Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
This week we begin hearing selections from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The basic context of this letter revolves around the question of circumcision. Circumcision, is, of course, an important requirement of the Jewish faith now as it was at the time of Paul. Galatians plays out an early Church conflict inasmuch as the members of this Church were comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. One strain of Christianity at this time, following the Jewish tradition, argued that circumcision was necessary, and hence all Gentile males who wished to become Christian must undergo circumcision. The emotions in Paul’s words are not hard to detect: such a message represents for him a false portrayal of the gospel. The good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection does not necessitate circumcision. Throughout this letter to the Galatians, Paul will outline an argument for why this is so.
Today's Mass Readings
This week we begin hearing selections from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The basic context of this letter revolves around the question of circumcision. Circumcision, is, of course, an important requirement of the Jewish faith now as it was at the time of Paul. Galatians plays out an early Church conflict inasmuch as the members of this Church were comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. One strain of Christianity at this time, following the Jewish tradition, argued that circumcision was necessary, and hence all Gentile males who wished to become Christian must undergo circumcision. The emotions in Paul’s words are not hard to detect: such a message represents for him a false portrayal of the gospel. The good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection does not necessitate circumcision. Throughout this letter to the Galatians, Paul will outline an argument for why this is so.
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Over the past two Sundays the gospel reading has talked about the vineyard. Vineyard is an analogy taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The vineyard is the people of Israel. Thus, in today’s first reading, God talks about how he made space for a vineyard, cleared the stones in it, planted the choicest vine, put a watchtower, and even put a fence around it to protect the vineyard.
Today's Mass Readings
Over the past two Sundays the gospel reading has talked about the vineyard. Vineyard is an analogy taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The vineyard is the people of Israel. Thus, in today’s first reading, God talks about how he made space for a vineyard, cleared the stones in it, planted the choicest vine, put a watchtower, and even put a fence around it to protect the vineyard.
Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings weave together two themes, both of which reflect the idea of looking upon God. The first reading continues the story of Job and his sufferings, depicting his confidence in God and desire to see God. The gospel reading from Matthew, meanwhile, mentions guardian angels, the memorial that we celebrate today.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings weave together two themes, both of which reflect the idea of looking upon God. The first reading continues the story of Job and his sufferings, depicting his confidence in God and desire to see God. The gospel reading from Matthew, meanwhile, mentions guardian angels, the memorial that we celebrate today.
Feast of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings for the feast of St. Therese known as the “Little Flower,” remind us that like Therese we are to follow the Lord completely. The dialogue in Job goes back and forth between understanding God’s power and then asking the question is it wise to challenge God’s wisdom. This discourse is a response to Job’s friend Bildad who says that God is a God of knowledge whose justice is fair. For Job who has lost much, and yet has a clear conscience, God’s justice feels more like divine anger. Job’s suffering feels not as a “just” reward for sin, but more as a recipient of an arbitrary allocation of God’s power. Job realizes that the person (God) to whom he wishes to complain may in fact be responsible for his pain. Job’s catch 22 leaves him feeling powerless.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings for the feast of St. Therese known as the “Little Flower,” remind us that like Therese we are to follow the Lord completely. The dialogue in Job goes back and forth between understanding God’s power and then asking the question is it wise to challenge God’s wisdom. This discourse is a response to Job’s friend Bildad who says that God is a God of knowledge whose justice is fair. For Job who has lost much, and yet has a clear conscience, God’s justice feels more like divine anger. Job’s suffering feels not as a “just” reward for sin, but more as a recipient of an arbitrary allocation of God’s power. Job realizes that the person (God) to whom he wishes to complain may in fact be responsible for his pain. Job’s catch 22 leaves him feeling powerless.
Memorial of Saint Cornelius, pope and martyr, and Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Memorial of Pope Saint Cornelius and St. Cyprian the bishop. Both of these Christian saints were martyred for the faith, and both provide models for us today to inspire us to live our faith boldly.
It is appropriate then that the first reading is taken from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, and particularly his famous discussion concerning the Church as one body, and we are therefore members of this one Body of Christ. In the broader context of this passage, St. Paul explains that we each play different roles in the one Body of Christ. We are like different body parts.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Memorial of Pope Saint Cornelius and St. Cyprian the bishop. Both of these Christian saints were martyred for the faith, and both provide models for us today to inspire us to live our faith boldly.
It is appropriate then that the first reading is taken from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, and particularly his famous discussion concerning the Church as one body, and we are therefore members of this one Body of Christ. In the broader context of this passage, St. Paul explains that we each play different roles in the one Body of Christ. We are like different body parts.
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Called by God, Jeremiah preached the prophetic message with zeal and conviction. Jeremiah took it for granted that since he was doing God’s work that his life would be relatively safe. But he finds himself severely persecuted and even at risk of death. This is similar to Jesus’ prediction of his own impending suffering and death in today’s gospel reading.
Today's Mass Readings
Called by God, Jeremiah preached the prophetic message with zeal and conviction. Jeremiah took it for granted that since he was doing God’s work that his life would be relatively safe. But he finds himself severely persecuted and even at risk of death. This is similar to Jesus’ prediction of his own impending suffering and death in today’s gospel reading.
Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings reflect on the theme of God’s people – both their character and God’s expectations of them.
In today’s psalm, we hear the refrain “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own” (Ps 33: 12) We know that God chose the Jewish people to enter into a covenant with Him; he expected that they honor Him alone as God in return for His protection. Yet, how often do we reflect upon the fact that God chose them. They didn’t choose God. Indeed they are “the chosen people,” not “the people who made a choice.” Of course, the covenant required that the people uphold their end of it, that they respond to God’s choice. Their primary role was that of dedicated response, not picking God out of an array of options.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings reflect on the theme of God’s people – both their character and God’s expectations of them.
In today’s psalm, we hear the refrain “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own” (Ps 33: 12) We know that God chose the Jewish people to enter into a covenant with Him; he expected that they honor Him alone as God in return for His protection. Yet, how often do we reflect upon the fact that God chose them. They didn’t choose God. Indeed they are “the chosen people,” not “the people who made a choice.” Of course, the covenant required that the people uphold their end of it, that they respond to God’s choice. Their primary role was that of dedicated response, not picking God out of an array of options.
Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. St. John the Baptist powerfully prepared the way of the Lord. He was an incredible witness to the kingdom of God. We have him as a model of how to follow God and proclaim His message faithfully in our own lives.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. St. John the Baptist powerfully prepared the way of the Lord. He was an incredible witness to the kingdom of God. We have him as a model of how to follow God and proclaim His message faithfully in our own lives.
Memorial of Saint Augustine
Todeay's Mass Readings
The saint whose feast we celebrate today, St. Augustine, is a doctor of the Church who is known for his profound and dramatic conversion, captured in his autobiographical Confessions. All of Western theology, it has been said, is a footnote to Augustine; his work is among the most influential in the Catholic tradition. Augustine’s conversion provides a wonderful example of the importance of others in the faith. Intellectually, Augustine was guided by St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, among others. But perhaps the most profound spiritual influence on Augustine’s life was his mother Monica, whose memorial was celebrated yesterday. Though married to a non-Christian, Monica’s faith remained steady, and her devotion to her son in the form of prayer, visits, and discussions was truly exemplary. Monica was constantly vigilant, watching out for her son. She never gave up on him, and so we have her to thank for his memorial today, as well as his many theological works.
Todeay's Mass Readings
The saint whose feast we celebrate today, St. Augustine, is a doctor of the Church who is known for his profound and dramatic conversion, captured in his autobiographical Confessions. All of Western theology, it has been said, is a footnote to Augustine; his work is among the most influential in the Catholic tradition. Augustine’s conversion provides a wonderful example of the importance of others in the faith. Intellectually, Augustine was guided by St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, among others. But perhaps the most profound spiritual influence on Augustine’s life was his mother Monica, whose memorial was celebrated yesterday. Though married to a non-Christian, Monica’s faith remained steady, and her devotion to her son in the form of prayer, visits, and discussions was truly exemplary. Monica was constantly vigilant, watching out for her son. She never gave up on him, and so we have her to thank for his memorial today, as well as his many theological works.
Wednesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
On this memorial of St. Monica, a mother who persevered many hardships in life, we are given readings that challenge us to walk the talk in the face of adversity. St. Monica patiently suffered the trials of life in order to lead her husband, mother-in-law and eventually her son, Augustine to Christianity. Monica’s main method of preaching to her family was by her steadfast example.
Today's Mass Readings
On this memorial of St. Monica, a mother who persevered many hardships in life, we are given readings that challenge us to walk the talk in the face of adversity. St. Monica patiently suffered the trials of life in order to lead her husband, mother-in-law and eventually her son, Augustine to Christianity. Monica’s main method of preaching to her family was by her steadfast example.
Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus rebukes certain religious leaders of His time for adhering to their own traditions while neglecting the more important elements of their faith, namely judgment, mercy and fidelity. Historically, Protestants have often criticized Catholics in a similar manner. They point to passages in the Gospels where Jesus rebukes the religious for following certain traditions, sometimes, although not in this instance, explicitly labelled "traditions." When we as Catholics do follow more minor traditions but neglect the most important things, love and faith, service and truth, grace and mercy, we too may be guilty of what Jesus criticized some of His contemporaries for.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus rebukes certain religious leaders of His time for adhering to their own traditions while neglecting the more important elements of their faith, namely judgment, mercy and fidelity. Historically, Protestants have often criticized Catholics in a similar manner. They point to passages in the Gospels where Jesus rebukes the religious for following certain traditions, sometimes, although not in this instance, explicitly labelled "traditions." When we as Catholics do follow more minor traditions but neglect the most important things, love and faith, service and truth, grace and mercy, we too may be guilty of what Jesus criticized some of His contemporaries for.
Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Faith is not something easy to define, nor is it something that we can say we simply understand. In today’s first reading, we begin the second letter to the Thessalonians, and we hear the greeting extended to them by Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. The word “faith” emerges several times in this short text. Though the writers praise the faith of the Thessalonian church, they also say that they pray that God “bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith” (2 Thes 1:11). This seems to imply that faith is not just something that someone possesses; you don’t just have faith and that’s it. Rather, God’s grace works with faith, bringing to fulfillment the efforts of faith. There is a necessary interplay here. We can’t simply do faith on our own.
Today's Mass Readings
Faith is not something easy to define, nor is it something that we can say we simply understand. In today’s first reading, we begin the second letter to the Thessalonians, and we hear the greeting extended to them by Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. The word “faith” emerges several times in this short text. Though the writers praise the faith of the Thessalonian church, they also say that they pray that God “bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith” (2 Thes 1:11). This seems to imply that faith is not just something that someone possesses; you don’t just have faith and that’s it. Rather, God’s grace works with faith, bringing to fulfillment the efforts of faith. There is a necessary interplay here. We can’t simply do faith on our own.
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus said to Peter, “…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). That Jesus would entrust his church to a mere human person baffles me. That is why we believe that the church is both, human and divine, holy and sinful at the same time.
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus said to Peter, “…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). That Jesus would entrust his church to a mere human person baffles me. That is why we believe that the church is both, human and divine, holy and sinful at the same time.
Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Our sensibilities from reading and hearing the gospel stories are conditioned to think of the Pharisees only as hypocrites and show offs. This conception, however, misses some of the force of Jesus’ critique of these folk. They were not such easy targets. On the whole, they were considered the most pious Jews of their day, admired for there adherence to the law and their dedication to God. Nevertheless, their conflicts with Jesus centered around their overly legalistic adherence to the law. These were different interpretations of the Jewish tradition.
Today's Mass Readings
Our sensibilities from reading and hearing the gospel stories are conditioned to think of the Pharisees only as hypocrites and show offs. This conception, however, misses some of the force of Jesus’ critique of these folk. They were not such easy targets. On the whole, they were considered the most pious Jews of their day, admired for there adherence to the law and their dedication to God. Nevertheless, their conflicts with Jesus centered around their overly legalistic adherence to the law. These were different interpretations of the Jewish tradition.
Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. Her queenship affirms not only her role as Queen Mother, since she is Jesus’ mother, but also in her resurrection and life in heaven. We see an important Old Testament witness to the belief in the resurrection from the dead in today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. Her queenship affirms not only her role as Queen Mother, since she is Jesus’ mother, but also in her resurrection and life in heaven. We see an important Old Testament witness to the belief in the resurrection from the dead in today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Memorial of Saint Pius X
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings, we see a theme of sin and redemption with God’s love shining throughout. The passage from the prophet Ezekiel is a well-known one: here God reveals his dedication to the people of Israel who have turned away from him. The Lord speaks of bringing the people back, cleansing them from their false worship, and giving them a “new heart” and a “new spirit” (Ez. 36:26). Even though the people have deserted God and worshiped other gods, the Lord remains faithful, and in this fidelity to his sinful people, God is willing to do the cleansing, to give the people another chance.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s readings, we see a theme of sin and redemption with God’s love shining throughout. The passage from the prophet Ezekiel is a well-known one: here God reveals his dedication to the people of Israel who have turned away from him. The Lord speaks of bringing the people back, cleansing them from their false worship, and giving them a “new heart” and a “new spirit” (Ez. 36:26). Even though the people have deserted God and worshiped other gods, the Lord remains faithful, and in this fidelity to his sinful people, God is willing to do the cleansing, to give the people another chance.
Memorial of Saint Bernard
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the good shepherd is a common thread for today’s readings. We come across Ezekiel just after he learns of Jerusalem’s fall. Ezekiel had already been in exile for twelve years. Ezekiel’s prophecy against the shepherds of Israel reads like a job description of a bad shepherd: you feed yourself instead of your sheep, you do not search for those who have strayed or are lost, and you do not strengthen the weak or heal the sick. The prophet is challenging the leaders of the faith, who have failed to hear the word of the Lord. The story does not end here. The Lord, the Good Shepherd, promises to search for the lost sheep and gather them back into their land.
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the good shepherd is a common thread for today’s readings. We come across Ezekiel just after he learns of Jerusalem’s fall. Ezekiel had already been in exile for twelve years. Ezekiel’s prophecy against the shepherds of Israel reads like a job description of a bad shepherd: you feed yourself instead of your sheep, you do not search for those who have strayed or are lost, and you do not strengthen the weak or heal the sick. The prophet is challenging the leaders of the faith, who have failed to hear the word of the Lord. The story does not end here. The Lord, the Good Shepherd, promises to search for the lost sheep and gather them back into their land.
Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading is a hard one for many. In today’s reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle. Indeed it would be impossible indeed for a camel, large as camels are, to go through the tiny eye of a needle. Some have interpreted this in light of the location, “Eye of the Needle,” which indeed camels are unable to pass through because it is too narrow. Other scholars point out that in Greek the word for camel and rope are spelled the exact same way, the only difference being the placement of the accent mark, absent from all the early manuscripts. Thus, the saying would read, a rope going through the eye of a needle. Regardless of what is intended, all three are difficult if not impossible.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading is a hard one for many. In today’s reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle. Indeed it would be impossible indeed for a camel, large as camels are, to go through the tiny eye of a needle. Some have interpreted this in light of the location, “Eye of the Needle,” which indeed camels are unable to pass through because it is too narrow. Other scholars point out that in Greek the word for camel and rope are spelled the exact same way, the only difference being the placement of the accent mark, absent from all the early manuscripts. Thus, the saying would read, a rope going through the eye of a needle. Regardless of what is intended, all three are difficult if not impossible.
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
When the Canaanite woman in today’s gospel passage came to Jesus looking for healing for her daughter, Jesus says to her, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 26). I can’t imagine Jesus being so prejudiced as to call an entire people “dogs.” This passage does not make sense especially if we consider that Jesus was very inclusive of all cultures otherwise. We think of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and how he offered her living waters. We think of how he appreciated the Good Samaritan in his parables as an example in charity. We think of how the pagan woman who was sick for twelve years was healed just by touching the hem of his garment. We think of the Roman centurion whose son was healed by Jesus purely by his word. Jesus commended his faith. In the context such inclusiveness that Jesus exhibited, today’s comments do not make sense. So why does he call the people of Israel children and non-Israelites dogs?
Today's Mass Readings
When the Canaanite woman in today’s gospel passage came to Jesus looking for healing for her daughter, Jesus says to her, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 26). I can’t imagine Jesus being so prejudiced as to call an entire people “dogs.” This passage does not make sense especially if we consider that Jesus was very inclusive of all cultures otherwise. We think of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and how he offered her living waters. We think of how he appreciated the Good Samaritan in his parables as an example in charity. We think of how the pagan woman who was sick for twelve years was healed just by touching the hem of his garment. We think of the Roman centurion whose son was healed by Jesus purely by his word. Jesus commended his faith. In the context such inclusiveness that Jesus exhibited, today’s comments do not make sense. So why does he call the people of Israel children and non-Israelites dogs?
Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Much ink has been spilled over what exactly Jesus means in today’s gospel reading. What is it precisely that Jesus is highlighting about the children that gives us insight into the Kingdom, which he says belongs to those “such as these”? (Mt 19:14). I think that there are several insights that can help us live as better disciples in today’s world.
Today's Mass Readings
Much ink has been spilled over what exactly Jesus means in today’s gospel reading. What is it precisely that Jesus is highlighting about the children that gives us insight into the Kingdom, which he says belongs to those “such as these”? (Mt 19:14). I think that there are several insights that can help us live as better disciples in today’s world.