Learn How to Extend Mercy to Others"
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Daniel is a powerful reading. Unfortunately, it is not in most Protestant Old Testaments, since it is one of the deuterocanonical portions of the Old Testament (Judith, Tobit, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, First and Second Maccabees, and portions of Esther and Daniel) that most Protestant communities do not include in their Bibles. It was included in the Bibles used by the earliest Christians and the apostles, the Septuagint Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. We know this because the overwhelming majority of Old Testament citations in the New Testament are from the Septuagint. This prayer from the Book of Daniel has inspired theologians and artists throughout over two millennia.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Daniel is a powerful reading. Unfortunately, it is not in most Protestant Old Testaments, since it is one of the deuterocanonical portions of the Old Testament (Judith, Tobit, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, First and Second Maccabees, and portions of Esther and Daniel) that most Protestant communities do not include in their Bibles. It was included in the Bibles used by the earliest Christians and the apostles, the Septuagint Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. We know this because the overwhelming majority of Old Testament citations in the New Testament are from the Septuagint. This prayer from the Book of Daniel has inspired theologians and artists throughout over two millennia.
Universality of Jesus"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings are a beautiful demonstration of the benefit of reading the Old Testament together with the New Testament. Jesus’ comments in the gospel reading show how familiar he was with the Hebrew Scriptures. Moreover, today’s passages show us that the Old Testament should be read in light of Christ. What exactly is Jesus’ message today?
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings are a beautiful demonstration of the benefit of reading the Old Testament together with the New Testament. Jesus’ comments in the gospel reading show how familiar he was with the Hebrew Scriptures. Moreover, today’s passages show us that the Old Testament should be read in light of Christ. What exactly is Jesus’ message today?
"Desires"
Today's Mass Readings
The story of the Samaritan woman in today's gospel readings is not the story of a woman who lives two thousand years ago. It is your story and mine. Who among does not desire acceptance. Who among us does not desire love? Who among us does not desire comfort? Who among us does not desire companionship? Who among us does not desire freedom from anxiety? All of us have desires and desires are God’s gift to us. Its what we do with them that is what is important.
Today's Mass Readings
The story of the Samaritan woman in today's gospel readings is not the story of a woman who lives two thousand years ago. It is your story and mine. Who among does not desire acceptance. Who among us does not desire love? Who among us does not desire comfort? Who among us does not desire companionship? Who among us does not desire freedom from anxiety? All of us have desires and desires are God’s gift to us. Its what we do with them that is what is important.
A Lavish God
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel might initially wash over us as the story we’ve heard many, many times of the “Prodigal Son” who lavishly spends his inheritance on pleasures and is left tending the swine and desiring their food. He then returns to his father to beg for mercy.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel might initially wash over us as the story we’ve heard many, many times of the “Prodigal Son” who lavishly spends his inheritance on pleasures and is left tending the swine and desiring their food. He then returns to his father to beg for mercy.
Who Do We Say Jesus Is?"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Friday of the second week in Lent, but it is also the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle, and the readings for today go along with that feast. The focus of the first reading and responsorial psalm is on shepherding. The responsorial psalm is a particularly striking one, Psalm 23, which is often read at both Christian and Jewish funerals to this day. The Lord is our shepherd, and He is the model shepherd. St. Peter, and all of the popes, are particularly called to model their role as shepherds after the Lord, the true shepherd of all.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Friday of the second week in Lent, but it is also the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle, and the readings for today go along with that feast. The focus of the first reading and responsorial psalm is on shepherding. The responsorial psalm is a particularly striking one, Psalm 23, which is often read at both Christian and Jewish funerals to this day. The Lord is our shepherd, and He is the model shepherd. St. Peter, and all of the popes, are particularly called to model their role as shepherds after the Lord, the true shepherd of all.
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
“Blessed are they who hope in the Lord” (Ps. 40:5a) is today’s psalm response. The first reading from Jeremiah picks up on this theme of hope in a dramatic comparison between a barren desert bush and a tree planted beside waters. While the former never changes in its barrenness, the latter never changes in its fruitfulness. Those who hope in God are “always green,” always full of life, regardless of the circumstances.
Today's Mass Readings
“Blessed are they who hope in the Lord” (Ps. 40:5a) is today’s psalm response. The first reading from Jeremiah picks up on this theme of hope in a dramatic comparison between a barren desert bush and a tree planted beside waters. While the former never changes in its barrenness, the latter never changes in its fruitfulness. Those who hope in God are “always green,” always full of life, regardless of the circumstances.
"The Dangerous Life of the Prophet"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings teach that the life of the prophet is deadly. Indeed, of the many recurring themes found in the Old Testament, the one which links prophecy with certain death is among the most prevalent; most of the prophets of Ancient Israel were persecuted and killed by their own people. The Second Vatican Council teaches that as disciples of Jesus, each of us is called to share in Christ’s threefold ministry as priest, prophet and king (cf. Lumen Gentium). It therefore goes without saying that as prophets each of us is also called to lay down our lives in prophetic witness to the Gospel. Yet, from the relative comfort of Middle America, the prospect of dying for our faith seems remote. How then may we relate today’s readings to the particulars of our contemporary Christian situation? I’d like to suggest three practical ways in which today’s readings are relevant to the current Middle American context.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings teach that the life of the prophet is deadly. Indeed, of the many recurring themes found in the Old Testament, the one which links prophecy with certain death is among the most prevalent; most of the prophets of Ancient Israel were persecuted and killed by their own people. The Second Vatican Council teaches that as disciples of Jesus, each of us is called to share in Christ’s threefold ministry as priest, prophet and king (cf. Lumen Gentium). It therefore goes without saying that as prophets each of us is also called to lay down our lives in prophetic witness to the Gospel. Yet, from the relative comfort of Middle America, the prospect of dying for our faith seems remote. How then may we relate today’s readings to the particulars of our contemporary Christian situation? I’d like to suggest three practical ways in which today’s readings are relevant to the current Middle American context.
"God Casts Away Our Sins"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is a powerful reading. I would recommend setting aside some time to day to meditate over it, especially 1:16-19. Of all the Old Testament Prophets, Isaiah has some of the most moving passages concerning the forgiveness of sins and God's mercy.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is a powerful reading. I would recommend setting aside some time to day to meditate over it, especially 1:16-19. Of all the Old Testament Prophets, Isaiah has some of the most moving passages concerning the forgiveness of sins and God's mercy.
"Your Father is Merciful"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading and responsorial psalm for today bring out an important theme of the season of Lent: human sinfulness. The passage from Daniel even numbers some of these sins, including ignoring the prophets and not following God’s commands. The word “rebelled” even appears twice in this passage; it indicates that to sin is deliberately to go against God. Sinning is hence not just a choice for something, but also a choice against something, namely, God. Recognizing this, the psalmist cries out “Lord, do not deal with us according to our sin” (103:10a). The rest of this psalm consists of pleading to God.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading and responsorial psalm for today bring out an important theme of the season of Lent: human sinfulness. The passage from Daniel even numbers some of these sins, including ignoring the prophets and not following God’s commands. The word “rebelled” even appears twice in this passage; it indicates that to sin is deliberately to go against God. Sinning is hence not just a choice for something, but also a choice against something, namely, God. Recognizing this, the psalmist cries out “Lord, do not deal with us according to our sin” (103:10a). The rest of this psalm consists of pleading to God.
The Touch of God"
Today's Mass Readings
Both Abraham in the first reading and Peter, James and John in the Gospel have a powerful experience of God. The experience is so powerful that they are willing to make radial changes. Abraham is asked to uproot his whole family and move to a place he has no idea of. Peter, James and John are willing to set up tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah – (they do not even think about themselves) and remain on the top of the mountain. For them to such life-changing decisions, something significant must have happened.
Today's Mass Readings
Both Abraham in the first reading and Peter, James and John in the Gospel have a powerful experience of God. The experience is so powerful that they are willing to make radial changes. Abraham is asked to uproot his whole family and move to a place he has no idea of. Peter, James and John are willing to set up tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah – (they do not even think about themselves) and remain on the top of the mountain. For them to such life-changing decisions, something significant must have happened.
Being Perfect"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have the narrative of the establishment of the covenant between God and the Hebrews through the prophet Moses. This ends the section of Deuteronomy (or “Second Law”) which expounds on the law. Both parties of the covenant – God and the Hebrews – are to keep up their ends of the agreement. The Hebrews “are to walk in [God’s] ways and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees” (Dt 26:17) and God will make them His chosen people.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have the narrative of the establishment of the covenant between God and the Hebrews through the prophet Moses. This ends the section of Deuteronomy (or “Second Law”) which expounds on the law. Both parties of the covenant – God and the Hebrews – are to keep up their ends of the agreement. The Hebrews “are to walk in [God’s] ways and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees” (Dt 26:17) and God will make them His chosen people.
Seek, Knock, Ask"
Today's Mass Readings
HAPPY FEAST OF LOVE/VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
In the dramatic first reading for today, Esther along with her handmaids pray, even plead, to the LORD. Her situation, and all of Israel’s in exile is desperate. They are living under a foreign king, and one of the members of the king’s royal court has asked for their deaths. Esther and her companions hence do that which is in keeping with their formation as Jews: they fast, they don sackcloth and ashes (signs of repentance), and they beseech the LORD to rescue them. Esther’s actions here are a beautiful testimony to her loyal faith in the God of Israel. Certainly, what Esther asks of God is a big request; she asks to be saved, to have her mourning turned into gladness, her sorrow into wholeness.
Today's Mass Readings
HAPPY FEAST OF LOVE/VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
In the dramatic first reading for today, Esther along with her handmaids pray, even plead, to the LORD. Her situation, and all of Israel’s in exile is desperate. They are living under a foreign king, and one of the members of the king’s royal court has asked for their deaths. Esther and her companions hence do that which is in keeping with their formation as Jews: they fast, they don sackcloth and ashes (signs of repentance), and they beseech the LORD to rescue them. Esther’s actions here are a beautiful testimony to her loyal faith in the God of Israel. Certainly, what Esther asks of God is a big request; she asks to be saved, to have her mourning turned into gladness, her sorrow into wholeness.
God Grants Life to Those Who Turn to Him"
Today's Mass Readings
It is easy to read today's readings and get depressed. "And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die" (Ezekiel 18:24).
Today's Mass Readings
It is easy to read today's readings and get depressed. "And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die" (Ezekiel 18:24).
A Humbled and Contrite Heart"
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of today’s readings can be captured in the Psalm response: “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn” (Ps 51.:19). Contrition, repentance, conversion are words that summarize this theme. However, to understand this theme we first need to understand the rationale for the call to repentance in both the readings.
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of today’s readings can be captured in the Psalm response: “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn” (Ps 51.:19). Contrition, repentance, conversion are words that summarize this theme. However, to understand this theme we first need to understand the rationale for the call to repentance in both the readings.
"Prayer: A Three-Fold Life-Changing Experience"
Today's Mass Readings
For how many of us is prayer more like our own monologue than true dialogue with God? I know this is often the case in my own life. And sometimes this is ok. Sometimes it is sufficient to just pour out our soul to God. He is there to listen. God wants us to speak to Him. But this is not all that prayer is. Lent is a season of prayer. All liturgical seasons, by definition, are seasons of prayer. But Lent is a special season, because, like Advent, Lent is a spiritual pilgrimage. In Advent our pilgrimage is to the Nativity, to Jesus' birth. In Lent, our pilgrimage is to the Resurrection, to Easter.
Today's Mass Readings
For how many of us is prayer more like our own monologue than true dialogue with God? I know this is often the case in my own life. And sometimes this is ok. Sometimes it is sufficient to just pour out our soul to God. He is there to listen. God wants us to speak to Him. But this is not all that prayer is. Lent is a season of prayer. All liturgical seasons, by definition, are seasons of prayer. But Lent is a special season, because, like Advent, Lent is a spiritual pilgrimage. In Advent our pilgrimage is to the Nativity, to Jesus' birth. In Lent, our pilgrimage is to the Resurrection, to Easter.
Instruction in Holiness"
Today's Mass Readings
Our two readings today, together with the psalm, seem to focus on instruction – we might even say “rules” or “commands.” In the passage from Leviticus, the LORD gives Moses instructions to give to the people of Israel. Each of these commands begins with a teaching about interacting with others and ends with “I am the LORD.” This indicates that rightness in our actions with others has its source in knowing that God is the LORD. We know that he is holy, and therefore that we who follow him should also be holy.
Today's Mass Readings
Our two readings today, together with the psalm, seem to focus on instruction – we might even say “rules” or “commands.” In the passage from Leviticus, the LORD gives Moses instructions to give to the people of Israel. Each of these commands begins with a teaching about interacting with others and ends with “I am the LORD.” This indicates that rightness in our actions with others has its source in knowing that God is the LORD. We know that he is holy, and therefore that we who follow him should also be holy.
Good and Evil"
Today's Mass Readings
Evil! The face of evil, the presence of evil, the effects of evil, the origin of evil; these are the issues that we are faced with in today’s readings. Let us admit, life would be so much better without evil in the world. I mean imagine a day on which no one was killed, robbed, cheated, divorced, aborted, raped. Imagine a world where everyone had enough, people did not hoard things but selflessly shared, where no child dies of starvation or lack of attention. Just imagine one day when the whole world was happy!
Today's Mass Readings
Evil! The face of evil, the presence of evil, the effects of evil, the origin of evil; these are the issues that we are faced with in today’s readings. Let us admit, life would be so much better without evil in the world. I mean imagine a day on which no one was killed, robbed, cheated, divorced, aborted, raped. Imagine a world where everyone had enough, people did not hoard things but selflessly shared, where no child dies of starvation or lack of attention. Just imagine one day when the whole world was happy!
O Lord… I Am Afflicted and Poor" (Ps 86:1)
Today's Mass Readings
As we close these opening days of Lent and enter into the first full week of this penitential season we reflect in a particular way on our sinfulness and on penance for it.
In today’s first reading (Is 58:9b-14), Isaiah teaches us well that penance is a verb. It is something that we do. It takes some effort. It often manifests itself in actions of charity toward others – “bestow your bread on the hungry,” “honor [the Sabbath] by not following your ways, seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice” (Isaiah 58:10, 13). Entering into practices of self-denial in Lent should make us more charitable people, if not, something is wrong with our spirit.
Today's Mass Readings
As we close these opening days of Lent and enter into the first full week of this penitential season we reflect in a particular way on our sinfulness and on penance for it.
In today’s first reading (Is 58:9b-14), Isaiah teaches us well that penance is a verb. It is something that we do. It takes some effort. It often manifests itself in actions of charity toward others – “bestow your bread on the hungry,” “honor [the Sabbath] by not following your ways, seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice” (Isaiah 58:10, 13). Entering into practices of self-denial in Lent should make us more charitable people, if not, something is wrong with our spirit.
Fasting By Doing Good"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the first Friday during Lent, and therefore, a special day for penance. Catholics have become famous for the Friday penance of abstaining for meat for all those who are safely and charitably able and are 14 year of age or older. Penance, however, is a much misunderstood concept.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the first Friday during Lent, and therefore, a special day for penance. Catholics have become famous for the Friday penance of abstaining for meat for all those who are safely and charitably able and are 14 year of age or older. Penance, however, is a much misunderstood concept.
Rend Your Hearts, Not Your Garments"
Today's Mass Readings
Today, we begin the holy season of Lent. This reflection will focus on what is really important during to address during Lent – relationships. There are three relationships we are urged to pay attention to: our relationship with God (Mt 6: 1-4), with others (Mt 6: 5-15) and with self (Mt 6: 16-18). At the end of the Lenten season if we can find ourselves in deeper and healthier relationship with God, others, and self, then our Easter joy will indeed be a divine experience.
The gospel reading leads us in the direction of relationships. Jesus picks out three areas that his disciples need to focus on: almsgiving (relationship with others), prayer (relationship with God), and fasting (relationship with self).
Today's Mass Readings
Today, we begin the holy season of Lent. This reflection will focus on what is really important during to address during Lent – relationships. There are three relationships we are urged to pay attention to: our relationship with God (Mt 6: 1-4), with others (Mt 6: 5-15) and with self (Mt 6: 16-18). At the end of the Lenten season if we can find ourselves in deeper and healthier relationship with God, others, and self, then our Easter joy will indeed be a divine experience.
The gospel reading leads us in the direction of relationships. Jesus picks out three areas that his disciples need to focus on: almsgiving (relationship with others), prayer (relationship with God), and fasting (relationship with self).