With the LORD is Kindness and Plenteous Redemption"
Today's Mass Readings
The first readings for yesterday, today, and tomorrow, are all taken from the Book of Jonah, and they go together nicely. Jonah is given a message from God to preach to the Assyrians in their capital city Nineveh. The Assyrians were the fiercest enemies of the ancient Israelites, in many ways even worse than the Babylonians. It may be for this reason that the Book of Judith envisions King Nebuchadnezzar as the king of the Assyrians in the Assyrian capital city of Nineveh, when everyone at that time would have clearly known that King Nebuchadnezzar actually was the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was the most infamous king named in the Old Testament, but the Assyrians, not the Babylonians, were the most infamous people named in the Old Testament. In a sense, the Book of Judith is allegorizingn to portray the worst king of the worst empire.
Today's Mass Readings
The first readings for yesterday, today, and tomorrow, are all taken from the Book of Jonah, and they go together nicely. Jonah is given a message from God to preach to the Assyrians in their capital city Nineveh. The Assyrians were the fiercest enemies of the ancient Israelites, in many ways even worse than the Babylonians. It may be for this reason that the Book of Judith envisions King Nebuchadnezzar as the king of the Assyrians in the Assyrian capital city of Nineveh, when everyone at that time would have clearly known that King Nebuchadnezzar actually was the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was the most infamous king named in the Old Testament, but the Assyrians, not the Babylonians, were the most infamous people named in the Old Testament. In a sense, the Book of Judith is allegorizingn to portray the worst king of the worst empire.
Teacher, What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life?”
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is one of the most well-known and most beloved of our tradition. Poor Jonah, swallowed up by a large fish, only to be spewed on the shore three days later…and led back to God’s work that he was trying to avoid. And why did Jonah wish to avoid the Ninevites? Was it because he did not think they would actually repent? Or was it because he thought they might actually repent and he didn’t think they deserved the blessings of God? From either perspective, Jonah wished to avoid the Ninevites because they were not like him in ethnicity or religion.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is one of the most well-known and most beloved of our tradition. Poor Jonah, swallowed up by a large fish, only to be spewed on the shore three days later…and led back to God’s work that he was trying to avoid. And why did Jonah wish to avoid the Ninevites? Was it because he did not think they would actually repent? Or was it because he thought they might actually repent and he didn’t think they deserved the blessings of God? From either perspective, Jonah wished to avoid the Ninevites because they were not like him in ethnicity or religion.
Lord, Increase Our Faith"
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of today’s readings is faith. The first reading from the book of Habakkuk says, “The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live” (Hab 2:4), and in the gospel reading, to the disciples’ request, “Lord, Increase our faith,” (Lk 17: 5), Jesus responded, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you” (Lk 17:6).
So what is faith?
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of today’s readings is faith. The first reading from the book of Habakkuk says, “The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live” (Hab 2:4), and in the gospel reading, to the disciples’ request, “Lord, Increase our faith,” (Lk 17: 5), Jesus responded, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you” (Lk 17:6).
So what is faith?
Fear not, my people!"
Today's Mass Readings
Over the past two weeks we have been reflecting on the theme of the Babylonian exile, the eventual return of the people back to Judah, and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Nowhere has the reason for the exile more clearly explained or the future course of action more categorically prescribed than in today's first reading. Let us take a look at both these aspects.
Today's Mass Readings
Over the past two weeks we have been reflecting on the theme of the Babylonian exile, the eventual return of the people back to Judah, and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Nowhere has the reason for the exile more clearly explained or the future course of action more categorically prescribed than in today's first reading. Let us take a look at both these aspects.
Deliver Us and Pardon our Sins
for Your Name’s Sake"
Today's Mass readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus condemning various cities. They have seen Jesus’ mighty deeds, and yet they do not recognize Him, in fact, in some instances, He is accused of being in league with the devil. Jesus uses the example of two cities Tyre and Sidon that, like Sodom and Gomorrah, were destroyed for their lack of repentance.
for Your Name’s Sake"
Today's Mass readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus condemning various cities. They have seen Jesus’ mighty deeds, and yet they do not recognize Him, in fact, in some instances, He is accused of being in league with the devil. Jesus uses the example of two cities Tyre and Sidon that, like Sodom and Gomorrah, were destroyed for their lack of repentance.
The Kingdom of God is at Hand For You"
Today's Mass Readings
“Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!” says Ezra and Nehemiah to the weeping former exiles now returned to their home in Jerusalem. What emotions must have overcome the Israelites who were allowed to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild their temple! While God had never abandoned them, they had been unable to worship him in the way they desired. Their exile in a foreign nation took away their right to worship according to the Law. Now they are home at last, and celebration is in order!
Today's Mass Readings
“Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!” says Ezra and Nehemiah to the weeping former exiles now returned to their home in Jerusalem. What emotions must have overcome the Israelites who were allowed to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild their temple! While God had never abandoned them, they had been unable to worship him in the way they desired. Their exile in a foreign nation took away their right to worship according to the Law. Now they are home at last, and celebration is in order!
Let My Tongue be Silenced if I Ever Forget You"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the book of the prophet Nehemiah is a continuation of the last week’s themes from Haggai. Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer for Emperor Artaxerxes (a cup bearer task was the taste the emperor’s drinks to ensure that it was not poisoned). When Nehemiah heard news about the state of Jerusalem (Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BC and the inhabitants taken to exile to Babylon), he pleaded with the Emperor Artaxerxes to appoint him governor of Judah (Jerusalem was the capital of Judah) so that he could rebuild Jerusalem. The emperor agreed and Nehemiah proved to be an excellent governor.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the book of the prophet Nehemiah is a continuation of the last week’s themes from Haggai. Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer for Emperor Artaxerxes (a cup bearer task was the taste the emperor’s drinks to ensure that it was not poisoned). When Nehemiah heard news about the state of Jerusalem (Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BC and the inhabitants taken to exile to Babylon), he pleaded with the Emperor Artaxerxes to appoint him governor of Judah (Jerusalem was the capital of Judah) so that he could rebuild Jerusalem. The emperor agreed and Nehemiah proved to be an excellent governor.
God is with us"
Today's Mass Readings
Who will be greatest in Jesus’ kingdom? It would be helpful to understand a little more about this kingdom. The Jews of Jesus’ time were awaiting the end of the exile. The Babylonian exile had clearly ended, since the Jews had returned to the Promised Land, and, as we saw in the numerous first readings last week, had rebuilt the Temple. But the Babylonian exile only affected the Jews, i.e., the Judeans, those belonging to the tribe of Judah, although the tribe of Benjamin and many Levites were also included. Of the 12 tribes of Israel, only 2 remained in the southern kingdom, in the South, in Judea, where Jerusalem was. The other 10 tribes moved north to what became known as the kingdom of Israel. The northern kingdom was exiled by the Assyrians almost 200 years before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. To this day, Jews speak of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, and many await the reunification of all 12 tribes.
Today's Mass Readings
Who will be greatest in Jesus’ kingdom? It would be helpful to understand a little more about this kingdom. The Jews of Jesus’ time were awaiting the end of the exile. The Babylonian exile had clearly ended, since the Jews had returned to the Promised Land, and, as we saw in the numerous first readings last week, had rebuilt the Temple. But the Babylonian exile only affected the Jews, i.e., the Judeans, those belonging to the tribe of Judah, although the tribe of Benjamin and many Levites were also included. Of the 12 tribes of Israel, only 2 remained in the southern kingdom, in the South, in Judea, where Jerusalem was. The other 10 tribes moved north to what became known as the kingdom of Israel. The northern kingdom was exiled by the Assyrians almost 200 years before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. To this day, Jews speak of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, and many await the reunification of all 12 tribes.
The One Who is Least Among All of You
is the One Who is the Greatest"
Today's Mass Readings
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (lk 9: 47-48). St. Therese Lisieux, whose feast is celebrated today, chose to be called “Therese of the Child Jesus,” because of her desire to have the simple faith of a small child.
is the One Who is the Greatest"
Today's Mass Readings
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (lk 9: 47-48). St. Therese Lisieux, whose feast is celebrated today, chose to be called “Therese of the Child Jesus,” because of her desire to have the simple faith of a small child.
Lay Hold of the Eternal Life, to Which You were Called"
Sunday's Mass Readings
In today's second reading (1 Tim 6:11-16), St. Paul to Timothy, where he writes, “But you, man of God pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.” In other words, St. Paul is encouraging Timothy and his community to be a certain kind of people. St. Paul is urging them to strive at developing a Christian character.
Sunday's Mass Readings
In today's second reading (1 Tim 6:11-16), St. Paul to Timothy, where he writes, “But you, man of God pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.” In other words, St. Paul is encouraging Timothy and his community to be a certain kind of people. St. Paul is urging them to strive at developing a Christian character.
In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord."
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that, "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition." Thus, the existence of angels is clearly entrenched in our faith.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that, "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition." Thus, the existence of angels is clearly entrenched in our faith.
I will Give You Peace"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find God comforting His people. God’s people are saddened that the Temple they have worked so hard at constructing is not as glorious as Solomon’s Temple. God explains that He controls the flow of precious metals. He can bring forth more gold and precious stones than Solomon was able to muster. But this is not the reason for the glory of the Second Temple. But rather, as the last verse of the first reading says, "And in this place I will give you peace" (Hag 2:9).
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find God comforting His people. God’s people are saddened that the Temple they have worked so hard at constructing is not as glorious as Solomon’s Temple. God explains that He controls the flow of precious metals. He can bring forth more gold and precious stones than Solomon was able to muster. But this is not the reason for the glory of the Second Temple. But rather, as the last verse of the first reading says, "And in this place I will give you peace" (Hag 2:9).
The Lord Takes Delight in His People"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find the same theme that has been building all week, concerning the Temple in Jerusalem. King David wanted a Temple to be built to the Lord. The Israelites in the Wilderness had the Tabernacle, which moved around from place to place, but fulfilled the decree from the Book of Deuteronomy, stipulating that animal sacrifices to the Lord should only be in one place, unlike their polytheistic neighbors. It was not until King Solomon, however, that the Israelites built a Temple, and it was such a temple, that people from all over the known world came to it to learn the wisdom of God.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find the same theme that has been building all week, concerning the Temple in Jerusalem. King David wanted a Temple to be built to the Lord. The Israelites in the Wilderness had the Tabernacle, which moved around from place to place, but fulfilled the decree from the Book of Deuteronomy, stipulating that animal sacrifices to the Lord should only be in one place, unlike their polytheistic neighbors. It was not until King Solomon, however, that the Israelites built a Temple, and it was such a temple, that people from all over the known world came to it to learn the wisdom of God.
My God, I am too Ashamed to Raise my Face to You"
Today's mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the book of Ezra. Ezra was a descendent of the priestly tribe of Israel was born in Babylon while the people of Israel was in exile there. Priests could not exercise their religious ritual during the exile and so they dedicated themselves to studying scripture. Ezra was one of the priests who was sent to Judah to help rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the temple.
Today's mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the book of Ezra. Ezra was a descendent of the priestly tribe of Israel was born in Babylon while the people of Israel was in exile there. Priests could not exercise their religious ritual during the exile and so they dedicated themselves to studying scripture. Ezra was one of the priests who was sent to Judah to help rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the temple.
Let Us Go Rejoicing to the House of the Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we see the continued construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This reading discusses the Temple’s completion, but it was only a preliminary completion. It was completed in the sense that sacrifices could once again be offered within its walls, but Jews would continue to add to the temple, particularly under the later reign of King Herod. It was in fact not until the time of Herod that the final work on the Temple was completed.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we see the continued construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This reading discusses the Temple’s completion, but it was only a preliminary completion. It was completed in the sense that sacrifices could once again be offered within its walls, but Jews would continue to add to the temple, particularly under the later reign of King Herod. It was in fact not until the time of Herod that the final work on the Temple was completed.
The Lord Has Done Marvels For Us"
Today Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we find a foreign king aiding the Jews. In fact, this is the first period in history where these people were known as Jews. During the time of Abraham, they were the Hebrew tribe. After Jacob gets his name changed to Israel, and has his famous 12 sons, they become known as the Israelites, composed of 12 tribes named after the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel. Eventually, after the reign of King Solomon, the kingdom splits into a Northern half, known as Israel or Ephraim, which is composed of 10 tribes. Some of these people became modern day Samaritans (who were also the Samaritans of the time of Jesus). The Southern half was known as Judah, composed of 2 tribes. It was the southern kingdom of Judah that was taken into exile by Babylon. In today’s passage, these people, who begin to be called Jews, have been brought back from exile and have been invited to rebuild Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple there.
Today Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we find a foreign king aiding the Jews. In fact, this is the first period in history where these people were known as Jews. During the time of Abraham, they were the Hebrew tribe. After Jacob gets his name changed to Israel, and has his famous 12 sons, they become known as the Israelites, composed of 12 tribes named after the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel. Eventually, after the reign of King Solomon, the kingdom splits into a Northern half, known as Israel or Ephraim, which is composed of 10 tribes. Some of these people became modern day Samaritans (who were also the Samaritans of the time of Jesus). The Southern half was known as Judah, composed of 2 tribes. It was the southern kingdom of Judah that was taken into exile by Babylon. In today’s passage, these people, who begin to be called Jews, have been brought back from exile and have been invited to rebuild Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple there.
You Cannot Serve Both God and Mammon"
Todays Mass readings
The gospel reading has an insight for us in with regard to our attitude toward wealth. In the gospel reading, Jesus says to his disciples, "You cannot serve God and mammon" (Lk 16:13b). Yet while declaring the opposition of God and mammon (Lk 16:13b), Jesus surprisingly praises the dishonest steward for his prudence. Why does Jesus commend the dishonest steward?
Todays Mass readings
The gospel reading has an insight for us in with regard to our attitude toward wealth. In the gospel reading, Jesus says to his disciples, "You cannot serve God and mammon" (Lk 16:13b). Yet while declaring the opposition of God and mammon (Lk 16:13b), Jesus surprisingly praises the dishonest steward for his prudence. Why does Jesus commend the dishonest steward?
Keep the Commandment Without Stain or Reproach”
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of today’s reading today certainly is the word of God. Thus, in the first reading, Paul, in his letter to Timothy urges him “to keep the commandment without stain or reproach…” (1 Tim 6:14). The “commandments” here refer to the teaching of Christ. In the gospel reading, Jesus himself explains the parable by saying, “The seed is the word of God” (Lk 8:11).
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of today’s reading today certainly is the word of God. Thus, in the first reading, Paul, in his letter to Timothy urges him “to keep the commandment without stain or reproach…” (1 Tim 6:14). The “commandments” here refer to the teaching of Christ. In the gospel reading, Jesus himself explains the parable by saying, “The seed is the word of God” (Lk 8:11).
Live in a Manner Worthy of the Call You have Received"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of St. Matthew, an apostle of Jesus and the author of the gospel of Matthew. On this feast day we reflect on the “call” each Christian has. In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls himself “a prisoner for the Lord.” Rather than being prisoners to sin, we all are prisoners to the Lord. Of course, unlike prisoners in a prison, we have far more freedoms. The point is that we ought to choose to follow the Lord’s will in our freedom, unlike a prisoner who is forced to do another’s bidding because of his lack of freedom.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of St. Matthew, an apostle of Jesus and the author of the gospel of Matthew. On this feast day we reflect on the “call” each Christian has. In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls himself “a prisoner for the Lord.” Rather than being prisoners to sin, we all are prisoners to the Lord. Of course, unlike prisoners in a prison, we have far more freedoms. The point is that we ought to choose to follow the Lord’s will in our freedom, unlike a prisoner who is forced to do another’s bidding because of his lack of freedom.
Love Covers a Multitude of Sins"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus dining with a Pharisee and with others. This particular Pharisee was shocked that Jesus permitted a woman who was known to be a sinner to touch Him. According to the cleanliness laws, a person could become unclean by simply touching certain kinds of people. For example, a person could become unclean by touching a sinner who had committed a certain kind of sin. A prostitute was certainly that kind of a person. A person could also become ritually unclean through certain normal life cycles and events, as well as from doing certain righteous deeds that you were commanded to do, like burying the dead, for example. If someone was ritually unclean, they had to undergo certain ritual rites to make themselves ceremonially clean again.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus dining with a Pharisee and with others. This particular Pharisee was shocked that Jesus permitted a woman who was known to be a sinner to touch Him. According to the cleanliness laws, a person could become unclean by simply touching certain kinds of people. For example, a person could become unclean by touching a sinner who had committed a certain kind of sin. A prostitute was certainly that kind of a person. A person could also become ritually unclean through certain normal life cycles and events, as well as from doing certain righteous deeds that you were commanded to do, like burying the dead, for example. If someone was ritually unclean, they had to undergo certain ritual rites to make themselves ceremonially clean again.