"Therefore, Say Awake
Today's Mass Readings
The point of the parable from today’s Gospel reading is that we each much remain watchful and attentive. In today’s parable, the bridegroom has arrived to begin to seven day joyous wedding celebration which was standard for the Judaism of the time. The young women who did not bring their oil with them will not be able to partake in this joyous occasion. They had not remained watchful and attentive. None of us know when we are going to die. None of us know when our end will come. We must therefore keep watch over our lives to make sure we are following Jesus to the best of our abilities.
Today's Mass Readings
The point of the parable from today’s Gospel reading is that we each much remain watchful and attentive. In today’s parable, the bridegroom has arrived to begin to seven day joyous wedding celebration which was standard for the Judaism of the time. The young women who did not bring their oil with them will not be able to partake in this joyous occasion. They had not remained watchful and attentive. None of us know when we are going to die. None of us know when our end will come. We must therefore keep watch over our lives to make sure we are following Jesus to the best of our abilities.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today carry the themes of expectation and also joy. There is the expectation of Christ’s return and the joy of being found worthy when that return occurs. Expectation is something that we live with on a daily basis, but it is the expectation of simple things: the coffee pot to finish making coffee, the beginning of the school year, or – more significantly – the birth of a child. All of these instances can bring toe-tapping impatience.
"You have Searched Me and You Know Me, Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is upset. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates the utmost patience when dealing with common sinners, when dealing with His own suffering, etc., Jesus’ righteous anger, however, is kindled again and again by the sins of the religious leaders of His time.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is upset. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates the utmost patience when dealing with common sinners, when dealing with His own suffering, etc., Jesus’ righteous anger, however, is kindled again and again by the sins of the religious leaders of His time.
"Whoever Humbles Himself will be Exalted"
Today's Mass Readings
The book of Ruth, from which today’s first reading is taken, is a story that occurred during the time of the Judges. Thus, it rightly placed between the book of Judges and I Samuel. Ruth was not an Israelite but rather a Moabite women. She was married to one of the sons of Elimelech and Naomi who were Hebrew, but had moved to Moab because of a famine. Tragic events (the death of Naomi’s husband and the death of Ruth’s husband) became the background against which this dramatic and beautiful story of loyalty developed.
Today's Mass Readings
The book of Ruth, from which today’s first reading is taken, is a story that occurred during the time of the Judges. Thus, it rightly placed between the book of Judges and I Samuel. Ruth was not an Israelite but rather a Moabite women. She was married to one of the sons of Elimelech and Naomi who were Hebrew, but had moved to Moab because of a famine. Tragic events (the death of Naomi’s husband and the death of Ruth’s husband) became the background against which this dramatic and beautiful story of loyalty developed.
"Your Friends Make Known, O Lord, the Glorious Splendor of Your Kingdom"
Today's Mass Readings
(Dear friends, Our Website was hacked by some unscruplous elements. Please ignore any unwanted material. We will address the problem as soon as we can) Fr. Satish
Today is the Feast of the Apostle Bartholomew, known in the gospels as Nathaniel. In today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation, we find the Church described as the bride of the Lamb, the heavenly Jerusalem, founded upon the twelve apostles and the twelve tribes of Israel. Throughout its pages, the Book of Revelation displays, in the words of today’s responsorial Psalm, the glorious splendor of God’s kingdom. This is in part what today’s reading of the Gospel is about.
Today's Mass Readings
(Dear friends, Our Website was hacked by some unscruplous elements. Please ignore any unwanted material. We will address the problem as soon as we can) Fr. Satish
Today is the Feast of the Apostle Bartholomew, known in the gospels as Nathaniel. In today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation, we find the Church described as the bride of the Lamb, the heavenly Jerusalem, founded upon the twelve apostles and the twelve tribes of Israel. Throughout its pages, the Book of Revelation displays, in the words of today’s responsorial Psalm, the glorious splendor of God’s kingdom. This is in part what today’s reading of the Gospel is about.
"Here I am, Lord; I Come to Do Your Will
Today's Mass Readings
At first glance, today’s first reading appears to be extremely puzzling. Is Jephthah meant to be a hero? And what kind of hero promises to make such an unknown sacrifice in return for victory in battle? Indeed, the violence in the book of Judges makes it a difficult text to read, as well as to discern where it fits with the message of the Bible of a whole. And yet, what we see throughout the book of Judges is that the Israelite people have fallen into such disarray that even their leaders, even their heroes, have outstanding flaws.
Today's Mass Readings
At first glance, today’s first reading appears to be extremely puzzling. Is Jephthah meant to be a hero? And what kind of hero promises to make such an unknown sacrifice in return for victory in battle? Indeed, the violence in the book of Judges makes it a difficult text to read, as well as to discern where it fits with the message of the Bible of a whole. And yet, what we see throughout the book of Judges is that the Israelite people have fallen into such disarray that even their leaders, even their heroes, have outstanding flaws.
"The last will be First, and the First will be Last"
Today's Mass Readings
Gideon (one of the judges who ruled over Israel), whom we encountered in yesterday’s reflection, initially led the people to the Lord and then misled them to worship the ephod he had made of gold. As Judges 8:27 tells us, it led to the ruin of Gideon. Today’s story moves on from the death of Gideon. For a very brief time, Abimelech, one of the sons of Gideon, ruled as “king” over Israel, although, the general understanding was that the only the Lord could be the King of Israel. Here, we see Israel already experimenting with monarchy.
Today's Mass Readings
Gideon (one of the judges who ruled over Israel), whom we encountered in yesterday’s reflection, initially led the people to the Lord and then misled them to worship the ephod he had made of gold. As Judges 8:27 tells us, it led to the ruin of Gideon. Today’s story moves on from the death of Gideon. For a very brief time, Abimelech, one of the sons of Gideon, ruled as “king” over Israel, although, the general understanding was that the only the Lord could be the King of Israel. Here, we see Israel already experimenting with monarchy.
The Lord Speaks of Peace to His People
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes found in today’s readings is that of peace, God’s peace. This is most clearly seen today’s responsorial psalm, Psalm 85, where we read that the Lord proclaims peace “to his people, and to his faithful ones, and to those who put in him their hope.” And again, “justice and peace shall kiss.” The antiphon itself pertains to peace: “The Lord speaks of peace to his people.”
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes found in today’s readings is that of peace, God’s peace. This is most clearly seen today’s responsorial psalm, Psalm 85, where we read that the Lord proclaims peace “to his people, and to his faithful ones, and to those who put in him their hope.” And again, “justice and peace shall kiss.” The antiphon itself pertains to peace: “The Lord speaks of peace to his people.”
"Normal Versus Perfect"
Today's Mass Readings
At the end of the book of Joshua (see reflection for August 18), the people had made a firm commitment and declared, “We will serve the LORD, our God, and obey his voice” (Joshua 24:24). But as the first tells us, the “abandoned” the Lord to serve Baal and Ashtaroth, the fertility god and goddess in the Canaanite religion. Just as the Lord had promised, infidelity would lead to desolation and defeat.
Today's Mass Readings
At the end of the book of Joshua (see reflection for August 18), the people had made a firm commitment and declared, “We will serve the LORD, our God, and obey his voice” (Joshua 24:24). But as the first tells us, the “abandoned” the Lord to serve Baal and Ashtaroth, the fertility god and goddess in the Canaanite religion. Just as the Lord had promised, infidelity would lead to desolation and defeat.
"Normal Versus Perfect"
Sunday Mass Readings
Scripture and tradition hold those people in high regard who remain steadfast to the divine law even if they were in disobedience to civil authority. In today’s first reading, we hear the persecution of Jeremiah at the hands of King Zedekiah. Jeremiah’s prophecies were directed against the wealthy and ruling elite of the Kingdom of Judah. Corruption, exploitation of the poor, infidelity to the Covenant was rampant at this time. Jeremiah foretold the future destruction of and subjugation of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians. For this he was accused of treason. The point for us today, though, is that, even when Jeremiah was thrown into the pit, even while he was being sucked into the quicksand, he stood by the prophecy God has commanded him to proclaim. Such fidelity is extolled in the Scriptures.
Sunday Mass Readings
Scripture and tradition hold those people in high regard who remain steadfast to the divine law even if they were in disobedience to civil authority. In today’s first reading, we hear the persecution of Jeremiah at the hands of King Zedekiah. Jeremiah’s prophecies were directed against the wealthy and ruling elite of the Kingdom of Judah. Corruption, exploitation of the poor, infidelity to the Covenant was rampant at this time. Jeremiah foretold the future destruction of and subjugation of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians. For this he was accused of treason. The point for us today, though, is that, even when Jeremiah was thrown into the pit, even while he was being sucked into the quicksand, he stood by the prophecy God has commanded him to proclaim. Such fidelity is extolled in the Scriptures.
"As for Me and My Household, We will Serve the Lord"
Today's Mass readings
In continuation of Joshua’s impassioned speech in front of the people of Israel (yesterday’s reading), in today’s reading, Joshua both challenges the people to a radical commitment to the Lord and makes his own choice in this regard. In the now famous declaration, he confessed, “As for my and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Today's Mass readings
In continuation of Joshua’s impassioned speech in front of the people of Israel (yesterday’s reading), in today’s reading, Joshua both challenges the people to a radical commitment to the Lord and makes his own choice in this regard. In the now famous declaration, he confessed, “As for my and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
"From the Beginning it Was Not So"
Today's Mass Readings
From totally different perspectives, both the readings today call for fidelity. In the first reading the context is the entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land in the second reading the context is marriage. In other words, whether it is our relationship with God or with people we love – they must be characterized by fidelity.
Today's Mass Readings
From totally different perspectives, both the readings today call for fidelity. In the first reading the context is the entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land in the second reading the context is marriage. In other words, whether it is our relationship with God or with people we love – they must be characterized by fidelity.
Faith is the Evidence of Things Not Seen"
Today's Mass Readings
Living by the word of God is, perhaps, the most challenging task before a Christian. I make this observation not necessarily because the demands that it makes are challenging, but because God demands action from us even before we can be sure of the results. The letter to the Hebrews says that, “faith is the realization of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Living by the word of God is challenging because it demands that we do what is required of us from God and leave the consequences to God in faith.
Today's Mass Readings
Living by the word of God is, perhaps, the most challenging task before a Christian. I make this observation not necessarily because the demands that it makes are challenging, but because God demands action from us even before we can be sure of the results. The letter to the Hebrews says that, “faith is the realization of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Living by the word of God is challenging because it demands that we do what is required of us from God and leave the consequences to God in faith.
Blessed are Your Who Believed that Everything the Lord Promised will be Fulfilled"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. The assumption is gift of God to Mary for her faith, her belief, her fidelity. The angel had told her at the annunciation that nothing is impossible with God. Mary believed in the God of the impossible. And so when the impossible happened, i.e., when Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, Mary had to be part of it. Mary who was associated with Jesus from the womb to the tomb, is allowed by God to take part even in his resurrection and ascension, for she believed all that the Lord promised her would be fulfilled. The promise made to her was fulfilled in the most extraordinary of ways, but blessed is she for she believed.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. The assumption is gift of God to Mary for her faith, her belief, her fidelity. The angel had told her at the annunciation that nothing is impossible with God. Mary believed in the God of the impossible. And so when the impossible happened, i.e., when Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, Mary had to be part of it. Mary who was associated with Jesus from the womb to the tomb, is allowed by God to take part even in his resurrection and ascension, for she believed all that the Lord promised her would be fulfilled. The promise made to her was fulfilled in the most extraordinary of ways, but blessed is she for she believed.
"Be Brave and Steadfast
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, a highly venerated priest and martyr of the Catholic church. He was arrested with several of his Fransciscan brothers on 19 September 1939 following the Nazi invasion of Poland. On 28 May 1941 he was transferred to Auschwitz and branded as prisoner 16670. In July 1941 there was an escape from the camp. Camp protocol, designed to make the prisoners guard each other, required that ten men be slaughtered in retribution for each escaped prisoner. Francis Gajowniczek, a married man with young children was chosen to die for the escape. Maximilian volunteered to take his place, and died as he had always wished - in service.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, a highly venerated priest and martyr of the Catholic church. He was arrested with several of his Fransciscan brothers on 19 September 1939 following the Nazi invasion of Poland. On 28 May 1941 he was transferred to Auschwitz and branded as prisoner 16670. In July 1941 there was an escape from the camp. Camp protocol, designed to make the prisoners guard each other, required that ten men be slaughtered in retribution for each escaped prisoner. Francis Gajowniczek, a married man with young children was chosen to die for the escape. Maximilian volunteered to take his place, and died as he had always wished - in service.
"Circumcise Your Hearts, Therefore"
Today's Mass Readings
We continue our reflection from the book of Deuteronomy. Today’s reading provides the disposition that God expected his people to have, the motivation for this particular disposition and a clue to staying firm in that disposition. Let us reflect on each of these three aspects.
Today's Mass Readings
We continue our reflection from the book of Deuteronomy. Today’s reading provides the disposition that God expected his people to have, the motivation for this particular disposition and a clue to staying firm in that disposition. Let us reflect on each of these three aspects.
The Faithful and Prudent Steward"
Sunday Mass Readings
Through the parable of the faithful and prudent steward, Jesus tells his followers that they must live prudent lives. Along with fortitude, justice and temperance, prudence is one of the cardinal virtues.
Sunday Mass Readings
Through the parable of the faithful and prudent steward, Jesus tells his followers that they must live prudent lives. Along with fortitude, justice and temperance, prudence is one of the cardinal virtues.
To Love God with All Our Heart, Soul and Strength"
Today's Mass Readings
In the last month or so, we have reflected on the origin and history of the people of Israel beginning with Abraham in the book of Genesis to the development of organized religion in the book Leviticus and Numbers. Today we reach the last book in this five book series – the book of Deuteronomy. The five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) together is called the “Pentateuch.” The book of Deuteronomy (meaning “second law”) is different from the other four books and contains important lessons for us.
Today's Mass Readings
In the last month or so, we have reflected on the origin and history of the people of Israel beginning with Abraham in the book of Genesis to the development of organized religion in the book Leviticus and Numbers. Today we reach the last book in this five book series – the book of Deuteronomy. The five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) together is called the “Pentateuch.” The book of Deuteronomy (meaning “second law”) is different from the other four books and contains important lessons for us.
"Whoever Loves His Life Loses it"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Lawrence. He was one of the deacons and martyrs of the Roman Church of the third century. He was a victim of the persecution of Valerian in 258. Legend has it that he was burnt on the stakes. Immaterial of the manner of death, his martyrdom can be authenticated rather precisely.
One of the beliefs in the early Christian Church revolved around the “imitation of Christ.” Christians believed in the literal imitation of Christ. In other words, to die like Christ was the greatest privilege that they could ever have.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Lawrence. He was one of the deacons and martyrs of the Roman Church of the third century. He was a victim of the persecution of Valerian in 258. Legend has it that he was burnt on the stakes. Immaterial of the manner of death, his martyrdom can be authenticated rather precisely.
One of the beliefs in the early Christian Church revolved around the “imitation of Christ.” Christians believed in the literal imitation of Christ. In other words, to die like Christ was the greatest privilege that they could ever have.
"Show Forth My Sanctity"
Today's Mass Readings
“Because you were not faithful to me
in showing forth my sanctity before the children of Israel,
you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them.”These were God’s words not to the stiff-necked people of Israel, but, to Moses and Aaron. After all these years of Moses’ leadership and fidelity, Moses is barred by God to lead the people into the Promised Land. And this because, in skepticism, Moses struck the rock twice instead of once to provide water to a protesting people. God’s complaint against Moses and Aaron is more specific than mere infidelity. God complaint was that the failed in “showing forth my (His) sanctity before the children of Israel.”
Today's Mass Readings
“Because you were not faithful to me
in showing forth my sanctity before the children of Israel,
you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them.”These were God’s words not to the stiff-necked people of Israel, but, to Moses and Aaron. After all these years of Moses’ leadership and fidelity, Moses is barred by God to lead the people into the Promised Land. And this because, in skepticism, Moses struck the rock twice instead of once to provide water to a protesting people. God’s complaint against Moses and Aaron is more specific than mere infidelity. God complaint was that the failed in “showing forth my (His) sanctity before the children of Israel.”