Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel might initially wash over us as the story we’ve heard many, many times of the “Prodigal Son” who lavishly spends his inheritance on pleasures and is left tending the swine and desiring their food. He then returns to his father to beg for mercy.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel might initially wash over us as the story we’ve heard many, many times of the “Prodigal Son” who lavishly spends his inheritance on pleasures and is left tending the swine and desiring their food. He then returns to his father to beg for mercy.
Friday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus is often compared to Old Testament characters. Two of the best-known are the comparison St. Paul makes between Jesus and Adam (Jesus is the second Adam), and the comparison made between Jesus and King David. Today’s readings set up a parallel between Joseph and Jesus. This may seem a bit odd, especially if a person is a bit unfamiliar with the Joseph story. Adam was the first human, David was the great Israelite king, but what does Joseph have to do with Jesus?
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus is often compared to Old Testament characters. Two of the best-known are the comparison St. Paul makes between Jesus and Adam (Jesus is the second Adam), and the comparison made between Jesus and King David. Today’s readings set up a parallel between Joseph and Jesus. This may seem a bit odd, especially if a person is a bit unfamiliar with the Joseph story. Adam was the first human, David was the great Israelite king, but what does Joseph have to do with Jesus?
Thursday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
“Blessed are they who hope in the Lord” (Ps. 40:5a) is today’s psalm response. The first reading from Jeremiah picks up on this theme of hope in a dramatic comparison between a barren desert bush and a tree planted beside waters. While the former never changes in its barrenness, the latter never changes in its fruitfulness. Those who hope in God are “always green,” always full of life, regardless of the circumstances.
Today's Mass Readings
“Blessed are they who hope in the Lord” (Ps. 40:5a) is today’s psalm response. The first reading from Jeremiah picks up on this theme of hope in a dramatic comparison between a barren desert bush and a tree planted beside waters. While the former never changes in its barrenness, the latter never changes in its fruitfulness. Those who hope in God are “always green,” always full of life, regardless of the circumstances.
Wednesday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The Lenten readings open our minds not merely to the need for conversion, but also to the need for God in general. Today’s readings particularly is a prayerfull call on God for protection and for extraordinary help. We are reminded of our requests for shelter from the storms of life and for blessings beyond what we deserve.
Today's Mass Readings
The Lenten readings open our minds not merely to the need for conversion, but also to the need for God in general. Today’s readings particularly is a prayerfull call on God for protection and for extraordinary help. We are reminded of our requests for shelter from the storms of life and for blessings beyond what we deserve.
Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we find a theme that echoes throughout the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, namely, that the point of penance and ritual sacrifices was to help createan interior repentance. This is a theme picked up as well by today's responsorial Psalm and by the gospel reading from Matthew's Gospel.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we find a theme that echoes throughout the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, namely, that the point of penance and ritual sacrifices was to help createan interior repentance. This is a theme picked up as well by today's responsorial Psalm and by the gospel reading from Matthew's Gospel.
Monday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading and responsorial psalm for today bring out an important theme of the season of Lent: human sinfulness. The passage from Daniel even numbers some of these sins, including ignoring the prophets and not following God’s commands. The word “rebelled” even appears twice in this passage; it indicates that to sin is deliberately to go against God. Sinning is hence not just a choice for something, but also a choice against something, namely, God. Recognizing this, the psalmist cries out “Lord, do not deal with us according to our sin” (103:10a). The rest of this psalm consists of pleading to God.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading and responsorial psalm for today bring out an important theme of the season of Lent: human sinfulness. The passage from Daniel even numbers some of these sins, including ignoring the prophets and not following God’s commands. The word “rebelled” even appears twice in this passage; it indicates that to sin is deliberately to go against God. Sinning is hence not just a choice for something, but also a choice against something, namely, God. Recognizing this, the psalmist cries out “Lord, do not deal with us according to our sin” (103:10a). The rest of this psalm consists of pleading to God.
Second Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
There are many themes we can pick up for today’s reflection. But let me concentrate on the theme “Listen to Him” (Mk 9:7). In the context of the sacrifice that God demanded of Abraham, and in the context of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, God says to Abraham:
I swear by myself, declared the Lord,
That because you acted as you did (as I said),
In not with holding from me your beloved son
I will bless you abundantly
And will make your descendants as countless
As the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore;
Your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies
And in your descendants all the nations f the earth shall find blessing—
All this because you obeyed my command. (Gen 22:15-18)
Today's Mass Readings
There are many themes we can pick up for today’s reflection. But let me concentrate on the theme “Listen to Him” (Mk 9:7). In the context of the sacrifice that God demanded of Abraham, and in the context of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, God says to Abraham:
I swear by myself, declared the Lord,
That because you acted as you did (as I said),
In not with holding from me your beloved son
I will bless you abundantly
And will make your descendants as countless
As the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore;
Your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies
And in your descendants all the nations f the earth shall find blessing—
All this because you obeyed my command. (Gen 22:15-18)
Saturday of the First Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have the narrative of the establishment of the covenant between God and the Hebrews through the prophet Moses. This ends the section of Deuteronomy (or “Second Law”) which expounds on the law. Both parties of the covenant – God and the Hebrews – are to keep up their ends of the agreement. The Hebrews “are to walk in [God’s] ways and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees” (Dt 26:17) and God will make them His chosen people.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have the narrative of the establishment of the covenant between God and the Hebrews through the prophet Moses. This ends the section of Deuteronomy (or “Second Law”) which expounds on the law. Both parties of the covenant – God and the Hebrews – are to keep up their ends of the agreement. The Hebrews “are to walk in [God’s] ways and observe his statutes, commandments and decrees” (Dt 26:17) and God will make them His chosen people.
Friday of the First Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In graduate school, I taught catechesis classes for six-to-nine year olds every Wednesday afternoon. I quickly discovered that children that age have a very deep-seated sense of what is “fair” and what is not “fair”. In fact, where adults might see shades of grey in a situation, the children had a precise sense of when justice was being done and when it wasn’t, and each week I usually heard at least one refrain of, “That’s not fair!” Adults tell their children, “Life is not fair. Adults have to learn to deal with that.”
Today's Mass Readings
In graduate school, I taught catechesis classes for six-to-nine year olds every Wednesday afternoon. I quickly discovered that children that age have a very deep-seated sense of what is “fair” and what is not “fair”. In fact, where adults might see shades of grey in a situation, the children had a precise sense of when justice was being done and when it wasn’t, and each week I usually heard at least one refrain of, “That’s not fair!” Adults tell their children, “Life is not fair. Adults have to learn to deal with that.”
Thursday of the First Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In the dramatic first reading for today, Esther along with her handmaids pray, even plead, to the LORD. Her situation, and all of Israel’s in exile is desperate. They are living under a foreign king, and one of the members of the king’s royal court has asked for their deaths. Esther and her companions hence do that which is in keeping with their formation as Jews: they fast, they don sackcloth and ashes (signs of repentance), and they beseech the LORD to rescue them. Esther’s actions here are a beautiful testimony to her loyal faith in the God of Israel. Certainly, what Esther asks of God is a big request; she asks to be saved, to have her mourning turned into gladness, her sorrow into wholeness.
Today's Mass Readings
In the dramatic first reading for today, Esther along with her handmaids pray, even plead, to the LORD. Her situation, and all of Israel’s in exile is desperate. They are living under a foreign king, and one of the members of the king’s royal court has asked for their deaths. Esther and her companions hence do that which is in keeping with their formation as Jews: they fast, they don sackcloth and ashes (signs of repentance), and they beseech the LORD to rescue them. Esther’s actions here are a beautiful testimony to her loyal faith in the God of Israel. Certainly, what Esther asks of God is a big request; she asks to be saved, to have her mourning turned into gladness, her sorrow into wholeness.
Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The Lenten readings for today are a terrific reminder of the purpose of Lent. We called into a time of purification so that we might be transformed to live the Lord’s will for us more fully. In the first reading, Jonah decides to listen to the call of the Lord and to deliver the message from God to the people of Nineveh. Jonah proclaimed God’s warning to this pagan people. The prophecy declared, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” (Jonah 3:4b) Upon hearing this, the king of Nineveh declared a fast, that man and beast alike would put on sackcloth and ashes and that everyone would turn from their evil. Here we recall the ashes we ourselves displayed last Wednesday.
Today's Mass Readings
The Lenten readings for today are a terrific reminder of the purpose of Lent. We called into a time of purification so that we might be transformed to live the Lord’s will for us more fully. In the first reading, Jonah decides to listen to the call of the Lord and to deliver the message from God to the people of Nineveh. Jonah proclaimed God’s warning to this pagan people. The prophecy declared, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” (Jonah 3:4b) Upon hearing this, the king of Nineveh declared a fast, that man and beast alike would put on sackcloth and ashes and that everyone would turn from their evil. Here we recall the ashes we ourselves displayed last Wednesday.
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord explains that His Word does not return without fulfilling its mission. He employs the analogy of rain and snow never returning without watering the earth. This is not a random analogy. As the Lord mentions in this passage, rain nourishes the ground, making it fertile and fruitful. So too, God's Word produces fruit where it goes.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord explains that His Word does not return without fulfilling its mission. He employs the analogy of rain and snow never returning without watering the earth. This is not a random analogy. As the Lord mentions in this passage, rain nourishes the ground, making it fertile and fruitful. So too, God's Word produces fruit where it goes.
Monday of the First Week of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Our two readings today, together with the psalm, seem to focus on instruction – we might even say “rules” or “commands.” In the passage from Leviticus, the LORD gives Moses instructions to give to the people of Israel. Each of these commands begins with a teaching about interacting with others and ends with “I am the LORD.” This indicates that rightness in our actions with others has its source in knowing that God is the LORD. We know that he is holy, and therefore that we who follow him should also be holy.
Today's Mass Readings
Our two readings today, together with the psalm, seem to focus on instruction – we might even say “rules” or “commands.” In the passage from Leviticus, the LORD gives Moses instructions to give to the people of Israel. Each of these commands begins with a teaching about interacting with others and ends with “I am the LORD.” This indicates that rightness in our actions with others has its source in knowing that God is the LORD. We know that he is holy, and therefore that we who follow him should also be holy.
First Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
The story of the Great Flood and God’s subsequent covenant with Noah is a great story of human-divine relationship. It tells us about the kind of fidelity that only God can have. Here is a God who does not disown creation no matter what. This covenant tells us about a God who loves people in spite of their sin and beyond their sin. It may seem to us at first reading that God’s Covenant with Noah was about not destroying creation ever again. On a deeper reading we realize that this Covenant was really about saving creation. This covenant was about because of God’s fidelity and love.
Today's Mass Readings
The story of the Great Flood and God’s subsequent covenant with Noah is a great story of human-divine relationship. It tells us about the kind of fidelity that only God can have. Here is a God who does not disown creation no matter what. This covenant tells us about a God who loves people in spite of their sin and beyond their sin. It may seem to us at first reading that God’s Covenant with Noah was about not destroying creation ever again. On a deeper reading we realize that this Covenant was really about saving creation. This covenant was about because of God’s fidelity and love.
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
As we close these opening days of Lent and enter into the first full week of this penitential season we reflect in a particular way on our sinfulness and on penance as reparation for it.
Lent is a season of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer – all practices of penance, that is expressions of our sorrow for sin and our commitment to lead a better life. Good practices of penance cause us to reflect more deeply on our own sinfulness.
Today's Mass Readings
As we close these opening days of Lent and enter into the first full week of this penitential season we reflect in a particular way on our sinfulness and on penance as reparation for it.
Lent is a season of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer – all practices of penance, that is expressions of our sorrow for sin and our commitment to lead a better life. Good practices of penance cause us to reflect more deeply on our own sinfulness.
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
Several years ago, as a young young adult, I broke up with the first serious boyfriend I had ever had. Breaking up in that instance was the right thing to do, but I still remember feeling quite physically ill and a bit like I was in mourning (for the relationship that would never be? We had thought about getting married, after all). I felt so bad, in fact, that I went for a whole week where I did not eat. I couldn’t eat – couldn’t face eating food. It was a self-imposed fast that reflected the depth of my emotion and the toll that both the relationship and its demise took on me. It was the first time I had ever truly experienced the connection that exists between mental and emotional well-being, and physical well-being.
Today's Mass Readings
Several years ago, as a young young adult, I broke up with the first serious boyfriend I had ever had. Breaking up in that instance was the right thing to do, but I still remember feeling quite physically ill and a bit like I was in mourning (for the relationship that would never be? We had thought about getting married, after all). I felt so bad, in fact, that I went for a whole week where I did not eat. I couldn’t eat – couldn’t face eating food. It was a self-imposed fast that reflected the depth of my emotion and the toll that both the relationship and its demise took on me. It was the first time I had ever truly experienced the connection that exists between mental and emotional well-being, and physical well-being.
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
Lent has begun, and we will be hearing selections from the Hebrew exodus in the Old Testament. In today’s passage from Deuteronomy, Moses presents the Israelite people with a choice: they can choose either life or death, blessing or curse, the one true God or many false gods and idols. This choice is a constant theme throughout the Old Testament, and the Hebrew people struggle, sometimes choosing false gods, and sometimes turning to God. It is a choice and a struggle that has great consequences. In choosing for God, the people can be assured of God’s protections. In abandoning God, however, the people may face their own destruction.
Today's Mass Readings
Lent has begun, and we will be hearing selections from the Hebrew exodus in the Old Testament. In today’s passage from Deuteronomy, Moses presents the Israelite people with a choice: they can choose either life or death, blessing or curse, the one true God or many false gods and idols. This choice is a constant theme throughout the Old Testament, and the Hebrew people struggle, sometimes choosing false gods, and sometimes turning to God. It is a choice and a struggle that has great consequences. In choosing for God, the people can be assured of God’s protections. In abandoning God, however, the people may face their own destruction.
Ash Wednesday
Today's Mass Readings
Lent is upon us. This day we recall the fact that we are sinners in need of conversion. In the Church ritual today, we are marked with the sign of the cross on our forehead using ashes. This cross recalls the sign of the cross we received traced on our forehead at our baptism. That original cross claimed us for Christ, and began our journey as members in the Body of Christ. Today’s cross is penitential in nature and reminds us of our own sinfulness as well as our need for conversion.
Today's Mass Readings
Lent is upon us. This day we recall the fact that we are sinners in need of conversion. In the Church ritual today, we are marked with the sign of the cross on our forehead using ashes. This cross recalls the sign of the cross we received traced on our forehead at our baptism. That original cross claimed us for Christ, and began our journey as members in the Body of Christ. Today’s cross is penitential in nature and reminds us of our own sinfulness as well as our need for conversion.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes we encounter in today's readings is the theme of trial.We have many trials throughout our lives. All of us suffer. One of the messages of the Cross is that such trials need not be fruitless, but can be transformed through Jesus' suffering love.
Today's Mass Readings
One of the themes we encounter in today's readings is the theme of trial.We have many trials throughout our lives. All of us suffer. One of the messages of the Cross is that such trials need not be fruitless, but can be transformed through Jesus' suffering love.
Memorial of Saint Polycarp, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin our Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, but it will be interrupted on Wednesday when the season of Lent begins. Monday and Tuesday, however, provide us with beautiful readings from the book of Sirach in the Old Testament. Wisdom is often thought of as having an elusive quality, and that is perhaps why Sirach turns to poetic language to describe wisdom. Our Christian tradition, however, adds another dimension to our understanding of wisdom. When this Old Testament book is read through the lens of the New Testament, this passage can be understood Christologically. In other words, many Christians through the years have regarded Christ to be wisdom personified or, at least, the one through whom all wisdom comes. For Christians, wisdom is inextricably linked to this person of Christ.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin our Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, but it will be interrupted on Wednesday when the season of Lent begins. Monday and Tuesday, however, provide us with beautiful readings from the book of Sirach in the Old Testament. Wisdom is often thought of as having an elusive quality, and that is perhaps why Sirach turns to poetic language to describe wisdom. Our Christian tradition, however, adds another dimension to our understanding of wisdom. When this Old Testament book is read through the lens of the New Testament, this passage can be understood Christologically. In other words, many Christians through the years have regarded Christ to be wisdom personified or, at least, the one through whom all wisdom comes. For Christians, wisdom is inextricably linked to this person of Christ.