Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, the prophet Ezekiel writes of how the LORD God will gather the people of Israel together again from their exile. God promises to heal their divisions, to cleanse them from their sinfulness, and to help them obey His commands. He promises to set up make a new and eternal covenant with them. He promises to make a sanctuary, a place to worship Him properly, that will last forever.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading, the prophet Ezekiel writes of how the LORD God will gather the people of Israel together again from their exile. God promises to heal their divisions, to cleanse them from their sinfulness, and to help them obey His commands. He promises to set up make a new and eternal covenant with them. He promises to make a sanctuary, a place to worship Him properly, that will last forever.
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
If you have the chance, take some time to go back and look through the previous Fridays’ readings from this Lenten season. You will discover that this is at least the fourth time this Lent that people have tried to arrest or kill Jesus. Thus far, it seems, Jesus stands as the traditional hero in an action film, just managing to escape from tight spots to the relief of adoring fans. Jesus is working against evil and going around doing good, and all the while managing to stay one step ahead of his enemies. Attentive readers may well wonder, though, how long this fortune can last. If the people really are out to get Jesus, won’t they succeed at some point?
Today's Mass Readings
If you have the chance, take some time to go back and look through the previous Fridays’ readings from this Lenten season. You will discover that this is at least the fourth time this Lent that people have tried to arrest or kill Jesus. Thus far, it seems, Jesus stands as the traditional hero in an action film, just managing to escape from tight spots to the relief of adoring fans. Jesus is working against evil and going around doing good, and all the while managing to stay one step ahead of his enemies. Attentive readers may well wonder, though, how long this fortune can last. If the people really are out to get Jesus, won’t they succeed at some point?
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
With Easter quickly approaching, our eyes are drawn toward the paschal mystery – the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This story is also the story of a covenant. Throughout salvation history, God has made covenants with his people. In today’s first reading, for example, we have a passage from Genesis where God tells Abraham that just as God will keep the covenant with Abraham’s descendants, they must also keep their covenant with God. The psalm response reinforces this theme: “The Lord remembers his covenant forever.”
Today's Mass Readings
With Easter quickly approaching, our eyes are drawn toward the paschal mystery – the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This story is also the story of a covenant. Throughout salvation history, God has made covenants with his people. In today’s first reading, for example, we have a passage from Genesis where God tells Abraham that just as God will keep the covenant with Abraham’s descendants, they must also keep their covenant with God. The psalm response reinforces this theme: “The Lord remembers his covenant forever.”
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
"If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31b-32a.
Today's Mass Readings
"If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31b-32a.
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
As we get closer to Holy week, the reference to Jesus’ suffering and death will get ever more direct and real. Not only that, the connection between the events relating to his death and resurrection will be interpreted in light of the Old Testament, so that Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. Thus in today’s first reading from the Book of Numbers, the Israelites are saved from the seraph serpents by gazing upon the bronze serpent that is lifted up for them. The early church saw this as foreshadowing Jesus, the One lifted up on the cross for us, by whose “lifting up” we are saved.
Today's Mass Readings
As we get closer to Holy week, the reference to Jesus’ suffering and death will get ever more direct and real. Not only that, the connection between the events relating to his death and resurrection will be interpreted in light of the Old Testament, so that Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. Thus in today’s first reading from the Book of Numbers, the Israelites are saved from the seraph serpents by gazing upon the bronze serpent that is lifted up for them. The early church saw this as foreshadowing Jesus, the One lifted up on the cross for us, by whose “lifting up” we are saved.
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The juxtaposition of today’s first reading and gospel are intriguing. At first read, we might think that the two women in these stories represent complete opposites. Susanna from the Book of Daniel is described as God-fearing and married to a very well-respected man. When confronted with the choices between remaining innocent yet being convicted and sinning yet going free, she chooses to be falsely accused. Her integrity before God is her first priority, despite knowing how others will judge her. The woman described in the Gospel of John passage, on the other hand, was caught in the very act of adultery. Clearly she is guilty.
Today's Mass Readings
The juxtaposition of today’s first reading and gospel are intriguing. At first read, we might think that the two women in these stories represent complete opposites. Susanna from the Book of Daniel is described as God-fearing and married to a very well-respected man. When confronted with the choices between remaining innocent yet being convicted and sinning yet going free, she chooses to be falsely accused. Her integrity before God is her first priority, despite knowing how others will judge her. The woman described in the Gospel of John passage, on the other hand, was caught in the very act of adultery. Clearly she is guilty.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings we find one of the Old Testament’s most powerful descriptions of the forthcoming New Covenant, an acknowledgment that Gentiles are called to that New Covenant and a dialogue in which the Father confirms the divinity of Jesus. Included in all of this is, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (Jn 12:24) My reflection focuses on the theme of that passage as it runs through the events described in the readings.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings we find one of the Old Testament’s most powerful descriptions of the forthcoming New Covenant, an acknowledgment that Gentiles are called to that New Covenant and a dialogue in which the Father confirms the divinity of Jesus. Included in all of this is, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (Jn 12:24) My reflection focuses on the theme of that passage as it runs through the events described in the readings.
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
There is an interesting interplay in today’s readings between our expectations or knowledge and God’s work.
In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we hear the emphasis on God as the one who knows all, “I knew their plot because the LORD informed me; at that time you, O LORD, showed me their doings” (Jer 11:18). All knowledge comes from God yet, like Jeremiah, we don’t always realize what God is telling us.
Today's Mass Readings
There is an interesting interplay in today’s readings between our expectations or knowledge and God’s work.
In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we hear the emphasis on God as the one who knows all, “I knew their plot because the LORD informed me; at that time you, O LORD, showed me their doings” (Jer 11:18). All knowledge comes from God yet, like Jeremiah, we don’t always realize what God is telling us.
Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Sometimes I ask my theology students the question, “Why did Jesus have to die? After all, wasn’t he just a really nice guy who went around healing people? Wasn’t he just about loving people? Isn’t he just a great moral teacher or very good example of how we live our lives? Why did Jesus have to die?”
Today's Mass Readings
Sometimes I ask my theology students the question, “Why did Jesus have to die? After all, wasn’t he just a really nice guy who went around healing people? Wasn’t he just about loving people? Isn’t he just a great moral teacher or very good example of how we live our lives? Why did Jesus have to die?”
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
It seems to be a part of the fallen human condition that we constantly seek other things or people to take the place of God. This is manifested in the first reading from Exodus in such an explicit way: the people make an idol and worship it as the God of Israel. It is no wonder that God is described as angry… after rescuing his people from Egypt, these same people return the favor by worshiping an idol! Moses’ petition on their behalf saves them.
Today's Mass Readings
It seems to be a part of the fallen human condition that we constantly seek other things or people to take the place of God. This is manifested in the first reading from Exodus in such an explicit way: the people make an idol and worship it as the God of Israel. It is no wonder that God is described as angry… after rescuing his people from Egypt, these same people return the favor by worshiping an idol! Moses’ petition on their behalf saves them.
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
The Beatles may not seem a source of spiritual wisdom, yet today’s feast recalls “Let it Be.” Mary’s prayer from today’s gospel “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Indeed, all of today’s readings very clearly call us to live obediently the will of God.
Today's Mass Readings
The Beatles may not seem a source of spiritual wisdom, yet today’s feast recalls “Let it Be.” Mary’s prayer from today’s gospel “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Indeed, all of today’s readings very clearly call us to live obediently the will of God.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Ezekiel is rich with meaning. The Church Fathers related this reading to the New Testament sacrament of baptism. Currently, we are in the Season of Lent, which can be, and has often been, likened to a period of wandering in the desert, just as the ancient Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, and as Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, so we too are tried in the desert of Lent.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Book of Ezekiel is rich with meaning. The Church Fathers related this reading to the New Testament sacrament of baptism. Currently, we are in the Season of Lent, which can be, and has often been, likened to a period of wandering in the desert, just as the ancient Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, and as Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, so we too are tried in the desert of Lent.
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
As we enter this fourth week of the penitential season of Lent, our eyes are drawn continually toward Jesus, whose passion, death, and resurrection will bring us salvation. In today’s gospel passage from John, Jesus almost seems to be complaining against the people who seek a sign. Jesus says as much to the royal official who is seeking his help, but the official still makes his request. He is not merely making a request in order to see a sign, but because he wants his child to live. Hence the official even leaves Jesus without actually seeing that his son has been healed. Rather, the official “believed what Jesus had said, and left” (Jn. 4:50).
Today's Mass Readings
As we enter this fourth week of the penitential season of Lent, our eyes are drawn continually toward Jesus, whose passion, death, and resurrection will bring us salvation. In today’s gospel passage from John, Jesus almost seems to be complaining against the people who seek a sign. Jesus says as much to the royal official who is seeking his help, but the official still makes his request. He is not merely making a request in order to see a sign, but because he wants his child to live. Hence the official even leaves Jesus without actually seeing that his son has been healed. Rather, the official “believed what Jesus had said, and left” (Jn. 4:50).
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The progression of today’s readings highlights God’s infinite love and mercy for a world that often fails to acknowledge or respond to the gifts that it has received. In the first reading, a number of horrendous acts against God are described, and we are told that God’s response is compassion. The ultimate expression of this compassion is captured in the following passage from today’s Gospel reading: “For God so loved he world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) Yet despite the physical expression of God’s love for us through Christ’s death, the Gospel reading warns us of mankind’s tendency to turn away from God and toward darkness.
Today's Mass Readings
The progression of today’s readings highlights God’s infinite love and mercy for a world that often fails to acknowledge or respond to the gifts that it has received. In the first reading, a number of horrendous acts against God are described, and we are told that God’s response is compassion. The ultimate expression of this compassion is captured in the following passage from today’s Gospel reading: “For God so loved he world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) Yet despite the physical expression of God’s love for us through Christ’s death, the Gospel reading warns us of mankind’s tendency to turn away from God and toward darkness.
Saturday of the Third Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The great Catholic fiction writer, Flannery O’Connor wrote a short story entitled “Revelation” in which the main character, Mrs. Turpin, is a Southern white farmer who is social, keeps up a nice appearance, and is well-respected. Yet, by way of the narrator, we get a glimpse into Mrs. Turpin’s head and at one point we see her reflecting:
“If it’s one thing I am… it’s grateful. When I think of all I could’ve been besides myself and what all I got, a little of everything, and a good disposition besides, I just feel like shouting, ‘Thank you, Jesus, for making everything the way that it is! It could’ve been different.’”
Today's Mass Readings
The great Catholic fiction writer, Flannery O’Connor wrote a short story entitled “Revelation” in which the main character, Mrs. Turpin, is a Southern white farmer who is social, keeps up a nice appearance, and is well-respected. Yet, by way of the narrator, we get a glimpse into Mrs. Turpin’s head and at one point we see her reflecting:
“If it’s one thing I am… it’s grateful. When I think of all I could’ve been besides myself and what all I got, a little of everything, and a good disposition besides, I just feel like shouting, ‘Thank you, Jesus, for making everything the way that it is! It could’ve been different.’”
Friday of the Third Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Usually by this time, the end of the third week of Lent, I’ve started to waver a bit in my resolve to abstain from certain foods, to pray for certain things, to give money generously. Particularly I have difficulty with my decision to abstain from certain foods. As with New Years’ Resolutions, I start thinking that eating just a nibble of something or other won’t really hurt, and before you know it, I’m way off the track. Or, even if I have by some chance made it this far without succumbing to temptation, I find myself tired and annoyed with Lent, saying, “Okay, I get the point now. Can we get to Easter already?” But it turns out instead that there are another three long weeks ahead.
Today's Mass Readings
Usually by this time, the end of the third week of Lent, I’ve started to waver a bit in my resolve to abstain from certain foods, to pray for certain things, to give money generously. Particularly I have difficulty with my decision to abstain from certain foods. As with New Years’ Resolutions, I start thinking that eating just a nibble of something or other won’t really hurt, and before you know it, I’m way off the track. Or, even if I have by some chance made it this far without succumbing to temptation, I find myself tired and annoyed with Lent, saying, “Okay, I get the point now. Can we get to Easter already?” But it turns out instead that there are another three long weeks ahead.
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This rank of “solemnity” is the highest celebration of the Church. So why is Joseph so important? Our readings for the day provide some explanation.
Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Cyril, whose life is model of staying true to the Lord in adverse times. The readings for the day affirm St. Cyril’s life and are a challenge to us during this Lenten season to return to what our faith teaches us. The first reading from Deuteronomy (which loosely means the book of the Law) is a prologue from Moses to the people of Israel before he promulgates the law. Moses told the people to observe carefully “statues and decrees” of the Lord. (Dt 4:5) He does this in part to remind the people of Israel what happened to those who had built and worshiped the golden calf. Moses wanted to send God’s chosen ones into the promise land knowing that they would be exposed to people, cultures, and gods that would be foreign to them. He knew they would be tested. The reading closes with him admonishing the people to be on guard, remember and teach their children that which they had been taught.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Cyril, whose life is model of staying true to the Lord in adverse times. The readings for the day affirm St. Cyril’s life and are a challenge to us during this Lenten season to return to what our faith teaches us. The first reading from Deuteronomy (which loosely means the book of the Law) is a prologue from Moses to the people of Israel before he promulgates the law. Moses told the people to observe carefully “statues and decrees” of the Lord. (Dt 4:5) He does this in part to remind the people of Israel what happened to those who had built and worshiped the golden calf. Moses wanted to send God’s chosen ones into the promise land knowing that they would be exposed to people, cultures, and gods that would be foreign to them. He knew they would be tested. The reading closes with him admonishing the people to be on guard, remember and teach their children that which they had been taught.
Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Lent is a great season of forgiveness. It reminds us of the trials and hardships Jesus underwent in order to win our forgiveness. Our readings for today provide us with a strong message of forgiveness. In these readings, however, it is not the comfort of our own forgiveness that is emphasized. Rather, it is the responsibility that we have to forgive others. Indeed, in today's reading from the Gospel of Matthew, our own forgiveness is made contingent on our forgiving others. This is consistent with what we pray at every Mass, and every day, in the Our Father: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
Today's Mass Readings
Lent is a great season of forgiveness. It reminds us of the trials and hardships Jesus underwent in order to win our forgiveness. Our readings for today provide us with a strong message of forgiveness. In these readings, however, it is not the comfort of our own forgiveness that is emphasized. Rather, it is the responsibility that we have to forgive others. Indeed, in today's reading from the Gospel of Matthew, our own forgiveness is made contingent on our forgiving others. This is consistent with what we pray at every Mass, and every day, in the Our Father: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
Monday of the Third Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
“Athirst is my soul for the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?” (42:3) is our psalm response for today. Indeed, this ought to be a theme of our entire Lenten season. It is a time when we are constantly reminded of our longing for God. Each of our Lenten sacrifices – whether fasting, almsgiving or prayer – should lead us to a deeper desire for God.
Today's Mass Readings
“Athirst is my soul for the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?” (42:3) is our psalm response for today. Indeed, this ought to be a theme of our entire Lenten season. It is a time when we are constantly reminded of our longing for God. Each of our Lenten sacrifices – whether fasting, almsgiving or prayer – should lead us to a deeper desire for God.