Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest
Today's Mass Readings
“Who has faith?” is perhaps the driving question of Mark’s gospel. In today’s reading, the disciples prove themselves deficient. At first read, their fear of the oncoming storm seems quite reasonable – they’re afraid because their little boat is already filling up with water! (Mk 4: 37). Yet, Mark concludes the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which immediately precedes this story, by telling us that Jesus explained everything to his disciples in private without the use of parables (Mk 4:34). With this set up we expect the disciples to understand the scope of Jesus’ power, but they don’t. Even after the miracle, the disciples question who He is (Mk 4:41).
Today's Mass Readings
“Who has faith?” is perhaps the driving question of Mark’s gospel. In today’s reading, the disciples prove themselves deficient. At first read, their fear of the oncoming storm seems quite reasonable – they’re afraid because their little boat is already filling up with water! (Mk 4: 37). Yet, Mark concludes the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which immediately precedes this story, by telling us that Jesus explained everything to his disciples in private without the use of parables (Mk 4:34). With this set up we expect the disciples to understand the scope of Jesus’ power, but they don’t. Even after the miracle, the disciples question who He is (Mk 4:41).
Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scriptures are about having the courage to keep on going even in the face of terrible adversity. I like readings stories about someone’s faith in the face of adversity: like, say, the story of Oscar Romero trying to defend the poor in El Salvador and being assassinated for it; or the story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe who, in the concentration camps, kept his own faith alive and helped others. I often wonder, could I be such a person myself? I worry that I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, be a person who lives for Christ this way. I worry that I would be concerned only about myself.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scriptures are about having the courage to keep on going even in the face of terrible adversity. I like readings stories about someone’s faith in the face of adversity: like, say, the story of Oscar Romero trying to defend the poor in El Salvador and being assassinated for it; or the story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe who, in the concentration camps, kept his own faith alive and helped others. I often wonder, could I be such a person myself? I worry that I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, be a person who lives for Christ this way. I worry that I would be concerned only about myself.
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
“Is a lamp to be placed in a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?” asks Jesus in today’s gospel passage from Mark (Mk. 4:21). The answer to this is quite obvious; a light is not made to be hidden or secret. One way of interpreting this passage is in relation to our lives as Christians. We are not called to live our Christianity in secret, consigning it to the private areas of our lives. Rather, we are called to witness to God’s love in each action of our lives, bearing testimony to the multitude of blessings God has given us.
Today's Mass Readings
“Is a lamp to be placed in a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?” asks Jesus in today’s gospel passage from Mark (Mk. 4:21). The answer to this is quite obvious; a light is not made to be hidden or secret. One way of interpreting this passage is in relation to our lives as Christians. We are not called to live our Christianity in secret, consigning it to the private areas of our lives. Rather, we are called to witness to God’s love in each action of our lives, bearing testimony to the multitude of blessings God has given us.
Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s memorial celebrates Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican priest and doctor of the church. Thomas is best known for his prolific writing that brought deep clarity and understanding to many Church dogmas and doctrines. The readings for this memorial give us insight into the Lord and perhaps even a small glimpse into the mind of St. Thomas.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s memorial celebrates Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican priest and doctor of the church. Thomas is best known for his prolific writing that brought deep clarity and understanding to many Church dogmas and doctrines. The readings for this memorial give us insight into the Lord and perhaps even a small glimpse into the mind of St. Thomas.
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading is commonly thrown in the face of Catholics and other Christians who venerate Our Holy Mother Mary. The point would seem that even Jesus honored those who do God's will more than His Mother or His own family members.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading is commonly thrown in the face of Catholics and other Christians who venerate Our Holy Mother Mary. The point would seem that even Jesus honored those who do God's will more than His Mother or His own family members.
Memorial of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus. St. Paul saw both Timothy and Titus as spiritual children. In some way the shape of their faith and the positions they held within the church were a result of St. Paul’s ministry among them. They are both carrying on St. Paul’s ministry.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus. St. Paul saw both Timothy and Titus as spiritual children. In some way the shape of their faith and the positions they held within the church were a result of St. Paul’s ministry among them. They are both carrying on St. Paul’s ministry.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In continuation with last week’s readings, we have even more call stories in this week’s readings. The difference is that this week the purpose of the call is more defined. Jonah is called to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Jesus himself came proclaiming, “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). Lateer when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, he would send them with the same message that he himself proclaimed (Lk 10:9).
Today's Mass Readings
In continuation with last week’s readings, we have even more call stories in this week’s readings. The difference is that this week the purpose of the call is more defined. Jonah is called to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Jesus himself came proclaiming, “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). Lateer when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, he would send them with the same message that he himself proclaimed (Lk 10:9).
Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel strikes firmly and in brief. We are left with the words of Jesus’ relatives, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).
If we explore the passage immediately preceding it, we are presented with an interesting contrast. Right before today’s gospel passage, as we heard in yesterday’s gospel, Jesus ascends to the top of a mountain and appoints his twelve apostles so that “they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14). Often in the Scriptures, really important events occur on the top of mountains: the Sermon on the Mount, which mirrors Moses’ reception of the Ten Commandments on Sinai, Moses and the Burning Bush, the Transfiguration. We know, then, that Jesus’ naming those who would be his closest companions and stand at the beginning of the Church is really important.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel strikes firmly and in brief. We are left with the words of Jesus’ relatives, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).
If we explore the passage immediately preceding it, we are presented with an interesting contrast. Right before today’s gospel passage, as we heard in yesterday’s gospel, Jesus ascends to the top of a mountain and appoints his twelve apostles so that “they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14). Often in the Scriptures, really important events occur on the top of mountains: the Sermon on the Mount, which mirrors Moses’ reception of the Ten Commandments on Sinai, Moses and the Burning Bush, the Transfiguration. We know, then, that Jesus’ naming those who would be his closest companions and stand at the beginning of the Church is really important.
Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's passages highlight for me the importance of establishing a relationship and attachment to Jesus Christ. That attachment in turn leads us directly toward God because Jesus mediates that relationship.
Initially, the verse that stood out for me in today's reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (8:6-13) was: "[They] did not stand by my covenant and I ignored them, says the Lord." The author is quoting from the prophet Jeremiah. God's people did not uphold my covenant and so I (God) did not uphold my end of the bargain either. This is a rather despairing note to me – the idea that God would ignore people, any people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's passages highlight for me the importance of establishing a relationship and attachment to Jesus Christ. That attachment in turn leads us directly toward God because Jesus mediates that relationship.
Initially, the verse that stood out for me in today's reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (8:6-13) was: "[They] did not stand by my covenant and I ignored them, says the Lord." The author is quoting from the prophet Jeremiah. God's people did not uphold my covenant and so I (God) did not uphold my end of the bargain either. This is a rather despairing note to me – the idea that God would ignore people, any people.
Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Tody's Mass Readings
In the recent readings from the Gospel of Mark, we have seen crowds pressing in upon Jesus and various peoples – men, women, Jews, Gentiles, sinners, the righteous, etc. – pursuing him from various places. Today’s passage highlights the many geographical locations from which these people came to pursue Jesus. Why might all of these people have sought out Jesus? Was it simply out of a curiosity to see the miracles and wonders associated with him? Were they driven to him out of a great need, perhaps for healing?
Tody's Mass Readings
In the recent readings from the Gospel of Mark, we have seen crowds pressing in upon Jesus and various peoples – men, women, Jews, Gentiles, sinners, the righteous, etc. – pursuing him from various places. Today’s passage highlights the many geographical locations from which these people came to pursue Jesus. Why might all of these people have sought out Jesus? Was it simply out of a curiosity to see the miracles and wonders associated with him? Were they driven to him out of a great need, perhaps for healing?
Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
This memorial of St. Agnes reminds us that sometimes there is a need to give our whole self to do the right thing. Popular belief has it that at an age around twelve, Agnes was placed in a brothel by Roman authorities. There she remained unharmed as those who desired her were said to have been blinded. Whether true or not, what Agnes is remembered for is standing up for her belief in Christ and being martyred for this purity and her steadfast faith.
Today's Mass Readings
This memorial of St. Agnes reminds us that sometimes there is a need to give our whole self to do the right thing. Popular belief has it that at an age around twelve, Agnes was placed in a brothel by Roman authorities. There she remained unharmed as those who desired her were said to have been blinded. Whether true or not, what Agnes is remembered for is standing up for her belief in Christ and being martyred for this purity and her steadfast faith.
Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading is an interesting one. Some Pharisees accuse Jesus and His disciples of breaking the Sabbath, implying that He is allowing them to break Exodus 34 which prohibited the reaping and harvesting of grain (with reaping tools) on the Sabbath. In reality, Jesus' disciples were merely hand-picking grain to snack on (which was permitted even on the Sabbath by Deuteronomy 23).
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading is an interesting one. Some Pharisees accuse Jesus and His disciples of breaking the Sabbath, implying that He is allowing them to break Exodus 34 which prohibited the reaping and harvesting of grain (with reaping tools) on the Sabbath. In reality, Jesus' disciples were merely hand-picking grain to snack on (which was permitted even on the Sabbath by Deuteronomy 23).
Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, Jesus is presented as the high priest and connected to the many priests that came before him in the Jewish tradition. This line of priests includes Melchizedek, as the psalm reminds us.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, Jesus is presented as the high priest and connected to the many priests that came before him in the Jewish tradition. This line of priests includes Melchizedek, as the psalm reminds us.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of God’s call is perhaps the most common theme inthe scriptures. The reason is simple. Stories of God’s call to human beings occur quite frequently in the Scripture. There is the call of Abraham, the call of Moses, the call of Samuel in today’s first reading, the call of David, the call of Isaiah, the call of the Mary and the call of the Apostles in today’s gospel reading. And, if we compare these stories we realize that there are common threads that run through each of these stories.
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of God’s call is perhaps the most common theme inthe scriptures. The reason is simple. Stories of God’s call to human beings occur quite frequently in the Scripture. There is the call of Abraham, the call of Moses, the call of Samuel in today’s first reading, the call of David, the call of Isaiah, the call of the Mary and the call of the Apostles in today’s gospel reading. And, if we compare these stories we realize that there are common threads that run through each of these stories.
Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from Hebrews, one cannot help but be struck by the immediate, natural personification (i.e. it’s able to do what people do) of the word of God: “The word of God is living and effective… able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him…” (Heb 4:12-13, my italics). God’s word is the subject of an action: it discerns. The “him” in the passage has no other clear referent besides “the word of God,” which is, of course, identified with God. The author, who wrote in Greek, was no doubt familiar with the Hebrew language in which the word “dabar” means not only “word,” but also “action” and “thing.” There is no easy distinction between the three – words are actions and they are alive!
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from Hebrews, one cannot help but be struck by the immediate, natural personification (i.e. it’s able to do what people do) of the word of God: “The word of God is living and effective… able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him…” (Heb 4:12-13, my italics). God’s word is the subject of an action: it discerns. The “him” in the passage has no other clear referent besides “the word of God,” which is, of course, identified with God. The author, who wrote in Greek, was no doubt familiar with the Hebrew language in which the word “dabar” means not only “word,” but also “action” and “thing.” There is no easy distinction between the three – words are actions and they are alive!
Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Todeay's Mass Readings
I find it difficult this time of year to quite transition into “Ordinary Time.” January feels like a time when the pace is stepped up – I have new obligations at work, in addition to finishing cleaning up from the holiday, paying bills, beginning to think about taxes (!) and constantly dealing with the snow, ice and cold that comes to us this time of year. Oh, and what about New Year’s Resolutions? There are even the new obligations I have placed on myself: get finances in order, lose weight, exercise more, et cetera.
Todeay's Mass Readings
I find it difficult this time of year to quite transition into “Ordinary Time.” January feels like a time when the pace is stepped up – I have new obligations at work, in addition to finishing cleaning up from the holiday, paying bills, beginning to think about taxes (!) and constantly dealing with the snow, ice and cold that comes to us this time of year. Oh, and what about New Year’s Resolutions? There are even the new obligations I have placed on myself: get finances in order, lose weight, exercise more, et cetera.
Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In this first week of Ordinary Time, our readings seem to be focusing on the everyday, rather than those few special days, like Christmas and Easter. Our psalm today exhorts us not to harden our hearts if we should hear God’s voice, and the first reading from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews quotes that same passage. We are called to bow down in worship, kneel before our God who shepherds us and stay faithful to our journey.
Today's Mass Readings
In this first week of Ordinary Time, our readings seem to be focusing on the everyday, rather than those few special days, like Christmas and Easter. Our psalm today exhorts us not to harden our hearts if we should hear God’s voice, and the first reading from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews quotes that same passage. We are called to bow down in worship, kneel before our God who shepherds us and stay faithful to our journey.
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today fit well in this first week after Christmas season as they still speak loudly of the incarnation. Christ became one of us as attested by the Letter to the Hebrews. Jesus, “became like his brothers and sisters in every way,” (Hebrews 2:17) in order to be tested, so that he could help us who are tested. He became human in order to fully appreciate what it means to live in this world full of fear and slavery. Jesus is the “exact imprint of God’s very being.” (Hebrews 1:3). Therefore Jesus is human and divine. While this may seem an absurdity, Christians accept this paradox. Christ came to minister to the people of the covenant to not only feel their pain but in order to ultimately alleviate it.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings today fit well in this first week after Christmas season as they still speak loudly of the incarnation. Christ became one of us as attested by the Letter to the Hebrews. Jesus, “became like his brothers and sisters in every way,” (Hebrews 2:17) in order to be tested, so that he could help us who are tested. He became human in order to fully appreciate what it means to live in this world full of fear and slavery. Jesus is the “exact imprint of God’s very being.” (Hebrews 1:3). Therefore Jesus is human and divine. While this may seem an absurdity, Christians accept this paradox. Christ came to minister to the people of the covenant to not only feel their pain but in order to ultimately alleviate it.
Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings go together marvelously well. In the first reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, we read about Jesus' identity as He to Whom all things have been subjected, but Who has humbled Himself through His suffering and death. In the responsorial psalm, we find Psalm 8, the psalm referred to by the first reading from Hebrews. Finally, in today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Mark, we find again Jesus' divine identity at the center of the action.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings go together marvelously well. In the first reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, we read about Jesus' identity as He to Whom all things have been subjected, but Who has humbled Himself through His suffering and death. In the responsorial psalm, we find Psalm 8, the psalm referred to by the first reading from Hebrews. Finally, in today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Mark, we find again Jesus' divine identity at the center of the action.
Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin our season of what is called “Ordinary Time.” In our two-year cycle of daily Mass readings, this is Year I, and we will be reading semi-continuously from the gospels, beginning with Mark. Our first readings will also be semi-continuous from various biblical books. Today’s reading is from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin our season of what is called “Ordinary Time.” In our two-year cycle of daily Mass readings, this is Year I, and we will be reading semi-continuously from the gospels, beginning with Mark. Our first readings will also be semi-continuous from various biblical books. Today’s reading is from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews.