The Kingdom of God is at Hand"
Today's Mass Readings
John the Baptist, in today’s Gospel reading preached, “The Kingdom of God is at hand…” (Mt 3:1) The Kingdom of God is the heavens and the earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord. It’s the kind of life in which no one trains for war, the earth where there is no need for greed or hunger, the earth where the lion and lamb live together, the earth where the cobra and the child play; in short the kingdom where peace, love, contentment, security, justice, is at hand (Is 11:6-9).
Today's Mass Readings
John the Baptist, in today’s Gospel reading preached, “The Kingdom of God is at hand…” (Mt 3:1) The Kingdom of God is the heavens and the earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord. It’s the kind of life in which no one trains for war, the earth where there is no need for greed or hunger, the earth where the lion and lamb live together, the earth where the cobra and the child play; in short the kingdom where peace, love, contentment, security, justice, is at hand (Is 11:6-9).
Hail, Full of Grace! The Lord is with You”
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day of celebration for the Church throughout the world and especially for the parish of the Immaculate Conception!
Both the solemnity itself and the readings which the Church has selected for it, push us to meditate seriously on the reality of sin. That Mary was conceived without sin may at first seem a bit distant from the heart of the of the Church’s teaching about Jesus. However, the Church has always associated this teaching very closely with how it understands Jesus – it was part of God’s eternal plan that Mary become the mother of Jesus, and in so doing become the mother of God. Yet, as it is with our Lord and His plans, Mary had to give her “yes,” her acceptance to God’s plans. We have her words to Gabriel in St. Luke’s Gospel, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day of celebration for the Church throughout the world and especially for the parish of the Immaculate Conception!
Both the solemnity itself and the readings which the Church has selected for it, push us to meditate seriously on the reality of sin. That Mary was conceived without sin may at first seem a bit distant from the heart of the of the Church’s teaching about Jesus. However, the Church has always associated this teaching very closely with how it understands Jesus – it was part of God’s eternal plan that Mary become the mother of Jesus, and in so doing become the mother of God. Yet, as it is with our Lord and His plans, Mary had to give her “yes,” her acceptance to God’s plans. We have her words to Gabriel in St. Luke’s Gospel, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
And their Eyes were Opened"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel, we see Jesus enacting in His very actions what was prophesied of the Messiah in the Old Testament. Indeed, we even find Jesus identified with the Messianic title, “Son of David.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel, we see Jesus enacting in His very actions what was prophesied of the Messiah in the Old Testament. Indeed, we even find Jesus identified with the Messianic title, “Son of David.”
Builidng our house on "The Rock
Today's Mass Readings
Despite the fact that we do it all the time, it is the nature of our modern society to be uncomfortable about seeming to exclude others. Today’s readings then present a difficulty for us. In the first passage, the song from Isaiah describes a city of protection, with walls and ramparts, and gates that open up to let in a nation that is just (Is 26:1-2). This implies that other nations are excluded, and, the passage describes, the Lord tumbles the lofty city and lets the poor trample it. The gospel passage also reflects exclusion. Jesus says to his disciples, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father in heaven” (Mt 7:21).
Today's Mass Readings
Despite the fact that we do it all the time, it is the nature of our modern society to be uncomfortable about seeming to exclude others. Today’s readings then present a difficulty for us. In the first passage, the song from Isaiah describes a city of protection, with walls and ramparts, and gates that open up to let in a nation that is just (Is 26:1-2). This implies that other nations are excluded, and, the passage describes, the Lord tumbles the lofty city and lets the poor trample it. The gospel passage also reflects exclusion. Jesus says to his disciples, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father in heaven” (Mt 7:21).
Remade in the Image and Likeness of God"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from Isaiah we join the prophet on the mountain of the Lord, Zion, which in biblical literature serves as a symbol of the heavenly Jerusalem and of God’s holy reign. Isaiah 25, from which today’s reading is taken, falls within a section of the prophetic book called the “Apocalypse of Isaiah,” an oracle about the “Day of the Lord.” Writing before the coming of the Messiah, Isaiah prophesizes about this symbolic “day,” the future Messianic period when God will come to restore righteousness and justice to the earth. Interestingly, we are told that on this day, upon this holy mountain, God will provide his people with “a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” Thus the Lord’s desire to nourish and support his people is directly linked to his concern for satisfying their hunger and their thirst for justice and salvation.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from Isaiah we join the prophet on the mountain of the Lord, Zion, which in biblical literature serves as a symbol of the heavenly Jerusalem and of God’s holy reign. Isaiah 25, from which today’s reading is taken, falls within a section of the prophetic book called the “Apocalypse of Isaiah,” an oracle about the “Day of the Lord.” Writing before the coming of the Messiah, Isaiah prophesizes about this symbolic “day,” the future Messianic period when God will come to restore righteousness and justice to the earth. Interestingly, we are told that on this day, upon this holy mountain, God will provide his people with “a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” Thus the Lord’s desire to nourish and support his people is directly linked to his concern for satisfying their hunger and their thirst for justice and salvation.
“Blessed are the Eyes that See what You See"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today is taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. In it Isaiah foretells what will happen when the Messiah arrives. Mention is made of a “stump” and a “root” of Jesse. Jesse was King David’s father, and so this highlights the Davidic lineage of the Messiah. The Messiah would be a stump or root from Jesse, because he would be a son of David. The passage also speaks about a future ingathering of the Gentiles, where Gentiles and Jews would be united in their worship of the one true God.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading for today is taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. In it Isaiah foretells what will happen when the Messiah arrives. Mention is made of a “stump” and a “root” of Jesse. Jesse was King David’s father, and so this highlights the Davidic lineage of the Messiah. The Messiah would be a stump or root from Jesse, because he would be a son of David. The passage also speaks about a future ingathering of the Gentiles, where Gentiles and Jews would be united in their worship of the one true God.
Beginning the Advent Journey"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings speak of anticipation – the anticipation so characteristic of this season of Advent. We are waiting, waiting, waiting… and for what? Isaiah speaks of both the calamity that will befall many, but also, in today’s passage, of the salvation that awaits those who remain faithful. For the holy of Zion, there will be over them “A smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night. For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.” This echoes the Exodus imagery of the time when the Hebrew people were fleeing from their slavery in Egypt. The smoking cloud, the flaming pillar was the sign of God’s presence with the people. It was the shelter and protection given to the people. For what are we waiting, then? Isaiah tells us we are waiting for this special presence of God among us.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings speak of anticipation – the anticipation so characteristic of this season of Advent. We are waiting, waiting, waiting… and for what? Isaiah speaks of both the calamity that will befall many, but also, in today’s passage, of the salvation that awaits those who remain faithful. For the holy of Zion, there will be over them “A smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night. For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.” This echoes the Exodus imagery of the time when the Hebrew people were fleeing from their slavery in Egypt. The smoking cloud, the flaming pillar was the sign of God’s presence with the people. It was the shelter and protection given to the people. For what are we waiting, then? Isaiah tells us we are waiting for this special presence of God among us.
The Vision of God"
Sunday Mass Reading
We all dream dreams. We dream our children will have better futures. We dream of the new house we will have. Young people dream of their careers. What would it be to have no dreams?
Sunday Mass Reading
We all dream dreams. We dream our children will have better futures. We dream of the new house we will have. Young people dream of their careers. What would it be to have no dreams?
Apocalypse and God's Kingdom"
Today's Mass Readings
Appropriately, on this final day of the liturgical year, we have reflections about the apocalypse, or the second coming of Jesus. “Apocalypse” in Greek literally means “revelation” or “pulling back the veil.”
Today's Mass Readings
Appropriately, on this final day of the liturgical year, we have reflections about the apocalypse, or the second coming of Jesus. “Apocalypse” in Greek literally means “revelation” or “pulling back the veil.”
Faith that is "active"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Andrew the apostle. The theme of today's readings is the necessity of gospel being preached. In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, we find St. Paul’s important discussion of what it means to have an "active" faith in Christ.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Andrew the apostle. The theme of today's readings is the necessity of gospel being preached. In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, we find St. Paul’s important discussion of what it means to have an "active" faith in Christ.
Your Redemption is at Hand.”
Today's Mass Reading
A common theme in this week’s readings is that of salvation. In the first reading, we see this again. We have been following this story of Daniel throughout our week, and today we finally reach one of the most well-known passages of the Old Testament – the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. The reluctant king who throws him in to the lions for praying to God hopes that Daniel will survive, and indeed he does. This is enough to convert King Darius, who writes to all the nations to tell them to honor and reverence this God who delivered Daniel from the lions. Imagine, a foreign king, converted to belief in the Jewish God!
Today's Mass Reading
A common theme in this week’s readings is that of salvation. In the first reading, we see this again. We have been following this story of Daniel throughout our week, and today we finally reach one of the most well-known passages of the Old Testament – the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. The reluctant king who throws him in to the lions for praying to God hopes that Daniel will survive, and indeed he does. This is enough to convert King Darius, who writes to all the nations to tell them to honor and reverence this God who delivered Daniel from the lions. Imagine, a foreign king, converted to belief in the Jewish God!
Bringing forth Justice"
Today's Mass Readings
The classic definition of justice is “the firm and strong will to give to each what is his or her due.” This definition, which is received as part of the Greco-Roman tradition, is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the encyclicals of the popes, and the Church’s many social teaching documents. It was even the subject of a small instructional book by Archbishop Pilarczyk (Bringing Forth Justice). The definition is comprised of three parts, which I would like to briefly touch upon in relation to today’s readings.
Today's Mass Readings
The classic definition of justice is “the firm and strong will to give to each what is his or her due.” This definition, which is received as part of the Greco-Roman tradition, is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the encyclicals of the popes, and the Church’s many social teaching documents. It was even the subject of a small instructional book by Archbishop Pilarczyk (Bringing Forth Justice). The definition is comprised of three parts, which I would like to briefly touch upon in relation to today’s readings.
The Eternal Temple and The Eternal Worship"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Daniel is one of the most controversial passages of the Old Testament. Many scholars who date the Book of Daniel to the second century see Daniel’s visions as related to the Babylonians, Medes, Persians, and the Greeks. Other scholars who date the Book of Daniel view the visions as related to the Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Furthermore, most early Christian traditions interpret Daniel’s visions on multiple levels, not simply dealing with historical events, or prophetic events that would come to pass, but also at a mystical level relating to God’s relationship with His people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Daniel is one of the most controversial passages of the Old Testament. Many scholars who date the Book of Daniel to the second century see Daniel’s visions as related to the Babylonians, Medes, Persians, and the Greeks. Other scholars who date the Book of Daniel view the visions as related to the Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Furthermore, most early Christian traditions interpret Daniel’s visions on multiple levels, not simply dealing with historical events, or prophetic events that would come to pass, but also at a mystical level relating to God’s relationship with His people.
The Cost of Discipleship"
Sunday Mass Readings
The cost of commitment to one’s faith can be great. In the first reading, we see Daniel and his companions unwilling to defile themselves by eating the unclean food of a foreign king. Although they have been given a place of great honor, including the opportunity to share of Nebuchadnezzar’s food and wine, the men choose instead to eat only vegetables and drink only water, rather than abandon the practices and beliefs of their religion, which believes only in the one God.
Sunday Mass Readings
The cost of commitment to one’s faith can be great. In the first reading, we see Daniel and his companions unwilling to defile themselves by eating the unclean food of a foreign king. Although they have been given a place of great honor, including the opportunity to share of Nebuchadnezzar’s food and wine, the men choose instead to eat only vegetables and drink only water, rather than abandon the practices and beliefs of their religion, which believes only in the one God.
Behold, the King"
Sunday Mass Readings
The feast of Christ the King was instituted as a feast by Pope Pius XI as late as 1925. More than purely spiritual considerations, it was world political events that prompted the Pope to institute the feast. World War I (1914-1918) was barely over and the memories of the blood bath was still fresh in the minds of people. Nine million soldiers were killed and an unspecified number of civilians were also killed.
Sunday Mass Readings
The feast of Christ the King was instituted as a feast by Pope Pius XI as late as 1925. More than purely spiritual considerations, it was world political events that prompted the Pope to institute the feast. World War I (1914-1918) was barely over and the memories of the blood bath was still fresh in the minds of people. Nine million soldiers were killed and an unspecified number of civilians were also killed.
God is not God of the Dead, but of the Living"
Today's Mass Readings
The Sadducees (a Jewish sect) came up to Jesus with the hypothetical case of a woman who married seven brothers as each of them successively died. The Sadducees accepted the teachings of only the first five books of the Old Testament and in these books belief in the afterlife is not specifically mentioned.
Today's Mass Readings
The Sadducees (a Jewish sect) came up to Jesus with the hypothetical case of a woman who married seven brothers as each of them successively died. The Sadducees accepted the teachings of only the first five books of the Old Testament and in these books belief in the afterlife is not specifically mentioned.
My House shall be a House of Prayer"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 1 Book of Maccabees, we read about the Temple’s rededication. This story about Juda Maccabee, is an important context for the Jewish feast of Chanukkah, which falls around Christmas time. Appropriately, sometimes in the early Church, the dedication of the Temple in today’s first reading, was viewed as foreshadowing Jesus’ birth.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 1 Book of Maccabees, we read about the Temple’s rededication. This story about Juda Maccabee, is an important context for the Jewish feast of Chanukkah, which falls around Christmas time. Appropriately, sometimes in the early Church, the dedication of the Temple in today’s first reading, was viewed as foreshadowing Jesus’ birth.
Offer to God Praise as Your Sacrifice"
Today's Mass Readings
(Today's reflection is based on the ordinary readings of the day and not on the readings for Thanksgiving.)
In today’s gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, knowing what was to befall the people there. Jesus recognizes that the people do not appreciate his presence as God in their midst, and, yet, as he continues his trek toward his passion and crucifixion, Jesus’ emotions are roused to the point of tears. How powerful this is, to think of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem! Especially when you consider that Jesus was facing his own death and all the injustice and suffering preceding that death. Yet he does not weep for himself, but for the city, for the people, including us today.
Today's Mass Readings
(Today's reflection is based on the ordinary readings of the day and not on the readings for Thanksgiving.)
In today’s gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, knowing what was to befall the people there. Jesus recognizes that the people do not appreciate his presence as God in their midst, and, yet, as he continues his trek toward his passion and crucifixion, Jesus’ emotions are roused to the point of tears. How powerful this is, to think of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem! Especially when you consider that Jesus was facing his own death and all the injustice and suffering preceding that death. Yet he does not weep for himself, but for the city, for the people, including us today.
Well done, Good Servant! You have been Faithful in this Very Small Matter"
Today's Mass Reading
On a recent trip to Rome I viewed a photo exhibit at St. Peter’s called “Vatican Click.” The exhibit featured candid photos of the popes taken by Vatican photographers over the last few decades. I was surprised when, during the exhibit, I came across several photos of Villa Nazareth, a residence for underprivileged college students from Southern Italy studying in Rome. I asked a fellow professor who had lived at Villa Nazareth during college why, amongst hundreds of photos of the popes, there were several pictures of Villa Nazareth. Her response was yet another surprise. “Don’t you know the reputation of that place?” she asked. At the time, I did not.
Today's Mass Reading
On a recent trip to Rome I viewed a photo exhibit at St. Peter’s called “Vatican Click.” The exhibit featured candid photos of the popes taken by Vatican photographers over the last few decades. I was surprised when, during the exhibit, I came across several photos of Villa Nazareth, a residence for underprivileged college students from Southern Italy studying in Rome. I asked a fellow professor who had lived at Villa Nazareth during college why, amongst hundreds of photos of the popes, there were several pictures of Villa Nazareth. Her response was yet another surprise. “Don’t you know the reputation of that place?” she asked. At the time, I did not.
You, O LORD, are My Shield"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 2 Book of Maccabees, we encounter the active faith of a man named Eleazar. This passage recounts the difficult time faithful Jews had under Greek rule. Some of the Greek rulers tried to force Jews to break the laws God had given to them.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 2 Book of Maccabees, we encounter the active faith of a man named Eleazar. This passage recounts the difficult time faithful Jews had under Greek rule. Some of the Greek rulers tried to force Jews to break the laws God had given to them.