"Protecting Human Dignity"
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading is a great lesson on the God given dignity of the human person. The book of Genesis tells us that the source of the dignity of every human person comes from the fact that God has imprinted God’s own image and likeness on man and woman (Gen 1:26). Because of this every human person has a certain privilege and merits a certain kind of treatment. The Church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life – from conception until natural death – stems from this belief in the sacredness of every person.
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading is a great lesson on the God given dignity of the human person. The book of Genesis tells us that the source of the dignity of every human person comes from the fact that God has imprinted God’s own image and likeness on man and woman (Gen 1:26). Because of this every human person has a certain privilege and merits a certain kind of treatment. The Church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life – from conception until natural death – stems from this belief in the sacredness of every person.
"To Take a Stand; To Be the Voice of Christ"
Today' Mass Readings
“So a division occurred in the crowd because of him (Jesus).” John tells us that Jesus had become the cause of division in Israel (John 5: 43). Some in the multitude recognized him as prophet (7: 40), while others claimed that he was the messiah (7:41). The division arises because Jesus’ place of origin is contested. After his birth in Bethlehem, his family had fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. When they returned they lived in Nazareth in Galilee. It is clear in the reading that they associate Jesus as a Galilean rather than from than Bethlehem.
Today' Mass Readings
“So a division occurred in the crowd because of him (Jesus).” John tells us that Jesus had become the cause of division in Israel (John 5: 43). Some in the multitude recognized him as prophet (7: 40), while others claimed that he was the messiah (7:41). The division arises because Jesus’ place of origin is contested. After his birth in Bethlehem, his family had fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. When they returned they lived in Nazareth in Galilee. It is clear in the reading that they associate Jesus as a Galilean rather than from than Bethlehem.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom is a powerful reading. It points toward Good Friday, which is only three weeks from today. Those speaking in the text are the wicked who are frustrated by the righteous one who claims to be the Son of God. Christians have commonly understood this passage as referring to Jesus. Who else was condemned to a shameful death, mocked and tortured, and yet claimed to be the Son of God? The wicked, in this reading, felt judged by the righteous one’s life. He did not live the way they lived, but was set apart for God. He avoided sin and lived a holy life. The Greek philosopher Plato, who lived long before Jesus, wrote that if a truly righteous man ever walked the earth, he would be crucified. This is what we find happening in the first reading.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom is a powerful reading. It points toward Good Friday, which is only three weeks from today. Those speaking in the text are the wicked who are frustrated by the righteous one who claims to be the Son of God. Christians have commonly understood this passage as referring to Jesus. Who else was condemned to a shameful death, mocked and tortured, and yet claimed to be the Son of God? The wicked, in this reading, felt judged by the righteous one’s life. He did not live the way they lived, but was set apart for God. He avoided sin and lived a holy life. The Greek philosopher Plato, who lived long before Jesus, wrote that if a truly righteous man ever walked the earth, he would be crucified. This is what we find happening in the first reading.
"Remember us, O Lord!"
Today's Mass Readings
If there is one word that stands out in today’s readings, that word is “remember.” In the passage from Exodus, we see the Israelites turning back to the ways of the Egyptians even after God had freed them from slavery. Rather than worshipping God, they continue to worship Egyptian gods in the form of a molten calf.
Today's Mass Readings
If there is one word that stands out in today’s readings, that word is “remember.” In the passage from Exodus, we see the Israelites turning back to the ways of the Egyptians even after God had freed them from slavery. Rather than worshipping God, they continue to worship Egyptian gods in the form of a molten calf.
"The Love of the Father Can Carry Us Through"
Today's Mass Readings
Pay very close attention to the gospel readings for next two days. John 5:17- 40 is a monologue. Through it, Jesus explicates his very intimate relationship with the Father to his audience. This, in spite of the fact that in 5:18, his opponents were trying to kill him because Jesus claimed equality with the Father. That Jesus would continue to make bold statements such as, “Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (5:22), should baffle any of us.
Today's Mass Readings
Pay very close attention to the gospel readings for next two days. John 5:17- 40 is a monologue. Through it, Jesus explicates his very intimate relationship with the Father to his audience. This, in spite of the fact that in 5:18, his opponents were trying to kill him because Jesus claimed equality with the Father. That Jesus would continue to make bold statements such as, “Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (5:22), should baffle any of us.
"Living Waters"
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading for today from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, we find Ezekiel’s vision of the living water flowing from the Heavenly Temple. The image is reminiscent of Revelation chapter 21 and its depiction of the Heavenly Jerusalem and Jesus’ water of life. In Ezekiel’s passage this water is so overflowing and powerful, that it is depicted as turning the salt water of the sea, and presumably the Dead Sea as well, into fresh water.
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading for today from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, we find Ezekiel’s vision of the living water flowing from the Heavenly Temple. The image is reminiscent of Revelation chapter 21 and its depiction of the Heavenly Jerusalem and Jesus’ water of life. In Ezekiel’s passage this water is so overflowing and powerful, that it is depicted as turning the salt water of the sea, and presumably the Dead Sea as well, into fresh water.
"Solemnity of St.Joseph"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the solemnity of St. Joseph. He is known to us first of all as the husband of Mary and hence the foster father of Jesus. Both Mary and Joseph point us toward their holy Son, who was truly man and therefore had human parents. Today’s readings highlight the importance of Joseph’s role in salvation history
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the solemnity of St. Joseph. He is known to us first of all as the husband of Mary and hence the foster father of Jesus. Both Mary and Joseph point us toward their holy Son, who was truly man and therefore had human parents. Today’s readings highlight the importance of Joseph’s role in salvation history
"Growing in spiritual maturity"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is a very important reading in the Old Testament. After many years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites finally have finally reached the Promised Land. In the desert, had God led them, protected them, fed them and quenched their thirst. Now, under the leadership of Joshua, they have crossed the Jordan and are encamped east of Jericho. From now on there would be no longer be any manna. The Israelites would have to cultivate their own food. In this way, God was inviting the people to maturity, both spiritual and material. Like little children who begin to eat on their own, develop their own thinking and character, learn accountability, make responsible choices and grow up as mature, disciplined individuals, God now invites the Israelites to mature in their faith, in their relationship with God with one another and with other nations around them.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is a very important reading in the Old Testament. After many years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites finally have finally reached the Promised Land. In the desert, had God led them, protected them, fed them and quenched their thirst. Now, under the leadership of Joshua, they have crossed the Jordan and are encamped east of Jericho. From now on there would be no longer be any manna. The Israelites would have to cultivate their own food. In this way, God was inviting the people to maturity, both spiritual and material. Like little children who begin to eat on their own, develop their own thinking and character, learn accountability, make responsible choices and grow up as mature, disciplined individuals, God now invites the Israelites to mature in their faith, in their relationship with God with one another and with other nations around them.
"O God, be merciful to me a sinner."
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is taken from the book of the prophet Hosea. The prophet’s personal story is one of the most moving stories of the Old Testament. Hosea is commanded by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. God’s purpose was multi-dimensional. First, through Gomer’s infidelity to Hosea, God wanted the prophet to feel the pain of God who wept at the infidelity of Israel. Second, unlike a prostitute, God wanted Israel as a nation to vow themselves to “right, justice, love and mercy” (Hosea 2:21). It is in this context that we must understand the second part of the reading from Hosea where God says, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away.” Third, just as Hosea remained faithful his “wandering” wife, God wanted Israel to understand God’s fidelity to them.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is taken from the book of the prophet Hosea. The prophet’s personal story is one of the most moving stories of the Old Testament. Hosea is commanded by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. God’s purpose was multi-dimensional. First, through Gomer’s infidelity to Hosea, God wanted the prophet to feel the pain of God who wept at the infidelity of Israel. Second, unlike a prostitute, God wanted Israel as a nation to vow themselves to “right, justice, love and mercy” (Hosea 2:21). It is in this context that we must understand the second part of the reading from Hosea where God says, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away.” Third, just as Hosea remained faithful his “wandering” wife, God wanted Israel to understand God’s fidelity to them.
"To Love God and Our Neighbor"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus explains the greatest commandment: Love God. However, Jesus adds a second one to the first: love your neighbor, which is an essential means of loving God. Loving God and loving neighbor are thus inseparable. Understanding and practicing these two commandments together would make Jesus say to us what he said to the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus explains the greatest commandment: Love God. However, Jesus adds a second one to the first: love your neighbor, which is an essential means of loving God. Loving God and loving neighbor are thus inseparable. Understanding and practicing these two commandments together would make Jesus say to us what he said to the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
"To Be For God or Against God"
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus’ tone in the gospel is rather serious. He gives his followers only two options: to be for God or against Him, to gather people for Him or to scatter His people. There is not middle path when it comes to our choices of God. Every day we face numerous choices, but seldom do we think that every choice we make reflects that we are either for or against God. Yet some among our tradition, like Thomas Aquinas, have argued precisely this.
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus’ tone in the gospel is rather serious. He gives his followers only two options: to be for God or against Him, to gather people for Him or to scatter His people. There is not middle path when it comes to our choices of God. Every day we face numerous choices, but seldom do we think that every choice we make reflects that we are either for or against God. Yet some among our tradition, like Thomas Aquinas, have argued precisely this.
Acts by Law or Acts of Love?"
Today's Mass Readings
Both the readings deal with the role of laws in spirituality. However, before we reflect on this theme it seems very interesting to draw a parallelism between the two readings. It might be interesting to note the Matthew was writing to a predominantly Jewish audience. Thus, he constantly strives to present Jesus as the new Moses, but only far more superior than Judaism’s greatest prophet; hence, the parallelism in today’s readings as well.
Today's Mass Readings
Both the readings deal with the role of laws in spirituality. However, before we reflect on this theme it seems very interesting to draw a parallelism between the two readings. It might be interesting to note the Matthew was writing to a predominantly Jewish audience. Thus, he constantly strives to present Jesus as the new Moses, but only far more superior than Judaism’s greatest prophet; hence, the parallelism in today’s readings as well.
"To Forgive is Divine"
Today's Mass Readings
The Gospel reading for today is perfect for the season of Lent. In many ways it can be seen as a commentary on the line from the Lord’s prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus if we should forgive someone even if they have sinned against us seven times.
Today's Mass Readings
The Gospel reading for today is perfect for the season of Lent. In many ways it can be seen as a commentary on the line from the Lord’s prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus if we should forgive someone even if they have sinned against us seven times.
Athirst is my soul for the living God"
Today's Scripture Readings
Today’s first reading tells a dramatic story of a non-Israelite who receives healing from the Jewish prophet Elisha. This story seems improbable for several reasons, one of which is that everything happens upon the advice of a servant girl! Secondly, Namaan is not an Israelite and does not want to follow Elisha’s instruction. And yet, there is enough belief in this story from the people surrounding Namaan that he does get healed of his leprosy.
Today's Scripture Readings
Today’s first reading tells a dramatic story of a non-Israelite who receives healing from the Jewish prophet Elisha. This story seems improbable for several reasons, one of which is that everything happens upon the advice of a servant girl! Secondly, Namaan is not an Israelite and does not want to follow Elisha’s instruction. And yet, there is enough belief in this story from the people surrounding Namaan that he does get healed of his leprosy.
"Human Desires"
Today's Mass Readings
Desire is a neutral human quality. It is what one desires and how one chooses to fulfil these desires that make it either good or bad.
Today’s readings are a great commentary on human desire. The Israelites in today’s first reading were thirsty. They “desired” water. When they saw that there was no water they should have known that the same God who had miraculously rescued them from the mighty Egyptians could also provide them with water. Instead, they grumbled to such an extent that Moses was scared they would stone him.
Today's Mass Readings
Desire is a neutral human quality. It is what one desires and how one chooses to fulfil these desires that make it either good or bad.
Today’s readings are a great commentary on human desire. The Israelites in today’s first reading were thirsty. They “desired” water. When they saw that there was no water they should have known that the same God who had miraculously rescued them from the mighty Egyptians could also provide them with water. Instead, they grumbled to such an extent that Moses was scared they would stone him.
"You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins."
Today's Mass Readings
It is during lent that we get to hear the prophecies of some of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. For example, we get to hear from the prophecies of prophet Micah in today’s first reading. He prophesied around the same time as Isaiah. But while Isaiah came from the upper echelons of society, Micah came from rural Judah. As a result, his message is specially connected to the land and the poor who work in it.
Today's Mass Readings
It is during lent that we get to hear the prophecies of some of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. For example, we get to hear from the prophecies of prophet Micah in today’s first reading. He prophesied around the same time as Isaiah. But while Isaiah came from the upper echelons of society, Micah came from rural Judah. As a result, his message is specially connected to the land and the poor who work in it.
"The New Exodus"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading we hear Jesus preaching an important but often overlooked aspect of salvation history in the form of a parable. He is basically telling certain Pharisees that God has been trying to reunite His scattered family by sending prophets, and now His Son, Jesus, God in the flesh. God’s people beat and killed the prophets, and now the Son of God will also be killed. Although it will be the Romans who kill Jesus, some of the religious leaders will consent to His death, and in fact seek it out.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading we hear Jesus preaching an important but often overlooked aspect of salvation history in the form of a parable. He is basically telling certain Pharisees that God has been trying to reunite His scattered family by sending prophets, and now His Son, Jesus, God in the flesh. God’s people beat and killed the prophets, and now the Son of God will also be killed. Although it will be the Romans who kill Jesus, some of the religious leaders will consent to His death, and in fact seek it out.
"As You Sow, So Shall You Reap"
Today's Mass Readings
The United States, is in many ways a place of great excesses, especially when we compare ourselves to our brothers and sisters in the rest of the world. Today’s powerful gospel reading has Jesus telling a parable regarding a nameless rich man who lived at the cost of others’ lives, particularly the life of a poor and afflicted man named Lazarus. When it was too late – that is, when the rich man had died – he realized the error of his ways.
Today's Mass Readings
The United States, is in many ways a place of great excesses, especially when we compare ourselves to our brothers and sisters in the rest of the world. Today’s powerful gospel reading has Jesus telling a parable regarding a nameless rich man who lived at the cost of others’ lives, particularly the life of a poor and afflicted man named Lazarus. When it was too late – that is, when the rich man had died – he realized the error of his ways.
"Deliver us from Evil"
Today's Mass readings
The book of the prophet Jeremiah is a rather poignant piece of prophetic literature. On the one hand, Jeremiah was a courageous and credible prophet. On the other hand, he often felt that God was letting him down by letting his enemies have an upper hand. He struggled to understand why his enemies could not be simply destroyed by God so that God’s own message preached by Jeremiah could reform the corrupt monarchy of the time and thus escape the impending disaster at the hands of the Babylonians. We see both these sentiments in today’s first reading. While his enemies are plotting to destroy him, Jeremiah asks a very basic question: “Must good be repaid with evil?”
Today's Mass readings
The book of the prophet Jeremiah is a rather poignant piece of prophetic literature. On the one hand, Jeremiah was a courageous and credible prophet. On the other hand, he often felt that God was letting him down by letting his enemies have an upper hand. He struggled to understand why his enemies could not be simply destroyed by God so that God’s own message preached by Jeremiah could reform the corrupt monarchy of the time and thus escape the impending disaster at the hands of the Babylonians. We see both these sentiments in today’s first reading. While his enemies are plotting to destroy him, Jeremiah asks a very basic question: “Must good be repaid with evil?”
Christmas Weekday
Saint John’s letters and gospel are more philosophical than St. Paul’s letters and the other three gospels. It’s helpful to keep this in mind diving into today’s Word. From where we stand in 21st century western culture, it can be confusing when John’s letter simultaneously says anyone who acts with righteousness is begotten by God, AND that no one who sins has seen the Lord. Aren’t we begotten by God in our Baptism? And yet we all continue to sin. What’s happening here?