Memorial of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus likens God the Father to a merciful king, who forgives the debt of one of his servants. Upon forgiving the debt, the king would expect that servant to show the same kind of mercy to anyone indebted to him. The failure to do so is understandably upsetting to the king. The parable recalls a line from the gospel of Luke 6:36: “Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful.” In other words, we are all sinners and hence owe a debt to God. God forgives that debt through Jesus, but our faith does not end there; rather, the knowledge that God has been merciful to us ought to spur us into action, being merciful to others.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus likens God the Father to a merciful king, who forgives the debt of one of his servants. Upon forgiving the debt, the king would expect that servant to show the same kind of mercy to anyone indebted to him. The failure to do so is understandably upsetting to the king. The parable recalls a line from the gospel of Luke 6:36: “Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful.” In other words, we are all sinners and hence owe a debt to God. God forgives that debt through Jesus, but our faith does not end there; rather, the knowledge that God has been merciful to us ought to spur us into action, being merciful to others.
Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Marking with a mark or a sign is a very common theme in the Old Testament. This in the book of Genesis, The Lord placed on Cain a mark so that no one who met him would strike him (Gen 4:15). This mark or the sign indicates that Cain is under the jurisdiction of the Lord, and that no one else will be able to harm him. A similar kind of thing is the mark of blood on the lintels and posts of doors and posts, when the angel of death passed through the roads of Egypt lamb (Exodus 12:7). Today’s first reading adds further significance to this theme. As we shall see later there is great Christian significance and meaning here as well.
Today's Mass Readings
Marking with a mark or a sign is a very common theme in the Old Testament. This in the book of Genesis, The Lord placed on Cain a mark so that no one who met him would strike him (Gen 4:15). This mark or the sign indicates that Cain is under the jurisdiction of the Lord, and that no one else will be able to harm him. A similar kind of thing is the mark of blood on the lintels and posts of doors and posts, when the angel of death passed through the roads of Egypt lamb (Exodus 12:7). Today’s first reading adds further significance to this theme. As we shall see later there is great Christian significance and meaning here as well.
Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
A theologian I know once pointed to an important theological book that he recommended his audience should read. It was not only an intellectual text dealing with theology, but it was also a beautifully written work that was of practical concern for anyone wishing to live the spiritual life, following Jesus. After he told us to read the book, he said we should read it again, and then eat it. Some people laughed at what was obviously a metaphor. There is a longstanding tradition within Judaism that when children first hear the word of God, the Shema on the oneness of God from Deuteronomy chapter 6, they are given a drop of honey. Both the theologian’s metaphor and the Jewish tradition linking honey with hearing the Word of God are inspired from today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Today's Mass Readings
A theologian I know once pointed to an important theological book that he recommended his audience should read. It was not only an intellectual text dealing with theology, but it was also a beautifully written work that was of practical concern for anyone wishing to live the spiritual life, following Jesus. After he told us to read the book, he said we should read it again, and then eat it. Some people laughed at what was obviously a metaphor. There is a longstanding tradition within Judaism that when children first hear the word of God, the Shema on the oneness of God from Deuteronomy chapter 6, they are given a drop of honey. Both the theologian’s metaphor and the Jewish tradition linking honey with hearing the Word of God are inspired from today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
Memorial of Saint Clare
Today's Mass Readings
“Heaven and earth are filled with your glory” is the refrain for today’s responsorial psalm. This draws attention to two realms of Christian belief: both heaven and earth. And indeed, there is a certain “otherworldly” quality to the worldliness of Christians; we are meant to be occupied both with heaven and with earth. The saint whose feast we celebrate today – St. Clare of Assisi – is a great example of this. The eldest daughter of a wealthy family, her father expected her to marry well. Instead, her great Christian devotion prepared her to leave this wealthy lifestyle upon hearing St. Francis’s preaching. Clare became the founder of the order known as the Poor Clares, sisters who are dedicated to living a life of poverty.
Today's Mass Readings
“Heaven and earth are filled with your glory” is the refrain for today’s responsorial psalm. This draws attention to two realms of Christian belief: both heaven and earth. And indeed, there is a certain “otherworldly” quality to the worldliness of Christians; we are meant to be occupied both with heaven and with earth. The saint whose feast we celebrate today – St. Clare of Assisi – is a great example of this. The eldest daughter of a wealthy family, her father expected her to marry well. Instead, her great Christian devotion prepared her to leave this wealthy lifestyle upon hearing St. Francis’s preaching. Clare became the founder of the order known as the Poor Clares, sisters who are dedicated to living a life of poverty.
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today' s Mass Readings "
The gospel passage for today’s liturgy is very vivid. It tells us that the disciples cried out in fear thinking they were seeing a ghost. They, like any of us would be, were genuinely afraid. This is the scripture’s way of saying that fear is real.
Today' s Mass Readings "
The gospel passage for today’s liturgy is very vivid. It tells us that the disciples cried out in fear thinking they were seeing a ghost. They, like any of us would be, were genuinely afraid. This is the scripture’s way of saying that fear is real.
Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have a passage from the prophet Habakkuk. This is one of the shortest books in the entire Bible, composed of only three chapters. Habakkuk wrote during a tumultuous time for Judah – Babylon was breathing down its neck, winning decisive victories all around its borders. It wouldn’t be long before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity in 597 BC.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have a passage from the prophet Habakkuk. This is one of the shortest books in the entire Bible, composed of only three chapters. Habakkuk wrote during a tumultuous time for Judah – Babylon was breathing down its neck, winning decisive victories all around its borders. It wouldn’t be long before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity in 597 BC.
Memorial of Saint Dominic
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew includes a line we are all familiar with, namely, take up your cross. How many times have we heard that we each have a cross to bear? It might be difficult for us, however, to really grasp how challenging and shocking those words would have been for Jesus’ disciples. Keep in mind, when we hear about bearing our crosses, we already know about Jesus’ death by crucifixion, as well as His glorious resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven. But when the disciples first heard Jesus mention the importance of bearing their crosses, they didn’t quite get the fact that Jesus had to die on the cross. Jesus said as much only 3 verses earlier, but they didn’t get it then. Peter in fact actually rebuked Jesus when Jesus mentioned His own eventual death. The disciples probably would not fully understand what Jesus had to do until after the resurrection.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew includes a line we are all familiar with, namely, take up your cross. How many times have we heard that we each have a cross to bear? It might be difficult for us, however, to really grasp how challenging and shocking those words would have been for Jesus’ disciples. Keep in mind, when we hear about bearing our crosses, we already know about Jesus’ death by crucifixion, as well as His glorious resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven. But when the disciples first heard Jesus mention the importance of bearing their crosses, they didn’t quite get the fact that Jesus had to die on the cross. Jesus said as much only 3 verses earlier, but they didn’t get it then. Peter in fact actually rebuked Jesus when Jesus mentioned His own eventual death. The disciples probably would not fully understand what Jesus had to do until after the resurrection.
Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, we read about a new covenant whose laws are written on our hearts. The Lord specifically contrasts this new covenant with the old covenant forged with the Israelites at Mount Sinai in Exodus.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, we read about a new covenant whose laws are written on our hearts. The Lord specifically contrasts this new covenant with the old covenant forged with the Israelites at Mount Sinai in Exodus.
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
As with understanding most anything from a movie to a newspaper article, or more importantly scripture, the context of the story can play a tremendous role in assimilating the content. The context can include many elements, however for brevities sake the narrative is focus for today’s reflection.
Today's Mass Readings
As with understanding most anything from a movie to a newspaper article, or more importantly scripture, the context of the story can play a tremendous role in assimilating the content. The context can include many elements, however for brevities sake the narrative is focus for today’s reflection.
Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
AS yesterday's first reading, the beginning of today’s first reading from Jeremiah also seems very negative. If we were just left with verses 12-15 we might despair. The context in Scripture, however, is one in which God is the Savior of His people. The broader context, both before and after these verses, is God’s promise to restore His people. They have suffered because of the fruit of their sins. In desiring to be like the other nations they became like the other nations: they grew in strength, and wealth, and committed idolatry. The other nations, both Assyria and Babylon, came in and wiped out their up-and-coming competitor, Israel, who at this point had been divided in two through their further transgressions.
Today's Mass Readings
AS yesterday's first reading, the beginning of today’s first reading from Jeremiah also seems very negative. If we were just left with verses 12-15 we might despair. The context in Scripture, however, is one in which God is the Savior of His people. The broader context, both before and after these verses, is God’s promise to restore His people. They have suffered because of the fruit of their sins. In desiring to be like the other nations they became like the other nations: they grew in strength, and wealth, and committed idolatry. The other nations, both Assyria and Babylon, came in and wiped out their up-and-coming competitor, Israel, who at this point had been divided in two through their further transgressions.
Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah tells the story of a sort of prophecy competition between Hananiah and Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s message to the people has consistently been a negative one, warning the people of suffering. Hananiah, meanwhile, promises peace to the people, and the recovery of their own self-government. Jeremiah desires peace as much as any other person. But Jeremiah does not think it is necessarily realistic, especially because the people have not repented as they ought to have. It’s easy to see that Hananiah would have been a more popular prophet than Jeremiah. Who wants to hear about death, destruction, woe, and misery when you can look forward instead to a brighter future of freedom, peace, and prosperity? Jeremiah, then, represents what the people don’t want to hear.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah tells the story of a sort of prophecy competition between Hananiah and Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s message to the people has consistently been a negative one, warning the people of suffering. Hananiah, meanwhile, promises peace to the people, and the recovery of their own self-government. Jeremiah desires peace as much as any other person. But Jeremiah does not think it is necessarily realistic, especially because the people have not repented as they ought to have. It’s easy to see that Hananiah would have been a more popular prophet than Jeremiah. Who wants to hear about death, destruction, woe, and misery when you can look forward instead to a brighter future of freedom, peace, and prosperity? Jeremiah, then, represents what the people don’t want to hear.
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
I always wonder what the following words from Isaiah means to Catholics in those parts of the world where there is hunger and starvation.
“All you who are thirsty,
Come to the water!
You who have no money,
Come, receive grave and eat;
Come without paying and without cost,
Drink wine and milk!” (Is 55:1)
Or take the miracle of the multiplication of loaves (Mt 14: 13-21). I wonder if the starving people think why God does not multiply bread and fish for them today. If only a little food could be multiplied…
Today's Mass Readings
I always wonder what the following words from Isaiah means to Catholics in those parts of the world where there is hunger and starvation.
“All you who are thirsty,
Come to the water!
You who have no money,
Come, receive grave and eat;
Come without paying and without cost,
Drink wine and milk!” (Is 55:1)
Or take the miracle of the multiplication of loaves (Mt 14: 13-21). I wonder if the starving people think why God does not multiply bread and fish for them today. If only a little food could be multiplied…
Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings encourage us to reflect upon our ability to listen, especially to words that we may not want to hear, and to discern the voice of God.
The prophetic profession is not easy. Even the valiant Jeremiah of today’s first reading had protested to God that he was too young to be a prophet when God called him (see Jer 1:6). It’s not easy because it often demands delivering God’s word to people who don’t want to hear it. Jeremiah has warned the Jews that their infidelity to the covenant will lead to their destruction (Jer 26:13). In return, the leaders want to kill him.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings encourage us to reflect upon our ability to listen, especially to words that we may not want to hear, and to discern the voice of God.
The prophetic profession is not easy. Even the valiant Jeremiah of today’s first reading had protested to God that he was too young to be a prophet when God called him (see Jer 1:6). It’s not easy because it often demands delivering God’s word to people who don’t want to hear it. Jeremiah has warned the Jews that their infidelity to the covenant will lead to their destruction (Jer 26:13). In return, the leaders want to kill him.
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Today's Mass Readings
The image in today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah is one of the beloved of the tradition. Here the people of Israel are compared to clay in the hand of the potter. The implication is that God has the ability to shape the people into his liking, molding and remolding them at his will. Two important points stand out from this passage: First, we see that ultimately it is God’s work that makes us what we are. The clay cooperates with the potter, but it is the potter who molds the clay. This indicates a challenging aspect of our faith, namely, being open to God’s working within our community without thinking that we are finally in charge of all that happens to us. Secondly, note that the reference here is to the people Israel and not to individual persons. The emphasis is on God’s shaping of his people as a group.
Today's Mass Readings
The image in today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah is one of the beloved of the tradition. Here the people of Israel are compared to clay in the hand of the potter. The implication is that God has the ability to shape the people into his liking, molding and remolding them at his will. Two important points stand out from this passage: First, we see that ultimately it is God’s work that makes us what we are. The clay cooperates with the potter, but it is the potter who molds the clay. This indicates a challenging aspect of our faith, namely, being open to God’s working within our community without thinking that we are finally in charge of all that happens to us. Secondly, note that the reference here is to the people Israel and not to individual persons. The emphasis is on God’s shaping of his people as a group.
Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The Psalm response for today, “God is my refuge on the day of distress” seems an obvious truism. Most of us turn to the Lord on days that are tumultuous. It is in these times our prayers are often laments or complaints. It is in this context that we can understand what Jeremiah is trying to say to God in the first reading. The prophets’ strife is such that he almost wishes to renounce his birth.
Today's Mass Readings
The Psalm response for today, “God is my refuge on the day of distress” seems an obvious truism. Most of us turn to the Lord on days that are tumultuous. It is in these times our prayers are often laments or complaints. It is in this context that we can understand what Jeremiah is trying to say to God in the first reading. The prophets’ strife is such that he almost wishes to renounce his birth.
Memorial of Saint Martha
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah is prayed every Friday in the third week of the Psalter, as the second Psalm/hymn prayer for Morning prayer. In its biblical context, verses 17-18 represent God’s response to His disobedient people who have forsaken Him.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah is prayed every Friday in the third week of the Psalter, as the second Psalm/hymn prayer for Morning prayer. In its biblical context, verses 17-18 represent God’s response to His disobedient people who have forsaken Him.
Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The prophets are known for their unusual metaphors and images. Today’s passage from Jeremiah is a great example of this. In today’s reading, the people of Israel are compared to a rotted loincloth. As a loincloth is an intimate garment, so the people of Israel ought to have clung closely to the Lord. But because they have removed themselves from God, they have become “good for nothing” (Jer 13:7). This is insulting to the Lord precisely because God desires intimacy with his people for their own benefit.
Today's Mass Readings
The prophets are known for their unusual metaphors and images. Today’s passage from Jeremiah is a great example of this. In today’s reading, the people of Israel are compared to a rotted loincloth. As a loincloth is an intimate garment, so the people of Israel ought to have clung closely to the Lord. But because they have removed themselves from God, they have become “good for nothing” (Jer 13:7). This is insulting to the Lord precisely because God desires intimacy with his people for their own benefit.
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture explores the relationship between Wisdom and the Kingdom. In other words, today’s readings tell us that it would be impossible for us to recognize, be open and build the Kingdom without the wisdom that God gives to those whom God calls.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture explores the relationship between Wisdom and the Kingdom. In other words, today’s readings tell us that it would be impossible for us to recognize, be open and build the Kingdom without the wisdom that God gives to those whom God calls.
Feast of Saint James, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel is an important one. It tells of this interesting incident when St. John’s and St. James’ (whose feast it is today) mother approached Jesus to ask that her sons sit at His right and left in His kingdom. We might be able to relate to their mother, presumably Salome who was also a follower of Jesus, who desired her children to sit beside Jesus in the kingdom. Some have maintained that Salome was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s sister, in which case this desire would be even more natural.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel is an important one. It tells of this interesting incident when St. John’s and St. James’ (whose feast it is today) mother approached Jesus to ask that her sons sit at His right and left in His kingdom. We might be able to relate to their mother, presumably Salome who was also a follower of Jesus, who desired her children to sit beside Jesus in the kingdom. Some have maintained that Salome was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s sister, in which case this desire would be even more natural.
Memorial of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of Jeremiah, we are given a prophetic message from God delivered by Jeremiah to God’s people. The words are striking in their call to the Jewish people to make their worship congruent with their actions. We must understand a bit about the temple to understand this reading.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of Jeremiah, we are given a prophetic message from God delivered by Jeremiah to God’s people. The words are striking in their call to the Jewish people to make their worship congruent with their actions. We must understand a bit about the temple to understand this reading.