The context in Scripture, however, is one in which God is the Savior of His people. The broader context, both before and after these verses, is God’s promise to restore His people. They have suffered because of the fruit of their sins. In desiring to be like the other nations they became like the other nations: they grew in strength, and wealth, and committed idolatry. The other nations, both Assyria and Babylon, came in and wiped out their up-and-coming competitor, Israel, who at this point had been divided in two through their further transgressions.
Today's Mass Readings
AS yesterday's first reading, the beginning of today’s first reading from Jeremiah also seems very negative. If we were just left with verses 12-15 we might despair. The context in Scripture, however, is one in which God is the Savior of His people. The broader context, both before and after these verses, is God’s promise to restore His people. They have suffered because of the fruit of their sins. In desiring to be like the other nations they became like the other nations: they grew in strength, and wealth, and committed idolatry. The other nations, both Assyria and Babylon, came in and wiped out their up-and-coming competitor, Israel, who at this point had been divided in two through their further transgressions.
Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah tells the story of a sort of prophecy competition between Hananiah and Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s message to the people has consistently been a negative one, warning the people of suffering. Hananiah, meanwhile, promises peace to the people, and the recovery of their own self-government. Jeremiah desires peace as much as any other person. But Jeremiah does not think it is necessarily realistic, especially because the people have not repented as they ought to have. It’s easy to see that Hananiah would have been a more popular prophet than Jeremiah. Who wants to hear about death, destruction, woe, and misery when you can look forward instead to a brighter future of freedom, peace, and prosperity? Jeremiah, then, represents what the people don’t want to hear.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah tells the story of a sort of prophecy competition between Hananiah and Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s message to the people has consistently been a negative one, warning the people of suffering. Hananiah, meanwhile, promises peace to the people, and the recovery of their own self-government. Jeremiah desires peace as much as any other person. But Jeremiah does not think it is necessarily realistic, especially because the people have not repented as they ought to have. It’s easy to see that Hananiah would have been a more popular prophet than Jeremiah. Who wants to hear about death, destruction, woe, and misery when you can look forward instead to a brighter future of freedom, peace, and prosperity? Jeremiah, then, represents what the people don’t want to hear.