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.
The Least in the Kingdom is Greater Than John"
Today's Mass Readings
To understand today’s gospel reading (Luke 7:31-35), it is important that one read the passage beginning with Luke 7:18. John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he was indeed the Messiah. Characteristic of Jesus, he does not give a direct answer. Rather, he gives them a testimony of his activities. The presumption here is that John would be able to discern the correct answer from Jesus’ testimony.
Today's Mass Readings
To understand today’s gospel reading (Luke 7:31-35), it is important that one read the passage beginning with Luke 7:18. John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he was indeed the Messiah. Characteristic of Jesus, he does not give a direct answer. Rather, he gives them a testimony of his activities. The presumption here is that John would be able to discern the correct answer from Jesus’ testimony.
God has Visited His People.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, we find one of a number of examples of Jesus raising the dead. The most famous example of Jesus raising the dead, apart from His own resurrection of course, is Lazarus. The Gospels inform us that Jesus raised the dead on a number of occasions. Now, these raisings are more like resuscitations than actual resurrections, because all of those raised, like this young man and like Lazarus, have to physically die again. But that does not change the fact that they had already died, and Jesus actually brings them back to life.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, we find one of a number of examples of Jesus raising the dead. The most famous example of Jesus raising the dead, apart from His own resurrection of course, is Lazarus. The Gospels inform us that Jesus raised the dead on a number of occasions. Now, these raisings are more like resuscitations than actual resurrections, because all of those raised, like this young man and like Lazarus, have to physically die again. But that does not change the fact that they had already died, and Jesus actually brings them back to life.
Blessed be the Lord, for He has Heard My Prayer
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy, we find the apostle Paul’s exhortation: “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.” Notice he said for EVERYONE. That includes, everyone, no one is excluded from these supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. We must offer them for everyone. St. Paul specifically singles out one group, however, to emphasize who we should offer supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings for: “for kings and for all in authority.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy, we find the apostle Paul’s exhortation: “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.” Notice he said for EVERYONE. That includes, everyone, no one is excluded from these supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. We must offer them for everyone. St. Paul specifically singles out one group, however, to emphasize who we should offer supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings for: “for kings and for all in authority.”
I will rise and go to my father"
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s three readings emphasize two things: the scandal of human sinfulness and the scandal of God’s love. In the first reading from the book of Exodus, God, by his mighty works had just freed Israel from slavery. The memory should have been be still fresh in their minds. And yet the people abandon their God and begin to worship the golden calf. God wants to destroy these people but then he has compassion. The emphasis here is not on Moses’ pleading but God’s steadfastness, his faithfulness, his prodigal and scandalizing love. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, calls himself a blasphemer, a persecutor and arrogant but considers himself “treated with mercy…” by God. And he concludes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” All the three parables in the Gospel reading are about a God who goes out in search of sinners.
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s three readings emphasize two things: the scandal of human sinfulness and the scandal of God’s love. In the first reading from the book of Exodus, God, by his mighty works had just freed Israel from slavery. The memory should have been be still fresh in their minds. And yet the people abandon their God and begin to worship the golden calf. God wants to destroy these people but then he has compassion. The emphasis here is not on Moses’ pleading but God’s steadfastness, his faithfulness, his prodigal and scandalizing love. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, calls himself a blasphemer, a persecutor and arrogant but considers himself “treated with mercy…” by God. And he concludes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” All the three parables in the Gospel reading are about a God who goes out in search of sinners.
...And You Yourself a Sword will Pierce"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Although this feast really became popular during the Middle Ages, one can trace its origins to the most sorrowful of events in her life – the death of her Son on the Cross. John the apostle can be called her first devotee, since, he considered it important to record her presence at the foot of the cross and weeping for her only born (John 19: 25-27).
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Although this feast really became popular during the Middle Ages, one can trace its origins to the most sorrowful of events in her life – the death of her Son on the Cross. John the apostle can be called her first devotee, since, he considered it important to record her presence at the foot of the cross and weeping for her only born (John 19: 25-27).
The Son of Man be Lifted Up"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross focuses on one central aspect of Jesus’ life, namely His death on the cross. The idea of the “exaltation of the holy cross” is entirely apropos considering the Gospel of John’s theme of Jesus’ own exaltation, which occurs precisely when He is literally lifted up on the cross. In the Gospel of John, more than any other Gospel, Jesus is seen reigning as King, while He is dying on the cross. In today’s reading from the Gospel, Jesus makes an explicit reference to today’s first reading from the Book of Numbers. Jesus says that, “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (keep in mind that the context for this passage in John concerns baptism, rebirth by both water and Spirit, so baptism and faith are here linked together, inseparable as they must be).
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross focuses on one central aspect of Jesus’ life, namely His death on the cross. The idea of the “exaltation of the holy cross” is entirely apropos considering the Gospel of John’s theme of Jesus’ own exaltation, which occurs precisely when He is literally lifted up on the cross. In the Gospel of John, more than any other Gospel, Jesus is seen reigning as King, while He is dying on the cross. In today’s reading from the Gospel, Jesus makes an explicit reference to today’s first reading from the Book of Numbers. Jesus says that, “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (keep in mind that the context for this passage in John concerns baptism, rebirth by both water and Spirit, so baptism and faith are here linked together, inseparable as they must be).
"For if You Love Those Who Love You,
What Credit is That to You?"
Today's Mass Readings
The teaching found in today’s Gospel reading is perhaps the most difficult in the entire Bible. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, and to bless those who curse us. Jesus is not telling his followers to feel good about their enemies; love is not merely a feeling. The kind of love Jesus is talking about is the sacrificial love where one wishes their enemies well and goes out of their way to help their enemies, even sacrificing for them.
What Credit is That to You?"
Today's Mass Readings
The teaching found in today’s Gospel reading is perhaps the most difficult in the entire Bible. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, and to bless those who curse us. Jesus is not telling his followers to feel good about their enemies; love is not merely a feeling. The kind of love Jesus is talking about is the sacrificial love where one wishes their enemies well and goes out of their way to help their enemies, even sacrificing for them.
"Blessed are You who are Poor..."
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading we read Luke’s version of the beatitudes. There are some very critical differences between the beatitudes in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. For example, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers the sermon from the top of a mountain, hence, the term “sermon on the mount.” In Luke, this section is called the “sermon on the plain” because Jesus after spending the night in prayer on the mountain (Luke 6:12), “came down with them (disciples) and stood on a stretch of level ground” (Luke 6: 17). There are other differences between Luke and Matthew. Whereas Matthew says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” Luke simply says, “Blessed are you who are poor” (Luke 6:20). Whereas Matthew has all the beatitudes begin with “Blessed are…” Luke has one set of four blessings (Luke 6:20-22) and one set of four “Woe to you…” (Luke 6:24-26).
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading we read Luke’s version of the beatitudes. There are some very critical differences between the beatitudes in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. For example, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers the sermon from the top of a mountain, hence, the term “sermon on the mount.” In Luke, this section is called the “sermon on the plain” because Jesus after spending the night in prayer on the mountain (Luke 6:12), “came down with them (disciples) and stood on a stretch of level ground” (Luke 6: 17). There are other differences between Luke and Matthew. Whereas Matthew says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” Luke simply says, “Blessed are you who are poor” (Luke 6:20). Whereas Matthew has all the beatitudes begin with “Blessed are…” Luke has one set of four blessings (Luke 6:20-22) and one set of four “Woe to you…” (Luke 6:24-26).
" We Walk in Christ"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to follow Christ. We must always keep in mind that Christ is our foundation. St. Paul makes an important link, he explains how baptism replaces circumcision. In the Old Testament, circumcision was how when entered into a covenant relationship with God (in the case of men----women entered into such a relationship through their family). Baptism is the New Testament form of circumcision, and it is for both men and women. Circumcision merely cut away flesh as a symbol, whereas baptism actually effects what it symbolizes. Baptism buries us with Christ and raises us with Christ.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to follow Christ. We must always keep in mind that Christ is our foundation. St. Paul makes an important link, he explains how baptism replaces circumcision. In the Old Testament, circumcision was how when entered into a covenant relationship with God (in the case of men----women entered into such a relationship through their family). Baptism is the New Testament form of circumcision, and it is for both men and women. Circumcision merely cut away flesh as a symbol, whereas baptism actually effects what it symbolizes. Baptism buries us with Christ and raises us with Christ.
"In God is My Safety and My Glory"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, we find this important concept of uniting our sufferings to those of Christ on the cross. St. Paul talks about “filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church.” Now, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the perfect sacrifice for sins, offered once and for all. There is nothing imperfect about Jesus’ sacrifice. St. Paul explains, however, that we can all follow his example by “filling up what is lacking” in Christ’s suffering for the good of the Church.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, we find this important concept of uniting our sufferings to those of Christ on the cross. St. Paul talks about “filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church.” Now, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the perfect sacrifice for sins, offered once and for all. There is nothing imperfect about Jesus’ sacrifice. St. Paul explains, however, that we can all follow his example by “filling up what is lacking” in Christ’s suffering for the good of the Church.
"Let My Heart Rejoice in Your Salvation"
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of the Nativity of Mary. There is not historial evidence that Mary was born on this particular day. There is a lovely medieval legend giving the reason for the date: The feast was made September 8 because in the fifth century a pious farmer at Angers in France one night had a vision of angels singing in Heaven. When he inquired for the reason he was told that they were rejoicing because the Blessed Virgin was born that night. It happened to be September 8. So the good farmer went to the Bishop, Saint Maurilius (430), who, after convincing himself of the farmer's sincerity, established a feast in honor of the birth of Mary to be celebrated annually on that day. (Weiser, Francis X. S.J., The Holyday Book, Harcourt, Brace and Company, Inc., New York 1956).
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of the Nativity of Mary. There is not historial evidence that Mary was born on this particular day. There is a lovely medieval legend giving the reason for the date: The feast was made September 8 because in the fifth century a pious farmer at Angers in France one night had a vision of angels singing in Heaven. When he inquired for the reason he was told that they were rejoicing because the Blessed Virgin was born that night. It happened to be September 8. So the good farmer went to the Bishop, Saint Maurilius (430), who, after convincing himself of the farmer's sincerity, established a feast in honor of the birth of Mary to be celebrated annually on that day. (Weiser, Francis X. S.J., The Holyday Book, Harcourt, Brace and Company, Inc., New York 1956).
"Fasting is a Discipline of Love"
Today's Mass Readings
The Gospel reading for today is instructive on many levels. Jesus was known to be found among sinners. He spent time with tax collectors, prostitutes, and others who were on the margins of society. Furthermore, He was often found eating and drinking with His disciples at some festive occasion. Jesus is frequently depicted in the Gospels at meals, and often having meals with sinners.
Today's Mass Readings
The Gospel reading for today is instructive on many levels. Jesus was known to be found among sinners. He spent time with tax collectors, prostitutes, and others who were on the margins of society. Furthermore, He was often found eating and drinking with His disciples at some festive occasion. Jesus is frequently depicted in the Gospels at meals, and often having meals with sinners.
“Depart from Me, Lord, for I am a Sinful Man.”
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke is an especially powerful one. Simon Peter is a skilled fisherman. He knows that the best time for catching fish in the deep was at night. And yet, his boat had caught nothing. After such a hard night’s work, Simon must have felt defeated as Jesus approached. Jesus, who was not a skilled fisherman, but rather a carpenter, tells Simon to go back out to the deep water, now at daytime, when it is even less likely that they will catch any fish, and lower the nets. Simon obeys Jesus, despite his own knowledge of fishing. Simon steps out and follows Jesus. This is a great act of trust, regardless of what Simon was thinking or believing inside.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke is an especially powerful one. Simon Peter is a skilled fisherman. He knows that the best time for catching fish in the deep was at night. And yet, his boat had caught nothing. After such a hard night’s work, Simon must have felt defeated as Jesus approached. Jesus, who was not a skilled fisherman, but rather a carpenter, tells Simon to go back out to the deep water, now at daytime, when it is even less likely that they will catch any fish, and lower the nets. Simon obeys Jesus, despite his own knowledge of fishing. Simon steps out and follows Jesus. This is a great act of trust, regardless of what Simon was thinking or believing inside.
"You are the Son of God"
Today's Mass Readings
In the coming days, the first reading will be taken from the letter to the Colossians. Attributed to Paul and written around 61 AD, the Colossians seem to have accepted the faith rather quickly and even received Paul’s praise for their steadfastness. In spite of their strong faith, however, a heretical teaching seems to have crept into the community – that somehow faith in Christ’s death and resurrection was not enough for salvation. In this letter Paul emphasizes the true faith – that God is Father; that Jesus is the perfect image of the Father, and that God has raised him from the dead for our salvation. (This letter is only three chapters. If you get the chance, try to read it together. )
Today's Mass Readings
In the coming days, the first reading will be taken from the letter to the Colossians. Attributed to Paul and written around 61 AD, the Colossians seem to have accepted the faith rather quickly and even received Paul’s praise for their steadfastness. In spite of their strong faith, however, a heretical teaching seems to have crept into the community – that somehow faith in Christ’s death and resurrection was not enough for salvation. In this letter Paul emphasizes the true faith – that God is Father; that Jesus is the perfect image of the Father, and that God has raised him from the dead for our salvation. (This letter is only three chapters. If you get the chance, try to read it together. )
"The Lord will Come like a Thief at Night."
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, we again find this recurrent theme of being prepared to meet Jesus. At one level they are a discussion of the end of the world. In every generation there have been people who thought the end would come during their own lifetime, and at some point in history, that will be the case. At another level, this encounter of Jesus occurs at every Eucharist. Of course, this encounter does not occur at some hidden time in the future, and therefore it is much easier to prepare for.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, we again find this recurrent theme of being prepared to meet Jesus. At one level they are a discussion of the end of the world. In every generation there have been people who thought the end would come during their own lifetime, and at some point in history, that will be the case. At another level, this encounter of Jesus occurs at every Eucharist. Of course, this encounter does not occur at some hidden time in the future, and therefore it is much easier to prepare for.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, we catch a brief glimpse of what will happen at the end when Christ returns. All of Christ’s followers will join the Saints in heaven at the very end before the final judgment. Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke hints at this second coming of Christ for those who know the Old Testament background. Jesus is in the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth, where he reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He reads from the beginning of chapter 61 of Isaiah.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, we catch a brief glimpse of what will happen at the end when Christ returns. All of Christ’s followers will join the Saints in heaven at the very end before the final judgment. Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke hints at this second coming of Christ for those who know the Old Testament background. Jesus is in the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth, where he reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He reads from the beginning of chapter 61 of Isaiah.
"The One who Humbles himself will be Exalted"
Sunday Mass Readings
People do many things to exalt themselves. From wearing certain brand clothes, to owning particular types of cars, from eating at particular restaurants to consuming certain types of wines, from living in certain neighbourhoods to becoming members of a certain parish, the choices we have to climb the social ladder is stupendous. Now don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong in these acts by themselves. But I think Christ is warning us that if our self-image, our dignity, our relationship with God and with others is determined by these things, then we have not understood the Christian paradox. Because, “one who exalts himself will be humbled….” Such a person has placed his or her security in things other than God. And that is the opposite of humility. That is pride. Humility, on the other hand comes from the realization that our basic dignity comes from God.
Sunday Mass Readings
People do many things to exalt themselves. From wearing certain brand clothes, to owning particular types of cars, from eating at particular restaurants to consuming certain types of wines, from living in certain neighbourhoods to becoming members of a certain parish, the choices we have to climb the social ladder is stupendous. Now don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong in these acts by themselves. But I think Christ is warning us that if our self-image, our dignity, our relationship with God and with others is determined by these things, then we have not understood the Christian paradox. Because, “one who exalts himself will be humbled….” Such a person has placed his or her security in things other than God. And that is the opposite of humility. That is pride. Humility, on the other hand comes from the realization that our basic dignity comes from God.
"To be Devout, Just and Blameless"
Today's Mass Readings
Today the Church keeps the memory of the martyrdom of John the Baptist. Known for his asceticism and his mystical spirituality, John’s martyrdom showcases two realities. The first was his own integrity. He stood by the truth. However, the immediate cause of his death was also the whim of a woman who was callous about human life. She merely made John a pawn in her game. Moreover, she did not hesitate to implicate her daughter in her own guilt, by making her demand the life of John. Both of these are realities of our times as well. That is why, the feast of John the Baptist is relevant two thousand years after his death.
Today's Mass Readings
Today the Church keeps the memory of the martyrdom of John the Baptist. Known for his asceticism and his mystical spirituality, John’s martyrdom showcases two realities. The first was his own integrity. He stood by the truth. However, the immediate cause of his death was also the whim of a woman who was callous about human life. She merely made John a pawn in her game. Moreover, she did not hesitate to implicate her daughter in her own guilt, by making her demand the life of John. Both of these are realities of our times as well. That is why, the feast of John the Baptist is relevant two thousand years after his death.