Life and Death and Life
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading (Deut 30:15-20), Moses presents the Israelite people with a choice: they can choose either life or death, blessing or curse, the one true God or many false gods and idols. This choice is a constant theme throughout the Old Testament, and the Hebrew people struggle, sometimes choosing false gods, and sometimes turning to God. It is a choice and a struggle that has great consequences. In choosing for God, the people can be assured of God’s protections. In abandoning God, however, the people may face their own destruction.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading (Deut 30:15-20), Moses presents the Israelite people with a choice: they can choose either life or death, blessing or curse, the one true God or many false gods and idols. This choice is a constant theme throughout the Old Testament, and the Hebrew people struggle, sometimes choosing false gods, and sometimes turning to God. It is a choice and a struggle that has great consequences. In choosing for God, the people can be assured of God’s protections. In abandoning God, however, the people may face their own destruction.
Divided and Whole
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading tells the story of how David’s kingdom split apart. God has promised an everlasting throne to the house of David, but Absalom, David’s son, has taken that throne by force, overthrowing his father. David and his officers leave the city in sorrow, only to run into a kinsman of Saul, whom David replaced as king. It is another dramatic turn of events among many other dramatic turns of events: just last week we heard of David’s adultery and arrangement of another man’s murder and David’s sorrowful penitence. In Absalom’s usurpation of his father’s power, the Davidic kingdom has been split apart.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading tells the story of how David’s kingdom split apart. God has promised an everlasting throne to the house of David, but Absalom, David’s son, has taken that throne by force, overthrowing his father. David and his officers leave the city in sorrow, only to run into a kinsman of Saul, whom David replaced as king. It is another dramatic turn of events among many other dramatic turns of events: just last week we heard of David’s adultery and arrangement of another man’s murder and David’s sorrowful penitence. In Absalom’s usurpation of his father’s power, the Davidic kingdom has been split apart.
Our Mourning Will Turn Into Joy"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the last day of Ordinary Time before the season of Lent begins. It is Mardis Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Today is intended to be a joyful day of celebration before the Lenten season. We are joyful, not because it is the last day to be joyful before Easter, but rather because we are excited for the journey we are about to undergo. The season of Lent is a 40 day spiritual pilgrimage where we hope to be transformed. We hope to come out of Lent a changed people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the last day of Ordinary Time before the season of Lent begins. It is Mardis Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Today is intended to be a joyful day of celebration before the Lenten season. We are joyful, not because it is the last day to be joyful before Easter, but rather because we are excited for the journey we are about to undergo. The season of Lent is a 40 day spiritual pilgrimage where we hope to be transformed. We hope to come out of Lent a changed people.
Attitudes and Be-Attitudes"
Today's Mass Readings
To truly appreciate today's readings we must begin with last Sundays’ Gospel passage. It said, “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mt 4:17). This is the same Kingdom that the beatitudes offer as a reward to those who are poor in heart, those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the peace-makers, the pure in heart, those thirsting for righteousness, and those standing up for righteousness But the starting point of the blessed state, the birth of Kingdom in each individual life begins with ‘repentance.’ Let me use another word, ‘conversion.’
Today's Mass Readings
To truly appreciate today's readings we must begin with last Sundays’ Gospel passage. It said, “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mt 4:17). This is the same Kingdom that the beatitudes offer as a reward to those who are poor in heart, those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the peace-makers, the pure in heart, those thirsting for righteousness, and those standing up for righteousness But the starting point of the blessed state, the birth of Kingdom in each individual life begins with ‘repentance.’ Let me use another word, ‘conversion.’
God Keeps His Promises"
Today's Mass Readings
In the readings that we have for today’s feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple there is a strong theme of promise making and promise keeping.
In the first reading from the prophet Malachi, we have the promise of God to His chosen people to send first a messenger to prepare the way for the Lord Himself who will come among His people to the Temple. This passage would later be quoted by Jesus as referring to John the Baptist (see Matthew 11:10). Malachi tells us further that part of his task with be to purify, that is in the manner of gold tested in fire. Particularly, we hear that this messenger will purify the sons of Levi, who were the priests of the Jewish people, that is those who offered sacrifices in the Temple.
Today's Mass Readings
In the readings that we have for today’s feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple there is a strong theme of promise making and promise keeping.
In the first reading from the prophet Malachi, we have the promise of God to His chosen people to send first a messenger to prepare the way for the Lord Himself who will come among His people to the Temple. This passage would later be quoted by Jesus as referring to John the Baptist (see Matthew 11:10). Malachi tells us further that part of his task with be to purify, that is in the manner of gold tested in fire. Particularly, we hear that this messenger will purify the sons of Levi, who were the priests of the Jewish people, that is those who offered sacrifices in the Temple.
Have Mercy On Me God"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today from the 2 Book of Samuel is inextricably linked with Psalm 51, the responsorial psalm for today. In today's first reading, King David not only lusts after Bathsheba, but he committed adultery with her, since she was married to Uriah. Eventually, as we see by the end of the text, David has Uriah sent to the front lines to be killed in battle. This amounts basically to collusion in murder.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today from the 2 Book of Samuel is inextricably linked with Psalm 51, the responsorial psalm for today. In today's first reading, King David not only lusts after Bathsheba, but he committed adultery with her, since she was married to Uriah. Eventually, as we see by the end of the text, David has Uriah sent to the front lines to be killed in battle. This amounts basically to collusion in murder.
He would Withdraw to Deserted Places to Pray"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the First Letter of St. John, we are exhorted to believe in Jesus. Those who follow Jesus, who believe in Him, may have confidence in the salvation promised in Christ. The three witnesses who St. John says “testify” to Jesus are the Spirit, water, and blood. These three represent the Sacraments, where we encounter God’s spirit, particularly in Baptism (water) and the Eucharist (Jesus’ body and blood).
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the First Letter of St. John, we are exhorted to believe in Jesus. Those who follow Jesus, who believe in Him, may have confidence in the salvation promised in Christ. The three witnesses who St. John says “testify” to Jesus are the Spirit, water, and blood. These three represent the Sacraments, where we encounter God’s spirit, particularly in Baptism (water) and the Eucharist (Jesus’ body and blood).
Whoever Loves God must also Love His Brother/Sister
Today's Mass Readings
As we continue to celebrate God made visible in this season of Christmas and Epiphany, today’s readings present us again with the theme of love. The first letter from John is an exemplar of this. Jesus is God’s perfect gift of love to the world, and this has implications for all who would call themselves follower of Jesus. John notes, “we love God because he first loved us,” and, indeed, the whole of the Old and New Testament is in some way or another an account of God’s love affair with his people.
Today's Mass Readings
As we continue to celebrate God made visible in this season of Christmas and Epiphany, today’s readings present us again with the theme of love. The first letter from John is an exemplar of this. Jesus is God’s perfect gift of love to the world, and this has implications for all who would call themselves follower of Jesus. John notes, “we love God because he first loved us,” and, indeed, the whole of the Old and New Testament is in some way or another an account of God’s love affair with his people.
It is I, Do not be Afraid"
Today's Mass Readings
There is a common saying among Catholics, derived from the Gospel of Luke, that Christ is recognized “in the breaking of the bread” (cf. Luke 24:13-53). As the Gospel of Luke teaches, the ancient tradition that connects the Word of God in Scripture with the Word of God made flesh in Christ originates in the disciples’ direct experience of the risen Lord. The mass, with its two-part Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, is the most perfect reminder of this truth. Acceptance of the Word of God in Scripture (Liturgy of the Word) has profound implications for the way we live our lives in the world (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and vice-versa.
Today's Mass Readings
There is a common saying among Catholics, derived from the Gospel of Luke, that Christ is recognized “in the breaking of the bread” (cf. Luke 24:13-53). As the Gospel of Luke teaches, the ancient tradition that connects the Word of God in Scripture with the Word of God made flesh in Christ originates in the disciples’ direct experience of the risen Lord. The mass, with its two-part Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, is the most perfect reminder of this truth. Acceptance of the Word of God in Scripture (Liturgy of the Word) has profound implications for the way we live our lives in the world (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and vice-versa.
Beloved, let us Love One Another
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the First Letter of St. John, St. John exhorts us to love one another. This passage was the inspiration for Pope Benedict XVI’s first papal encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, God is Love. In today’s reading from the Gospel of Mark, we find an example of what this love must look like in Jesus.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the First Letter of St. John, St. John exhorts us to love one another. This passage was the inspiration for Pope Benedict XVI’s first papal encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, God is Love. In today’s reading from the Gospel of Mark, we find an example of what this love must look like in Jesus.
A New Epiphany"
Today's Mass Readings
Yesterday we celebrated the Epiphany; the Magi came to honor the infant Jesus, bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus’ glory is revealed to the wise men, and it is revealed to us as we reflect on the wise men’s visit. Today, the Monday after Epiphany, we see Jesus’ glory reflected in a different snapshot. .
Today's Mass Readings
Yesterday we celebrated the Epiphany; the Magi came to honor the infant Jesus, bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus’ glory is revealed to the wise men, and it is revealed to us as we reflect on the wise men’s visit. Today, the Monday after Epiphany, we see Jesus’ glory reflected in a different snapshot. .
We Saw His Star at its Rising
and have Come to do Him Homage
Feast Day Readings
The feast of the Epiphany: the celebration of the manifestation, the revelation of Jesus to the whole world. I have chosen today in this homily to appraoch the themes of the feast – manifestation of the Lord and the universality of that manifestation – in a different way. I have chosen to concentrate on three words: the search, the discovery and the journey back.
and have Come to do Him Homage
Feast Day Readings
The feast of the Epiphany: the celebration of the manifestation, the revelation of Jesus to the whole world. I have chosen today in this homily to appraoch the themes of the feast – manifestation of the Lord and the universality of that manifestation – in a different way. I have chosen to concentrate on three words: the search, the discovery and the journey back.
Let All the Earth Cry Out to God with Joy"
Today's Mass Readings
Joy! Joy rings out in the words of today’s psalm, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands… come before him with joyful song” as our celebration of Christmas continues.
It might seem tempting to let go of this joy – as the decorations come down, Christmas music ceases to play on the radio, and “holiday shopping” ceases. Many have moved on to post-holiday diets and bearing down for the coming harsh winter months. Joy endures not because there are still sales to be had – this is answer of Verizon Wireless to the emblematic joy-sapped man in their commercial, “Don’t worry, there are still phones on sale!” Christians are joyous because we know that, in the words of the psalm, “The LORD is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.” God’s faithfulness is unfailing. God’s kindness is everlasting.
Today's Mass Readings
Joy! Joy rings out in the words of today’s psalm, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands… come before him with joyful song” as our celebration of Christmas continues.
It might seem tempting to let go of this joy – as the decorations come down, Christmas music ceases to play on the radio, and “holiday shopping” ceases. Many have moved on to post-holiday diets and bearing down for the coming harsh winter months. Joy endures not because there are still sales to be had – this is answer of Verizon Wireless to the emblematic joy-sapped man in their commercial, “Don’t worry, there are still phones on sale!” Christians are joyous because we know that, in the words of the psalm, “The LORD is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.” God’s faithfulness is unfailing. God’s kindness is everlasting.
All the Ends of the Earth have Seen the Saving Power of God”
Today's Mass Readings
“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God!” This is today’s psalm response, and it has been a constant refrain throughout the Christmas season. The LORD has done marvelous deeds and comes to rule the world with justice. If we look at today’s first reading from the 1st letter of John and the gospel passage from John through this lens of seeing the saving power of God, we can draw out an important theme: the saving power of God is witnessed not just in Jesus, but also in his followers.
Today's Mass Readings
“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God!” This is today’s psalm response, and it has been a constant refrain throughout the Christmas season. The LORD has done marvelous deeds and comes to rule the world with justice. If we look at today’s first reading from the 1st letter of John and the gospel passage from John through this lens of seeing the saving power of God, we can draw out an important theme: the saving power of God is witnessed not just in Jesus, but also in his followers.
We are God's Children Now"
Today's Mass Readings
In the secular world, the “Christmas” decorations have come down, people have gone back to work, and kids are starting to go back to school. And yet, in the liturgical calendar, Christmas continues as the Church reflects on the Incarnation, the Nativity and beyond. Today’s reading from the first letter of John proclaims that “we are God’s children now” and that “what we shall be has not yet been revealed.” That we are God’s children now and that in the future we will be more like God are both tremendous gifts!
Today's Mass Readings
In the secular world, the “Christmas” decorations have come down, people have gone back to work, and kids are starting to go back to school. And yet, in the liturgical calendar, Christmas continues as the Church reflects on the Incarnation, the Nativity and beyond. Today’s reading from the first letter of John proclaims that “we are God’s children now” and that “what we shall be has not yet been revealed.” That we are God’s children now and that in the future we will be more like God are both tremendous gifts!
All the Ends of the Earth have seen the Saving Power of God"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading (1 Jn 2: 22-28) and the gospel reading (Jn 1:19-28) are both attributed to the same apostle John. There are common ideas and themes that through both these writings. In today’s readings, for example, there is a definite attempt to clarify the role of Jesus in human salvation. As we shall see, understanding these readings have implications for our own salvation.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading (1 Jn 2: 22-28) and the gospel reading (Jn 1:19-28) are both attributed to the same apostle John. There are common ideas and themes that through both these writings. In today’s readings, for example, there is a definite attempt to clarify the role of Jesus in human salvation. As we shall see, understanding these readings have implications for our own salvation.
Mary Kept All These Things,
Reflecting on Them in Her Heart"
Today's Mass Readings
The Solemnity of Blessed Mary, the Mother of God, completes the Christmas Octave just as the secular world celebrates the New Year. Although our liturgical year officially began with Advent, in some way, Mary herself represents a new beginning and a wonderful blessing.
Reflecting on Them in Her Heart"
Today's Mass Readings
The Solemnity of Blessed Mary, the Mother of God, completes the Christmas Octave just as the secular world celebrates the New Year. Although our liturgical year officially began with Advent, in some way, Mary herself represents a new beginning and a wonderful blessing.
The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us"
Today's Mass Readings
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.” This line from today’s gospel reading beautifully expresses the mystery of Christmas, but it does it in a way very different from the infancy narratives to which we are accustomed. In describing Jesus as the Word of God, it provides another, perhaps more mystical, snapshot of the nativity. The Word, that is Jesus, was with God from the beginning and the Word was God. In other words, Jesus has always existed, and has always been God. John came to testify to the coming of the incarnate Word of God. And, indeed, God came to dwell among us, the image of the invisible God in our midst.
Today's Mass Readings
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.” This line from today’s gospel reading beautifully expresses the mystery of Christmas, but it does it in a way very different from the infancy narratives to which we are accustomed. In describing Jesus as the Word of God, it provides another, perhaps more mystical, snapshot of the nativity. The Word, that is Jesus, was with God from the beginning and the Word was God. In other words, Jesus has always existed, and has always been God. John came to testify to the coming of the incarnate Word of God. And, indeed, God came to dwell among us, the image of the invisible God in our midst.
Blessed are those who Fear the Lord and Walk in His Ways"
Today's Mass Readings
The devotion to the Holy Family began in Canada in the late seventeenth century and grew steadily. Does the 1700’s remind you of the industrial revolution? That is when families began to be disintegrated. Men began to move away from the traditional families and women began to be absent from their homes and spent more time at dingy industrial environment. Children spent less and less time with their natural parents. The establishment of the feast was a response the imminent crisis in the most basic institution of society: the family. In 1893 Pope Leo XIII signaled his approval by composing the hymns for the office of the feast, and in 1921 Benedict XV ordered the feast to be kept by the universal Church.
Today's Mass Readings
The devotion to the Holy Family began in Canada in the late seventeenth century and grew steadily. Does the 1700’s remind you of the industrial revolution? That is when families began to be disintegrated. Men began to move away from the traditional families and women began to be absent from their homes and spent more time at dingy industrial environment. Children spent less and less time with their natural parents. The establishment of the feast was a response the imminent crisis in the most basic institution of society: the family. In 1893 Pope Leo XIII signaled his approval by composing the hymns for the office of the feast, and in 1921 Benedict XV ordered the feast to be kept by the universal Church.
We have a God who Keeps His Promises!"
Today's Mass Readings
On this fifth day in the octave of Christmas, we reflect upon the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Simeon was regarded as a holy man among the people of Israel and was blessed with the promise of seeing the Messiah. Joseph and Mary also prove themselves to be law-abiding Jews by bringing Jesus up to Jerusalem for His presentation.
Today's Mass Readings
On this fifth day in the octave of Christmas, we reflect upon the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Simeon was regarded as a holy man among the people of Israel and was blessed with the promise of seeing the Messiah. Joseph and Mary also prove themselves to be law-abiding Jews by bringing Jesus up to Jerusalem for His presentation.