Tradition"
Today's Mass Readings
In Christian tradition, Judas Iscariot is remembered as the great traitor, the one of whom the Lord said, “woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” The Gospel story of Judas’ betrayal may seem oddly juxtaposed to the Messianic prophecy in the first reading, but the two readings are in fact quite complimentary.
Today's Mass Readings
In Christian tradition, Judas Iscariot is remembered as the great traitor, the one of whom the Lord said, “woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” The Gospel story of Judas’ betrayal may seem oddly juxtaposed to the Messianic prophecy in the first reading, but the two readings are in fact quite complimentary.
Jesus the Light of the Nations"
Today's Mass Readings
There are many levels that today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah can be read. For one thing, we see the affirmation of life in the womb. God knows us from the womb. At another level, we can understand this passage as relating to the prophet Isaiah himself, as the servant called by God. And yet, the passage itself gives this servant a name: Israel.
The Journey of Human Redemption"
Palm Sunday Readings
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Every devout Jew of Jesus’ time knew the meaning of him entering the city “riding on a donkey.” Jesus himself knew what he was doing, and his supporters and enemies knew the claim that Jesus was making. Jesus was announcing in the most obvious way his role in the history of human salvation. Jesus was staking his claim as the messiah and redeemer. However, Palm Sunday begins the journey of Jesus into the deepest recesses of human sin. But because he entered the story of human darkness as the messiah, the same journey became the story of human redemption from darkness and death.
Palm Sunday Readings
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Every devout Jew of Jesus’ time knew the meaning of him entering the city “riding on a donkey.” Jesus himself knew what he was doing, and his supporters and enemies knew the claim that Jesus was making. Jesus was announcing in the most obvious way his role in the history of human salvation. Jesus was staking his claim as the messiah and redeemer. However, Palm Sunday begins the journey of Jesus into the deepest recesses of human sin. But because he entered the story of human darkness as the messiah, the same journey became the story of human redemption from darkness and death.
A Righteous Man Indeed"
Today's Mass Readings
Standing at the threshold of Holy Week, the holiest week of the entire year, we pause in our Lenten preparation to celebrate a solemnity – the highest order of celebration in the Church – in honor of Joseph, husband of Mary. Since there may be no solemnities celebrated during Holy Week, the day in honor of St. Joseph is moved to today (normally celebrated on 19 March).
Today's Mass Readings
Standing at the threshold of Holy Week, the holiest week of the entire year, we pause in our Lenten preparation to celebrate a solemnity – the highest order of celebration in the Church – in honor of Joseph, husband of Mary. Since there may be no solemnities celebrated during Holy Week, the day in honor of St. Joseph is moved to today (normally celebrated on 19 March).
The Lord Will Rescue the Poor"
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah looks forward to Good Friday, next week, when we liturgically celebrate Jesus' passion and death. In this reading, the prophet Jeremiah laments his difficult plight. He is following the Lord, but his preaching has upset the people, so that even his friends wait for him to fall down to have their vengeance.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah looks forward to Good Friday, next week, when we liturgically celebrate Jesus' passion and death. In this reading, the prophet Jeremiah laments his difficult plight. He is following the Lord, but his preaching has upset the people, so that even his friends wait for him to fall down to have their vengeance.
God Remembers His Covenant Forever"
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout the Bible the issue of God's covenant comes up. We see this in the stories of Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and again in the New Testament with Jesus. Covenants in the ancient world in which the Israelites lived, were about families. When people entered into covenants, they extended family relationships. The best example of this is marriage. People who once were not related, enter into an unbreakable family relationship.
Today's Mass Readings
Throughout the Bible the issue of God's covenant comes up. We see this in the stories of Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and again in the New Testament with Jesus. Covenants in the ancient world in which the Israelites lived, were about families. When people entered into covenants, they extended family relationships. The best example of this is marriage. People who once were not related, enter into an unbreakable family relationship.
The Truth will Set You Free"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings on the periphery seem to the disconnected. However, Jesus’ phrase “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31), provides the overriding theme for today. What is the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “ the truth will set you free?” This reflection will try to provide an answer to that question.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings on the periphery seem to the disconnected. However, Jesus’ phrase “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31), provides the overriding theme for today. What is the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “ the truth will set you free?” This reflection will try to provide an answer to that question.
When the Son of Man is Lifted Up"
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are so rich in their intertextuality. In today's reading from the Gospel of John Jesus speaks to a crowd about His being lifted up and taken away. Some in the crowd recognize that what Jesus says somehow relates to His own death, but they wonder whether He is speaking about suicide (8:22). Jesus' language here is very symbolically charged. He is not speaking plainly, but is weaving together imagery, particularly from the Books of Exodus and Numbers, which at least some of the Pharisees who are in the audience, might be expected to catch.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are so rich in their intertextuality. In today's reading from the Gospel of John Jesus speaks to a crowd about His being lifted up and taken away. Some in the crowd recognize that what Jesus says somehow relates to His own death, but they wonder whether He is speaking about suicide (8:22). Jesus' language here is very symbolically charged. He is not speaking plainly, but is weaving together imagery, particularly from the Books of Exodus and Numbers, which at least some of the Pharisees who are in the audience, might be expected to catch.
Not to Condemn, but to Save
Today's Mass Readings
The juxtaposition of today’s first reading and gospel are intriguing. At first read, we might think that the two women in these stories represent complete opposites. Susanna from the Book of Daniel is described as God-fearing and married to a very well-respected man. When confronted with the choices between remaining innocent yet being convicted and sinning yet going free, she chooses to be falsely accused. Her integrity before God is her first priority, despite knowing how others will judge her. The woman described in the Gospel of John passage, on the other hand, was caught in the very act of adultery. Clearly she is guilty.
Today's Mass Readings
The juxtaposition of today’s first reading and gospel are intriguing. At first read, we might think that the two women in these stories represent complete opposites. Susanna from the Book of Daniel is described as God-fearing and married to a very well-respected man. When confronted with the choices between remaining innocent yet being convicted and sinning yet going free, she chooses to be falsely accused. Her integrity before God is her first priority, despite knowing how others will judge her. The woman described in the Gospel of John passage, on the other hand, was caught in the very act of adultery. Clearly she is guilty.
"Do You Beleive This?
Sunday Mass Readings
Jesus asked Martha “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11: 25-26)She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world” (Jn 11:27). This is not the first time you heard this statement during this lent. Let us go two Sundays back. The Samaritan woman at the well after her conversation with Jesus said the same thing. She had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. (Jn 4: 1-42). In last Sunday’s Gospel, the blind man who was cured, after his confrontation with the Pharisees is asked by Jesus, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (Jn 9: 35). The blind man said, “Yes Lord I believe,” and he worshipped him (Jn 9:36).
Sunday Mass Readings
Jesus asked Martha “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11: 25-26)She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world” (Jn 11:27). This is not the first time you heard this statement during this lent. Let us go two Sundays back. The Samaritan woman at the well after her conversation with Jesus said the same thing. She had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. (Jn 4: 1-42). In last Sunday’s Gospel, the blind man who was cured, after his confrontation with the Pharisees is asked by Jesus, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (Jn 9: 35). The blind man said, “Yes Lord I believe,” and he worshipped him (Jn 9:36).
Expecting Someone?"
Today's Mass Readings
There is an interesting interplay in today’s readings on the relationship between God’s power and human power.
In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we hear the emphasis on God as the one who knows all, “I knew their plot because the LORD informed me; at that time you, O LORD, showed me their doings” (Jer 11:18). All knowledge comes from God, yet of course as did Jeremiah, we don’t realize what God is telling us. We also see in this reading that God, God alone, is the bearer of vengeance, “Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause!” (Jer 11:20). Striking is Jeremiah’s desire for vengeance, but he knows that he has not the power to carry it out himself; that is God’s alone.
Today's Mass Readings
There is an interesting interplay in today’s readings on the relationship between God’s power and human power.
In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we hear the emphasis on God as the one who knows all, “I knew their plot because the LORD informed me; at that time you, O LORD, showed me their doings” (Jer 11:18). All knowledge comes from God, yet of course as did Jeremiah, we don’t realize what God is telling us. We also see in this reading that God, God alone, is the bearer of vengeance, “Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause!” (Jer 11:20). Striking is Jeremiah’s desire for vengeance, but he knows that he has not the power to carry it out himself; that is God’s alone.
Better to be Brokenhearted than Wicked"
Today's Mass Readings
Today's is the Friday of the fourth week of Lent, and the first reading today from the Wisdom of Solomon is appropriate for it looks forward to Good Friday, only two weeks away. This reading from the Book of Wisdom, is not found in most Protestant Old Testaments, but it is the only Old Testament passage that mentions the precise phrase "son of God," which the New Testament will use so often to describe Jesus. It is also one of the clearest Old Testament passages that relate to Jesus.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's is the Friday of the fourth week of Lent, and the first reading today from the Wisdom of Solomon is appropriate for it looks forward to Good Friday, only two weeks away. This reading from the Book of Wisdom, is not found in most Protestant Old Testaments, but it is the only Old Testament passage that mentions the precise phrase "son of God," which the New Testament will use so often to describe Jesus. It is also one of the clearest Old Testament passages that relate to Jesus.
The Mystery of the Holy Trinity"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel Jesus’ discusses his relationship with God the Father. While both Scripture and Tradition proclaim the divinity of Jesus, the New Testament writers and the early Fathers of the Church were not always in agreement as to the precise meaning of Jesus’ divinity and lordship. Most Christians are surprised when they learn that it took nearly 300 years for the Church to finally arrive at a precise definition of Christ’s divinity.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel Jesus’ discusses his relationship with God the Father. While both Scripture and Tradition proclaim the divinity of Jesus, the New Testament writers and the early Fathers of the Church were not always in agreement as to the precise meaning of Jesus’ divinity and lordship. Most Christians are surprised when they learn that it took nearly 300 years for the Church to finally arrive at a precise definition of Christ’s divinity.
Let Your Life Bear Testimony"
Today's Mass Readings
It seems to be a part of the fallen human condition that we constantly seek other things or people to take the place of God. This is manifested in the first reading from Exodus in such an explicit way: the people make an idol and worship it as the God of Israel. It is no wonder that God is described as angry… after rescuing his people from Egypt, these same people return the favor by worshiping an idol! Moses’ petition on their behalf saves them.
Today's Mass Readings
It seems to be a part of the fallen human condition that we constantly seek other things or people to take the place of God. This is manifested in the first reading from Exodus in such an explicit way: the people make an idol and worship it as the God of Israel. It is no wonder that God is described as angry… after rescuing his people from Egypt, these same people return the favor by worshiping an idol! Moses’ petition on their behalf saves them.
Jesus' Waters of Life"
Today's Mass Readings
One of the debates we encounter throughout John's Gospel, for example in today's reading and in this past Sunday's reading, is the issue of what constitutes work on the Sabbath. In the case of these readings, the question revolves around healing. Can one heal on the Sabbath? Jesus' answer would clearly be yes, one can heal on the Sabbath. But there is far more than simply the first century Jewish debate about what constitutes working on the Sabbath at issue here in today's Gospel text.
Today's Mass Readings
One of the debates we encounter throughout John's Gospel, for example in today's reading and in this past Sunday's reading, is the issue of what constitutes work on the Sabbath. In the case of these readings, the question revolves around healing. Can one heal on the Sabbath? Jesus' answer would clearly be yes, one can heal on the Sabbath. But there is far more than simply the first century Jewish debate about what constitutes working on the Sabbath at issue here in today's Gospel text.
You Have Rescued Me, Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
We are about half-way done with Lent. In the next few weeks, our readings focus less on the penitential aspects and more on preparation for Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection, which will redeem us. Today's response in the psalm summarizes this turn in theme: "I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me" (Ps. 30:2a). The beautiful first reading from Isaiah speaks of the "new creation," and of God rejoicing in his people. Sadness and tragedy will be gone, replaced by exultation in this new creation.
Today's Mass Readings
We are about half-way done with Lent. In the next few weeks, our readings focus less on the penitential aspects and more on preparation for Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection, which will redeem us. Today's response in the psalm summarizes this turn in theme: "I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me" (Ps. 30:2a). The beautiful first reading from Isaiah speaks of the "new creation," and of God rejoicing in his people. Sadness and tragedy will be gone, replaced by exultation in this new creation.
Light and Darkness"
Today's Mass Readings
The incident that John narrates is not a simple account of healing. It is an account of people who are physically in darkness and yet they see, and the account of those who are physically in the light but really are in darkness. There are those who are naturally blind and there are those who have turned away from the light. The blind man comes to Jesus to have his sight restored. But apart from his sight, it is his faith, it is his life that is restored in a slow process.
Today's Mass Readings
The incident that John narrates is not a simple account of healing. It is an account of people who are physically in darkness and yet they see, and the account of those who are physically in the light but really are in darkness. There are those who are naturally blind and there are those who have turned away from the light. The blind man comes to Jesus to have his sight restored. But apart from his sight, it is his faith, it is his life that is restored in a slow process.
A Contrite Spirit"
Today's Mass Readings
The great Catholic fiction writer, Flannery O’Connor wrote a short story entitled “Revelation” in which the main character, Mrs. Turpin, is a Southern white farmer who is basically a nice lady. She’s social, keeps up a nice appearance, and is well-respected. Yet, by way of the narrator, we get a glimpse into Mrs. Turpin’s head and at one point we see her reflecting:
“If it’s one thing I am… it’s grateful. When I think of all I could’ve been besides myself and what all I got, a little of everything, and a good disposition besides, I just feel like shouting, ‘Thank you, Jesus, for making everything the way that it is! It could’ve been different’”
Today's Mass Readings
The great Catholic fiction writer, Flannery O’Connor wrote a short story entitled “Revelation” in which the main character, Mrs. Turpin, is a Southern white farmer who is basically a nice lady. She’s social, keeps up a nice appearance, and is well-respected. Yet, by way of the narrator, we get a glimpse into Mrs. Turpin’s head and at one point we see her reflecting:
“If it’s one thing I am… it’s grateful. When I think of all I could’ve been besides myself and what all I got, a little of everything, and a good disposition besides, I just feel like shouting, ‘Thank you, Jesus, for making everything the way that it is! It could’ve been different’”
The Love of God and the Love of Neighbor"
Today's Mass Readings
In a moving scene from the movie "Romero," Fr. Rotilio Grande asks the question, "how can I love God, Who I do not see, if I do not love my brother who I do see?" This is a rephrasing of that famous line from the First Letter of St. John, which reads: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen" (4:20). In a sense, this captures the essence of today's readings.
Today's Mass Readings
In a moving scene from the movie "Romero," Fr. Rotilio Grande asks the question, "how can I love God, Who I do not see, if I do not love my brother who I do see?" This is a rephrasing of that famous line from the First Letter of St. John, which reads: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen" (4:20). In a sense, this captures the essence of today's readings.
Harden Not Your Hearts"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings pose a challenge to us by presenting a choice or warning. The powerful passage from Jeremiah the prophet describes how the people of Israel have failed in following the LORD their God. “They walked in the hardness of their hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me” (Jer. 7:24b). And they did this after all that God had done for them, saving them from Egypt so they could be God’s people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings pose a challenge to us by presenting a choice or warning. The powerful passage from Jeremiah the prophet describes how the people of Israel have failed in following the LORD their God. “They walked in the hardness of their hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me” (Jer. 7:24b). And they did this after all that God had done for them, saving them from Egypt so they could be God’s people.