Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Luke is an interesting one that directs our attention toward the end of the liturgical year. It is only a few weeks until Advent begins, and a new Catholic liturgical year begins with it. In the reading for today, Jesus is asked by the Pharisees about the timing of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ answer is not very satisfying for the Pharisees. Nor is it completely clear to us who read it today. Jesus seems to be redirecting their attention from their concern, and we might interpret his comment that the “Kingdom of God is among you” (Lk 17:21) as meaning either that He is the kingdom or that his followers are the kingdom or that the kingdom lives in each one of them if they choose to embrace it. Each of these three interpretations has its own history within the tradition of the Church.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Luke is an interesting one that directs our attention toward the end of the liturgical year. It is only a few weeks until Advent begins, and a new Catholic liturgical year begins with it. In the reading for today, Jesus is asked by the Pharisees about the timing of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ answer is not very satisfying for the Pharisees. Nor is it completely clear to us who read it today. Jesus seems to be redirecting their attention from their concern, and we might interpret his comment that the “Kingdom of God is among you” (Lk 17:21) as meaning either that He is the kingdom or that his followers are the kingdom or that the kingdom lives in each one of them if they choose to embrace it. Each of these three interpretations has its own history within the tradition of the Church.
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today continue from yesterday. Today Paul reminds us to be obedient to our Christian duties that he listed in yesterday’s reading from Titus. We were once non-believers who entered into sin. Now we have been rescued by the generous love of God who sent Jesus to free us from sin. For Paul, our salvation transpires through the sacrament of baptism. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is poured out on us through this bath of transformation. (Titus 3:6). Thus we are made acceptable to the Lord and become heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today continue from yesterday. Today Paul reminds us to be obedient to our Christian duties that he listed in yesterday’s reading from Titus. We were once non-believers who entered into sin. Now we have been rescued by the generous love of God who sent Jesus to free us from sin. For Paul, our salvation transpires through the sacrament of baptism. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is poured out on us through this bath of transformation. (Titus 3:6). Thus we are made acceptable to the Lord and become heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading from St. Luke's Gospel can be a confusing one. Some might mistakenly take it to imply that we will not be asked to fellowship with God at the heavenly banquet table, that God is to be viewed as a tyrant master for Whom we serve as slaves. This image would be mistaken, and it would misunderstand what Jesus is telling His disciples today.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Gospel reading from St. Luke's Gospel can be a confusing one. Some might mistakenly take it to imply that we will not be asked to fellowship with God at the heavenly banquet table, that God is to be viewed as a tyrant master for Whom we serve as slaves. This image would be mistaken, and it would misunderstand what Jesus is telling His disciples today.
Memorial of Saint Leo the Great
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin St. Paul’s letter to Titus. This is considered to be one of Paul’s pastoral letters because of his very practical advice; here it is in regard to the requirements and duties of Church leaders known as presbyters and bishops. Such a Church leader ought to live an upright life, as indicated by his personal conduct as well as his family’s. Indeed, every Christian should behave as described by Paul here, but for those who lead it is particularly important that they witness well to the Christian faith in the entirety of their lives. The last line describes well the task of such a leader, namely, that he hold fast to the true message in order both to refute opponents and to exhort the faithful (Tit 1:9).
Today's Mass Readings
Today we begin St. Paul’s letter to Titus. This is considered to be one of Paul’s pastoral letters because of his very practical advice; here it is in regard to the requirements and duties of Church leaders known as presbyters and bishops. Such a Church leader ought to live an upright life, as indicated by his personal conduct as well as his family’s. Indeed, every Christian should behave as described by Paul here, but for those who lead it is particularly important that they witness well to the Christian faith in the entirety of their lives. The last line describes well the task of such a leader, namely, that he hold fast to the true message in order both to refute opponents and to exhort the faithful (Tit 1:9).
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate an unusual feast. It is not the feast of an event from Christ's life (like the baptism of Jesus) or even the feast of a saint. It is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. What is the significance of the Feast of the dedication of St. John Lateran?
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate an unusual feast. It is not the feast of an event from Christ's life (like the baptism of Jesus) or even the feast of a saint. It is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. What is the significance of the Feast of the dedication of St. John Lateran?
Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In our First Reading, St. Paul proudly tells the Philippians that he has learned to be “self-sufficient” in nearly any situation, even as he praises them for their generosity toward him. This contrast is worth noting for a couple of reasons. In the first place, the desire for “independence” is very strong in our own society. Nearly all of us like to think of ourselves as fundamentally independent. Yet, in many ways, we are the least “self-sufficient” society imaginable. We constantly rely on each other for everything we have, want and need. We require the help of others for our food, our electricity, our medicine… the list of ways that we are dependent on each other seems to go on forever. Yet, much like St. Paul before the Philippians, we often insist on our own self-sufficiency, despite our continual need for help from one another. But, unlike St. Paul, we are not always so quick to recognize that the true source of all strength is in the one who created us. St. Paul can speak of himself as “self-sufficient” only because he recognizes that all that he has comes from the one who “empowers” him at all times and in all places. As such, he is “self-sufficient” only because of his almost total reliance on the mercy of God.
Today's Mass Readings
In our First Reading, St. Paul proudly tells the Philippians that he has learned to be “self-sufficient” in nearly any situation, even as he praises them for their generosity toward him. This contrast is worth noting for a couple of reasons. In the first place, the desire for “independence” is very strong in our own society. Nearly all of us like to think of ourselves as fundamentally independent. Yet, in many ways, we are the least “self-sufficient” society imaginable. We constantly rely on each other for everything we have, want and need. We require the help of others for our food, our electricity, our medicine… the list of ways that we are dependent on each other seems to go on forever. Yet, much like St. Paul before the Philippians, we often insist on our own self-sufficiency, despite our continual need for help from one another. But, unlike St. Paul, we are not always so quick to recognize that the true source of all strength is in the one who created us. St. Paul can speak of himself as “self-sufficient” only because he recognizes that all that he has comes from the one who “empowers” him at all times and in all places. As such, he is “self-sufficient” only because of his almost total reliance on the mercy of God.
Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from the Gospel of St. Luke has long given readers difficulty in interpretation. Jesus seems to be telling His audience that they should imitate the dishonest steward. Indeed, the dishonest steward seems to receive much praise from Jesus in this parable. How can that be? Why would Jesus say anything at all positive about a dishonest steward?
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from the Gospel of St. Luke has long given readers difficulty in interpretation. Jesus seems to be telling His audience that they should imitate the dishonest steward. Indeed, the dishonest steward seems to receive much praise from Jesus in this parable. How can that be? Why would Jesus say anything at all positive about a dishonest steward?
Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel passage from Luke, Jesus uses two parables to convey his dedication to the “lost.” In the first of these, he compares the repentant sinner to a lost sheep who is found by his shepherd. In the second parable, Jesus compares the repentant sinner to a lost coin. In both cases, the one who finds, rejoices. So we are led to understand that Jesus rejoices in the sinners that he is accused of welcoming. This is an important lesson for the Pharisees and scribes to understand because of their emphasis on righteousness. While righteousness in and of itself is praiseworthy, the Pharisees and scribes used it for exclusionary purposes; they preferred the lost to stay lost rather than be found. The law provided a convenient way to disregard those who had fallen away.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel passage from Luke, Jesus uses two parables to convey his dedication to the “lost.” In the first of these, he compares the repentant sinner to a lost sheep who is found by his shepherd. In the second parable, Jesus compares the repentant sinner to a lost coin. In both cases, the one who finds, rejoices. So we are led to understand that Jesus rejoices in the sinners that he is accused of welcoming. This is an important lesson for the Pharisees and scribes to understand because of their emphasis on righteousness. While righteousness in and of itself is praiseworthy, the Pharisees and scribes used it for exclusionary purposes; they preferred the lost to stay lost rather than be found. The law provided a convenient way to disregard those who had fallen away.
Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
“Work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b) For St. Paul, who likely wrote these words from prison, wrote them to give strength to the community in Philippi. Paul wanted to express clearly to the Philippians how important it was to live the Gospel of Jesus in their daily lives. Paul, even though in prision was filled with joy through encountering Christ Jesus and living faithfully as a disciple.
Today's Mass Readings
“Work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b) For St. Paul, who likely wrote these words from prison, wrote them to give strength to the community in Philippi. Paul wanted to express clearly to the Philippians how important it was to live the Gospel of Jesus in their daily lives. Paul, even though in prision was filled with joy through encountering Christ Jesus and living faithfully as a disciple.
Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, who was the first bishop to implement the reforms of the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Many people don't realize that when the Protestant Reformation began in Europe, the Catholic Church was already in the middle of a very long process of reform. The Council of Trent was called to address the challenges of the Protestant Reformation. In addition to its doctrinal discussions, Trent addressed important measures of reform. St. Charles Borromeo fearlessly implemented Trent's reforms. Pope John XXIII, who launched the Second Vatican Council, was in the process of editing St. Charles Borromeo's papers when he was elected pope.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, who was the first bishop to implement the reforms of the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Many people don't realize that when the Protestant Reformation began in Europe, the Catholic Church was already in the middle of a very long process of reform. The Council of Trent was called to address the challenges of the Protestant Reformation. In addition to its doctrinal discussions, Trent addressed important measures of reform. St. Charles Borromeo fearlessly implemented Trent's reforms. Pope John XXIII, who launched the Second Vatican Council, was in the process of editing St. Charles Borromeo's papers when he was elected pope.
Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today we continue along with both St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians and with Jesus’ comments in the gospel of Luke regarding banquets. The passages are complementary inasmuch as they draw our attention to the blessings of humility. In the Philippians passage, Paul invites the Church of Philippi to be united. His words speak to the ideal unity of a church community when he instructs them: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others” (Phil. 2:3-4). Imagine if every member of the Church was able to act in this way. Certainly in such humility there would be a true unity, and in such unity, a great blessing.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we continue along with both St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians and with Jesus’ comments in the gospel of Luke regarding banquets. The passages are complementary inasmuch as they draw our attention to the blessings of humility. In the Philippians passage, Paul invites the Church of Philippi to be united. His words speak to the ideal unity of a church community when he instructs them: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others” (Phil. 2:3-4). Imagine if every member of the Church was able to act in this way. Certainly in such humility there would be a true unity, and in such unity, a great blessing.
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day)
Today's Mass Readings
Today, the Church commemorates all the faithful departed.
In the first reading from the book of Wisdom, there is a contrast drawn between the wise judgment of the just and the foolish judgment of the wicked. The wicked, the book of Wisdom says, refuse to acknowledge life after death (Wis 3:2). By doing so there are two things they reject – God, and the need to live a righteous life. Their logic, then, is very simple – if there is no afterlife there must not be a God and if there is no God, then there is no demand to live a virtuous life in the here and now.
Today's Mass Readings
Today, the Church commemorates all the faithful departed.
In the first reading from the book of Wisdom, there is a contrast drawn between the wise judgment of the just and the foolish judgment of the wicked. The wicked, the book of Wisdom says, refuse to acknowledge life after death (Wis 3:2). By doing so there are two things they reject – God, and the need to live a righteous life. Their logic, then, is very simple – if there is no afterlife there must not be a God and if there is no God, then there is no demand to live a virtuous life in the here and now.
Solemnity of All Saints
Today's Mass Readings
It is tempting, and matter of course in our culture, to think of “church” as something entirely different than the portrait that we get in today’s readings. It’s very difficult for us Americans to think of “church” as a reality that isn’t only a group of individuals who have chosen to join together. Sometimes we use “church” to designate a building, which indeed it does, but there’s more. Sometimes we use it to refer to bishops and priests, who are all indeed part of the Church, but there’s more. Sometimes we use it to refer simply to the group gathered in one place for Mass, which indeed is “Church” is a profound way, but there’s more.
Today's Mass Readings
It is tempting, and matter of course in our culture, to think of “church” as something entirely different than the portrait that we get in today’s readings. It’s very difficult for us Americans to think of “church” as a reality that isn’t only a group of individuals who have chosen to join together. Sometimes we use “church” to designate a building, which indeed it does, but there’s more. Sometimes we use it to refer to bishops and priests, who are all indeed part of the Church, but there’s more. Sometimes we use it to refer simply to the group gathered in one place for Mass, which indeed is “Church” is a profound way, but there’s more.
Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Tomorrow is the Feast of All Saints Day, which means that tonight will be All Hallow's Eve. In light of that, I think we could benefit from reading over St. Paul's words from today's first reading from his letter to the Philippians very carefully. I would suggest reading them over slowly as if he were writing those words to us. As we read them over carefully, imagine St. Paul saying these things to us from heaven: he gives thanks to God for us, he holds us in his heart, we are partners with him in grace, etc.
Today's Mass Readings
Tomorrow is the Feast of All Saints Day, which means that tonight will be All Hallow's Eve. In light of that, I think we could benefit from reading over St. Paul's words from today's first reading from his letter to the Philippians very carefully. I would suggest reading them over slowly as if he were writing those words to us. As we read them over carefully, imagine St. Paul saying these things to us from heaven: he gives thanks to God for us, he holds us in his heart, we are partners with him in grace, etc.
Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Reaadings
In today’s gospel passage from Luke, Jesus continues on his journey toward Jerusalem. This is an important feature of Luke’s gospel, which describes Jesus pushing ever closer to his final destiny. Geographically, this destiny is the city of Jerusalem, and theologically, this final destiny is his passion, death, and resurrection. In today’s passage it is clear that Jesus is aware of both his geographical and theological destinations. Despite the warnings of others, he will continue toward Jerusalem precisely because this is where he will die. Jesus’ motivation for this is indicated in the second half of today’s passage; he has pity for the people of Jerusalem, who have often turned away from God. He knows that his death will enable some to recognize God’s love represented in the person of Jesus, and particularly in his passion, death, and resurrection.
Today's Mass Reaadings
In today’s gospel passage from Luke, Jesus continues on his journey toward Jerusalem. This is an important feature of Luke’s gospel, which describes Jesus pushing ever closer to his final destiny. Geographically, this destiny is the city of Jerusalem, and theologically, this final destiny is his passion, death, and resurrection. In today’s passage it is clear that Jesus is aware of both his geographical and theological destinations. Despite the warnings of others, he will continue toward Jerusalem precisely because this is where he will die. Jesus’ motivation for this is indicated in the second half of today’s passage; he has pity for the people of Jerusalem, who have often turned away from God. He knows that his death will enable some to recognize God’s love represented in the person of Jesus, and particularly in his passion, death, and resurrection.
Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading from Luke is difficult to understand and perhaps even more difficult to accept. For example, why would the Lord say to anybody, “I do not know where you are from.Depart from me, all you evildoers!” (Lk 13:27). And again, why the rejection when the people claim that they ate and drank with the Lord? I guess there are questions behind these questions. Will be one of those who are rejected? What can we do to ensure that we will be in communion with God for eternity?
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading from Luke is difficult to understand and perhaps even more difficult to accept. For example, why would the Lord say to anybody, “I do not know where you are from.Depart from me, all you evildoers!” (Lk 13:27). And again, why the rejection when the people claim that they ate and drank with the Lord? I guess there are questions behind these questions. Will be one of those who are rejected? What can we do to ensure that we will be in communion with God for eternity?
Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles, Saints Simon and Jude. Two Simons are named in today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of St. Luke, but the first one named is Peter. Today's feast honors the second Simon who is known as a Zealot. Likewise there are two Judes, or Judases, named in this reading. Today's feast honors the first Jude, the son of James.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles, Saints Simon and Jude. Two Simons are named in today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of St. Luke, but the first one named is Peter. Today's feast honors the second Simon who is known as a Zealot. Likewise there are two Judes, or Judases, named in this reading. Today's feast honors the first Jude, the son of James.
Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s responsorial psalm describes those who delight in the law of the Lord as thus: “They are like trees planted near running water that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves never fade. Whatever they do, prospers” (Ps. 1:3). At first this seems an odd companion for the gospel reading, wherein Jesus cures a woman in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The leader of the synagogue is obviously committed to the precept of not doing work on the Sabbath; he appears convinced of this law of the Lord. But does he “delight” in the law of the Lord?
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s responsorial psalm describes those who delight in the law of the Lord as thus: “They are like trees planted near running water that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves never fade. Whatever they do, prospers” (Ps. 1:3). At first this seems an odd companion for the gospel reading, wherein Jesus cures a woman in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The leader of the synagogue is obviously committed to the precept of not doing work on the Sabbath; he appears convinced of this law of the Lord. But does he “delight” in the law of the Lord?
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading taken from the book of Exodus is an instruction on the kind of society that God would want the Israelites to build. First of all, God reminds the Israelites of their own slavery in Egypt. Because they know what it means to be poor, weak, powerless and oppressed, they are now asked to conduct themselves with compassion. Just as God had compassion on them when they were weak so must they have compassion on those who are weak among them.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading taken from the book of Exodus is an instruction on the kind of society that God would want the Israelites to build. First of all, God reminds the Israelites of their own slavery in Egypt. Because they know what it means to be poor, weak, powerless and oppressed, they are now asked to conduct themselves with compassion. Just as God had compassion on them when they were weak so must they have compassion on those who are weak among them.
Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
We learn from the parable in Luke’s gospel that we have been given new life by Christ’s life, death, and resurrection; he has made it possible for us to bear fruit by “cultivating the ground” and “fertilizing” (Lk 13:8). Yet, we must respond, as Paul exhorts the Ephesians, by living according to the gift that Christ has given us (Eph 4:8).
Today's Mass Readings
We learn from the parable in Luke’s gospel that we have been given new life by Christ’s life, death, and resurrection; he has made it possible for us to bear fruit by “cultivating the ground” and “fertilizing” (Lk 13:8). Yet, we must respond, as Paul exhorts the Ephesians, by living according to the gift that Christ has given us (Eph 4:8).