The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
On this the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, we ask two questions. Firstly, what was the need for Jesus to be baptized? And secondly, what did it achieve for him? I wish to answer these questions in three points.
Today's Mass Readings
On this the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, we ask two questions. Firstly, what was the need for Jesus to be baptized? And secondly, what did it achieve for him? I wish to answer these questions in three points.
Christmas Weekday
Today's Mass Readings
Since we have just celebrated Christmas, today’s reading (Hebrews 2: 14-18), is a great explication of the significance of the incarnation of Jesus.
Today's Mass Readings
Since we have just celebrated Christmas, today’s reading (Hebrews 2: 14-18), is a great explication of the significance of the incarnation of Jesus.
Christmas Weekday
Today's Mass Readings
We are still celebrating the joy of Christmas until the feast of the Lord’s Baptism this Sunday. I admit that I, for one, have often not thought much at all about Jesus’ baptism except to think of it as an historical event in Jesus’ life.
Today's Mass Readings
We are still celebrating the joy of Christmas until the feast of the Lord’s Baptism this Sunday. I admit that I, for one, have often not thought much at all about Jesus’ baptism except to think of it as an historical event in Jesus’ life.
Christmas Weekday
Today's Mass Readings
While most of our country has left Christmas behind, in the daily Mass readings and Catholic liturgical year, we continue to ponder the meaning of God’s coming among us. Today’s gospel passage from Luke provides us with a particularly vivid portrayal of what it means to have God – incarnated in the person of Jesus – among us. Luke describes Jesus as having gained some fame and a following; in particular Luke mentions Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue, which indicates Jesus’ knowledge of and commitment to the Jewish faith to which he belonged.
Today's Mass Readings
While most of our country has left Christmas behind, in the daily Mass readings and Catholic liturgical year, we continue to ponder the meaning of God’s coming among us. Today’s gospel passage from Luke provides us with a particularly vivid portrayal of what it means to have God – incarnated in the person of Jesus – among us. Luke describes Jesus as having gained some fame and a following; in particular Luke mentions Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue, which indicates Jesus’ knowledge of and commitment to the Jewish faith to which he belonged.
Christmas Weekday
Today's Mass Readings
The First letter from John reminds us that in loving one another, God lives in us. “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8) In loving one another we acknowledge “the love God has for us.” (1 John 4:16b) Sometimes loving ourselves, let alone others is itself a challenge. Still loving one another is not optional, if we are to remain in God. In living faithfully the call to love one another, we grow closer to God and love itself is brought more into perfection in us.
Today's Mass Readings
The First letter from John reminds us that in loving one another, God lives in us. “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8) In loving one another we acknowledge “the love God has for us.” (1 John 4:16b) Sometimes loving ourselves, let alone others is itself a challenge. Still loving one another is not optional, if we are to remain in God. In living faithfully the call to love one another, we grow closer to God and love itself is brought more into perfection in us.
Christmas Weekday
Today's Mass Readings
Although today’s first reading (1 Jn 5: 5-13) begins with v. 5, we must really begin with v. 4, which says: “…for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.”
Today's Mass Readings
Although today’s first reading (1 Jn 5: 5-13) begins with v. 5, we must really begin with v. 4, which says: “…for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.”
Memorial of Saint John Neumann
Today's Mass Readings
In the Catholic Church, we continue to celebrate Christmas this week. But while it is God’s coming among us that we embrace, our readings move us to consider Jesus among us as an adult, rather than simply as an infant. We can regard this as the next step of Christmas; the child who comes to us in a lowly manger now brings his message to the world as an adult priest, prophet, teacher, and Messiah.
Today's Mass Readings
In the Catholic Church, we continue to celebrate Christmas this week. But while it is God’s coming among us that we embrace, our readings move us to consider Jesus among us as an adult, rather than simply as an infant. We can regard this as the next step of Christmas; the child who comes to us in a lowly manger now brings his message to the world as an adult priest, prophet, teacher, and Messiah.
Epiphany of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
On this the feast of the Epiphany (manifestation of Jesus to the world), the first reading from Isaiah (60:1-6) uses the Old Testament theme of light and darkness. “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and think clouds cover the peoples but upon you the Lord shines….” Whether Isaiah intended it or not, the theme of light and darkness takes us to the beginning of creation. “Darkness covered the abyss…” (Gen 1:2). Then God said, “Let there be light…” (Gen 1:3).
Today's Mass Readings
On this the feast of the Epiphany (manifestation of Jesus to the world), the first reading from Isaiah (60:1-6) uses the Old Testament theme of light and darkness. “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and think clouds cover the peoples but upon you the Lord shines….” Whether Isaiah intended it or not, the theme of light and darkness takes us to the beginning of creation. “Darkness covered the abyss…” (Gen 1:2). Then God said, “Let there be light…” (Gen 1:3).
Christmas Weekday
Today's Mass Readings
Even though today’s first reading begins with 1 Jn 2: 29, we should really begin with v. 28. In v. 28 John urges his community to “remain in him” (Jesus). According to John, if they “remain” in him, then their true identity is revealed. “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God” (1 Jn 3:1).
Today's Mass Readings
Even though today’s first reading begins with 1 Jn 2: 29, we should really begin with v. 28. In v. 28 John urges his community to “remain in him” (Jesus). According to John, if they “remain” in him, then their true identity is revealed. “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God” (1 Jn 3:1).
Memorial of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast day for two of my favorite theologians, Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus. The two were friends, along with Basil’s brother Gregory of Nyssa (whose feast day we observe on March 9th). These are saints that are perhaps more familiar to our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters, but they are very important for both Eastern and Western Christianity.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast day for two of my favorite theologians, Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus. The two were friends, along with Basil’s brother Gregory of Nyssa (whose feast day we observe on March 9th). These are saints that are perhaps more familiar to our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters, but they are very important for both Eastern and Western Christianity.
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Today's Mass Readings
Today on the secular calendar, we celebrate the New Year. The traditional celebrations involve such things as champagne and football bowl games. But in the Catholic year, our new year began with the season of Advent, about one month ago. And the Catholic traditional celebration is to dedicate this first day of the secular year to the woman who made Advent and Christmas possible, namely, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today's Mass Readings
Today on the secular calendar, we celebrate the New Year. The traditional celebrations involve such things as champagne and football bowl games. But in the Catholic year, our new year began with the season of Advent, about one month ago. And the Catholic traditional celebration is to dedicate this first day of the secular year to the woman who made Advent and Christmas possible, namely, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today's Mass Readings
It was early afternoon on December 25th and we were driving to our relative’s house. On the way there, we noticed a Christmas tree wrapped up on the curb for the garbage men. My children asked, “Is Christmas over already?” The readings today might best be understood in connection with the New Year beginning tomorrow; however the understanding of Christmas is still relevant here as well. For the materialist world, Christmas is over; therefore the tree goes out after the presents have been opened. The radio stations that have played Christmas music for over a month, stopped five days ago. Yet for Catholic Christians, we are not yet half way through the Christmas season.
Today's Mass Readings
It was early afternoon on December 25th and we were driving to our relative’s house. On the way there, we noticed a Christmas tree wrapped up on the curb for the garbage men. My children asked, “Is Christmas over already?” The readings today might best be understood in connection with the New Year beginning tomorrow; however the understanding of Christmas is still relevant here as well. For the materialist world, Christmas is over; therefore the tree goes out after the presents have been opened. The radio stations that have played Christmas music for over a month, stopped five days ago. Yet for Catholic Christians, we are not yet half way through the Christmas season.
The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading is a simple reading that has one more prophetess confirm the identity of Jesus as the redeemer (Lk 2: 38). Don’t let the simplicity dupe you though. The names associated with Anna’s brief genealogy (Luke 2:35) is an important detail.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading is a simple reading that has one more prophetess confirm the identity of Jesus as the redeemer (Lk 2: 38). Don’t let the simplicity dupe you though. The names associated with Anna’s brief genealogy (Luke 2:35) is an important detail.
The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today's Mass Readings
Today marks the fifth day in the octave of Christmas. While most of the world has now left Christmas behind, we continue to celebrate the birth of our savior: Merry Christmas!!! Our gospel passage from Luke continues our focus on the infant Jesus, and today we hear the beautiful story of Jesus’ presentation at the Temple, with a particular focus on the person of Simeon.
Today's Mass Readings
Today marks the fifth day in the octave of Christmas. While most of the world has now left Christmas behind, we continue to celebrate the birth of our savior: Merry Christmas!!! Our gospel passage from Luke continues our focus on the infant Jesus, and today we hear the beautiful story of Jesus’ presentation at the Temple, with a particular focus on the person of Simeon.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The New Testament does not give us much information about the family of Jesus. All we know is that his parents did bring him to the temple for the presentation as the Jewish custom prescribed. We also know that they went up each year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover and that Jesus grew in grace and wisdom. Without speculating much, I think that that much information is good enough for us to draw some very useful conclusions.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The New Testament does not give us much information about the family of Jesus. All we know is that his parents did bring him to the temple for the presentation as the Jewish custom prescribed. We also know that they went up each year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover and that Jesus grew in grace and wisdom. Without speculating much, I think that that much information is good enough for us to draw some very useful conclusions.
Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of John the evangelist. The first reading (1 John 1:5- 2:2), although named after John was probably written by a presbyter who belonged to John’s community. John’s community was radically faithful to the gospel message, but divisions were beginning to emerge. Some prominent people in the community had abandoned the community when their presence was most needed.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of John the evangelist. The first reading (1 John 1:5- 2:2), although named after John was probably written by a presbyter who belonged to John’s community. John’s community was radically faithful to the gospel message, but divisions were beginning to emerge. Some prominent people in the community had abandoned the community when their presence was most needed.
Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Today marks the Feast of St. Stephen. Stephen was one of the first deacons in the church, after the apostles appointed seven people to help distribute money and goods to the poor (See Acts 6:5). But Stephen was also a great preacher, and he had many arguments with people in his day over the fact that Jesus is Lord. After a trial before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council that also arrested and tried Jesus), Stephen was taken and stoned, and during his martyrdom he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Stephen is thus the first recorded martyr of the church, and his witness influenced many hundreds of others who were willing to die for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Today's Mass Readings
Today marks the Feast of St. Stephen. Stephen was one of the first deacons in the church, after the apostles appointed seven people to help distribute money and goods to the poor (See Acts 6:5). But Stephen was also a great preacher, and he had many arguments with people in his day over the fact that Jesus is Lord. After a trial before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council that also arrested and tried Jesus), Stephen was taken and stoned, and during his martyrdom he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Stephen is thus the first recorded martyr of the church, and his witness influenced many hundreds of others who were willing to die for their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Nativity of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
Merry Christmas! Today is born our savior! And, indeed, that one expression, “Merry Christmas,” expresses what all Christians ought to feel on this day: merriness, the true joy that comes with knowing God’s love made flesh and brought to us by the Blessed Virgin Mary in a humble stable in Bethlehem. Though there are three choices of readings today, depending on whether Mass is at midnight, at dawn, or during the day, each selection reflects this great joy in God’s love and mercy represented by this tremendous event of Jesus’ birth.
Today's Mass Readings
Merry Christmas! Today is born our savior! And, indeed, that one expression, “Merry Christmas,” expresses what all Christians ought to feel on this day: merriness, the true joy that comes with knowing God’s love made flesh and brought to us by the Blessed Virgin Mary in a humble stable in Bethlehem. Though there are three choices of readings today, depending on whether Mass is at midnight, at dawn, or during the day, each selection reflects this great joy in God’s love and mercy represented by this tremendous event of Jesus’ birth.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Today's Mass Readings
While sugarplums dance in the minds of children and many of us are exhausted from our preparations for Christmas, Advent still has one last message for us. The first reading from Samuel describes David as settling into his new palace, and yet thinking about the Ark of God residing in a tent. Although David’s desire to build a temple is strong, God sends David a message through Nathan. The message states that God has watched over David and all of Israel and will continue to do so. Nathan is trying to remind David that the Lord is in charge. God through Nathan makes a promise to David. The promise is that the House of David shall endure forever and that God “will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and will make his Kingdom firm.”(2 Sam 7:12b)
Today's Mass Readings
While sugarplums dance in the minds of children and many of us are exhausted from our preparations for Christmas, Advent still has one last message for us. The first reading from Samuel describes David as settling into his new palace, and yet thinking about the Ark of God residing in a tent. Although David’s desire to build a temple is strong, God sends David a message through Nathan. The message states that God has watched over David and all of Israel and will continue to do so. Nathan is trying to remind David that the Lord is in charge. God through Nathan makes a promise to David. The promise is that the House of David shall endure forever and that God “will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and will make his Kingdom firm.”(2 Sam 7:12b)
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Today's Mass Readinga
Today's readings from the Book of the Prophet Malachi and from the Gospel of Luke both have to do with John the Baptist. In the first reading from Malachi, we here about Elijah coming before the day of the Lord. In the Gospels, Jesus explains that John the Baptist has come in the spirit of Elijah.
Today's Mass Readinga
Today's readings from the Book of the Prophet Malachi and from the Gospel of Luke both have to do with John the Baptist. In the first reading from Malachi, we here about Elijah coming before the day of the Lord. In the Gospels, Jesus explains that John the Baptist has come in the spirit of Elijah.