Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
I am sure that by now we have realized the fact that St. James was a straight talker. And may be he has begun getting on our nerves with his in-your-face wisdom that we have read over the last two weeks. His writing on humility in yesterday’s reading was difficult to digest, yet, we know it to be so true. Today’s reading unveils another bitter truth about human existence – that human beings think that they are in control of their lives. Instead, as James puts it, Christians have to get used to thinking, “If the Lord wills it… (Jas 4:14). And surprisingly, this is the meaning of humility that James was talking about in yesterday’s reading.
Today's Mass Readings
I am sure that by now we have realized the fact that St. James was a straight talker. And may be he has begun getting on our nerves with his in-your-face wisdom that we have read over the last two weeks. His writing on humility in yesterday’s reading was difficult to digest, yet, we know it to be so true. Today’s reading unveils another bitter truth about human existence – that human beings think that they are in control of their lives. Instead, as James puts it, Christians have to get used to thinking, “If the Lord wills it… (Jas 4:14). And surprisingly, this is the meaning of humility that James was talking about in yesterday’s reading.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Letter of St. James continues St. James' advice on how to live the Christian life, and is jam-packed with important insights. One theme which he brings up, which I want to focus on today, is that of humility. He exhorts us: "Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you" (James 4:10).
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Letter of St. James continues St. James' advice on how to live the Christian life, and is jam-packed with important insights. One theme which he brings up, which I want to focus on today, is that of humility. He exhorts us: "Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you" (James 4:10).
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Wisdom often seems to have an elusive quality. It’s hard to get a grasp on what precisely is wisdom. Doubtlessly, there are some who think they are wise but are not, which is why James begins his letter today by saying that the wise person will “show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Jas. 3:13). Although wisdom may seem intangible, the works of a good life is more tangible. We can probably call to mind many of these works – feeding the poor, caring for the sick, being nice to annoying co-workers, being patient with children, and so on. This is the kind of wisdom that comes from above, from God, in contrast with the earthly wisdom that includes jealousy, boasting, and selfishness. Hence James’ letter once again provides us with some practical advice for everyday Christian life. As Christians, we should want to be wise, and one way to receive wisdom from God is to engage in the many practical works of a good life.
Today's Mass Readings
Wisdom often seems to have an elusive quality. It’s hard to get a grasp on what precisely is wisdom. Doubtlessly, there are some who think they are wise but are not, which is why James begins his letter today by saying that the wise person will “show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Jas. 3:13). Although wisdom may seem intangible, the works of a good life is more tangible. We can probably call to mind many of these works – feeding the poor, caring for the sick, being nice to annoying co-workers, being patient with children, and so on. This is the kind of wisdom that comes from above, from God, in contrast with the earthly wisdom that includes jealousy, boasting, and selfishness. Hence James’ letter once again provides us with some practical advice for everyday Christian life. As Christians, we should want to be wise, and one way to receive wisdom from God is to engage in the many practical works of a good life.
Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
Sunday Mass Readings
I am sure that you have heard of the word "mystery" often used in relation to God. Especially in trying to describe the trinitarian nature of God, we run short of ways to explain the totality of God in human language. It is when human language falls short that we use the word mystery. It is our way of saying that God cannot be captured in human terms; that God is far beyond the limitations of human imagination and language. This does not mean that we know nothing about God. In fact, today's readings tell us much about God. In the second reading, God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Cor 13:13).
Sunday Mass Readings
I am sure that you have heard of the word "mystery" often used in relation to God. Especially in trying to describe the trinitarian nature of God, we run short of ways to explain the totality of God in human language. It is when human language falls short that we use the word mystery. It is our way of saying that God cannot be captured in human terms; that God is far beyond the limitations of human imagination and language. This does not mean that we know nothing about God. In fact, today's readings tell us much about God. In the second reading, God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Cor 13:13).
Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
After listening to today’s readings, one is struck by the theme of tongues, mouths, and speech. In today’s first reading, St. James warns us to watch our tongues. Here, James uses “tongue” to refer to “speech” and even more specifically, “teaching.” Indeed, he warns at the outset that not “Not many of you should become teachers” (Jas 3:1) because of our capacity to fall short with our tongues. James was deeply concerned about the authenticity of Christian teaching in the early Church.
Today's Mass Readings
After listening to today’s readings, one is struck by the theme of tongues, mouths, and speech. In today’s first reading, St. James warns us to watch our tongues. Here, James uses “tongue” to refer to “speech” and even more specifically, “teaching.” Indeed, he warns at the outset that not “Not many of you should become teachers” (Jas 3:1) because of our capacity to fall short with our tongues. James was deeply concerned about the authenticity of Christian teaching in the early Church.
Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary time
Today's Mass Readings
One of the important teachings of the Protestant Reformation is justification (salvation) by faith alone. Protestants often wonder why Catholics have historically rejected this Reformation teaching, which they often claim is taught by the Bible. The reason of course is that the phrase "faith alone" occurs only once in the entire Bible, and we encounter that phrase in today's first reading from the Letter of St. James: "See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24).
Today's Mass Readings
One of the important teachings of the Protestant Reformation is justification (salvation) by faith alone. Protestants often wonder why Catholics have historically rejected this Reformation teaching, which they often claim is taught by the Bible. The reason of course is that the phrase "faith alone" occurs only once in the entire Bible, and we encounter that phrase in today's first reading from the Letter of St. James: "See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24).
Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Much as we might like to think differently, we are greatly affected by the culture around us. This was true for the early church as well. The message of the gospel ought to have changed everything for Jesus’ first followers. And it ought to change everything for us as well. Unfortunately, this just is not always the case. In today’s first reading from James, we receive challenging practical advice. The particular subject for today concerns the treatment of the rich and the poor.
Today's Mass Readings
Much as we might like to think differently, we are greatly affected by the culture around us. This was true for the early church as well. The message of the gospel ought to have changed everything for Jesus’ first followers. And it ought to change everything for us as well. Unfortunately, this just is not always the case. In today’s first reading from James, we receive challenging practical advice. The particular subject for today concerns the treatment of the rich and the poor.
Feast of St. Matthias
Today's Mass Readings
Have you ever wondered why God can’t get it right the first time? Today is the feast of St. Matthias' who was elected as an apostle to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus. This is intriguing to me. Why did Jesus chose Judas in first place, knowing that he would betray him? Instead, if Matthias was chosen from the beginning perhaps Jesus would not have to undergo his passion and death.
Today's Mass Readings
Have you ever wondered why God can’t get it right the first time? Today is the feast of St. Matthias' who was elected as an apostle to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus. This is intriguing to me. Why did Jesus chose Judas in first place, knowing that he would betray him? Instead, if Matthias was chosen from the beginning perhaps Jesus would not have to undergo his passion and death.
Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Temptation is not necessarily something we talk a whole lot about. And yet, there is much discussion of temptation in the New Testament. Now that we're back in Ordinary time, we will be focusing on the Letter of St. James for a little while, and his letter is great for practical information on how to live the Christian life.
Today's Mass Readings
Temptation is not necessarily something we talk a whole lot about. And yet, there is much discussion of temptation in the New Testament. Now that we're back in Ordinary time, we will be focusing on the Letter of St. James for a little while, and his letter is great for practical information on how to live the Christian life.
Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
With Pentecost yesterday, we have returned to the season of Ordinary Time. This liturgical season is not called “ordinary” because it is boring, but because it counts the time by number. With five weeks of Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent, we are now on the sixth week of Ordinary Time. Throughout the summer months and into the autumn until Advent begins again, we will remain in Ordinary Time.
Today's Mass Readings
With Pentecost yesterday, we have returned to the season of Ordinary Time. This liturgical season is not called “ordinary” because it is boring, but because it counts the time by number. With five weeks of Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent, we are now on the sixth week of Ordinary Time. Throughout the summer months and into the autumn until Advent begins again, we will remain in Ordinary Time.
Feast of the Pentecost
Today's Mass Readings
Without the Holy Spirit:
The Church is an organization,
The Bible a dead letter,
The Eucharist a ritual
Prayer an obligation, and
Christian life a burden.
Today's Mass Readings
Without the Holy Spirit:
The Church is an organization,
The Bible a dead letter,
The Eucharist a ritual
Prayer an obligation, and
Christian life a burden.
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
We have come to the last day of the Easter Season, and with it to the end of both the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, both of which we have been following throughout the Easter Season. Both of these endings gesture toward the martyrdom of Peter and Paul in Rome.
Today's Mass Readings
We have come to the last day of the Easter Season, and with it to the end of both the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, both of which we have been following throughout the Easter Season. Both of these endings gesture toward the martyrdom of Peter and Paul in Rome.
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from St. John's Gospel is an important one. At a literal level it gives us a glimpse into the Petrine ministry of the Pope. St. Peter had already been installed into a special position by Jesus, as evidenced in Matthew 16:17-19, a call to special leadership and responsibility among the apostles, which would carry over to his successors. We see in the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22 Peter's role as one of service, where Jesus tells him to strengthen his brothers. In this passage, after St. Peter has already fallen away denying Jesus 3 times, Jesus reinstates St. Peter to this special unique role which future popes would follow. St. Peter is singled out to feed Jesus' lambs, tend Jesus' sheep, and feed Jesus' sheep. In a word, St. Peter is called to be a shepherd to the people of God. This involves providing spiritual food, the Eucharist, as well as material food for sustenance. And indeed, this is the Pope's role today.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's reading from St. John's Gospel is an important one. At a literal level it gives us a glimpse into the Petrine ministry of the Pope. St. Peter had already been installed into a special position by Jesus, as evidenced in Matthew 16:17-19, a call to special leadership and responsibility among the apostles, which would carry over to his successors. We see in the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22 Peter's role as one of service, where Jesus tells him to strengthen his brothers. In this passage, after St. Peter has already fallen away denying Jesus 3 times, Jesus reinstates St. Peter to this special unique role which future popes would follow. St. Peter is singled out to feed Jesus' lambs, tend Jesus' sheep, and feed Jesus' sheep. In a word, St. Peter is called to be a shepherd to the people of God. This involves providing spiritual food, the Eucharist, as well as material food for sustenance. And indeed, this is the Pope's role today.
Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Pentecost is quickly approaching, and the liturgical season of Easter finally coming to an end. What does the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signify? Unity, for one thing. We see this foreshadowed dramatically in Jesus’ words of prayer in the gospel of John in today’s passage: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn. 17:20-21). The unity of his followers is something for which Jesus prays, and the cause of unity is one reason for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Today's Mass Readings
Pentecost is quickly approaching, and the liturgical season of Easter finally coming to an end. What does the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signify? Unity, for one thing. We see this foreshadowed dramatically in Jesus’ words of prayer in the gospel of John in today’s passage: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn. 17:20-21). The unity of his followers is something for which Jesus prays, and the cause of unity is one reason for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
The context of both the readings today is farewell, departure. Paul, in the first reading, is preparing to leave the community at Ephesus after working with them for three years. He has not only preached the gospel among them but also set up an administrative structure. Thus, presbyters (priests) are appointed as leaders of the flock. Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus prays for his flock even as he prepares to face his impending death. His prayer is equally poignant – a deep concern for the flock.
Today's Mass Readings
The context of both the readings today is farewell, departure. Paul, in the first reading, is preparing to leave the community at Ephesus after working with them for three years. He has not only preached the gospel among them but also set up an administrative structure. Thus, presbyters (priests) are appointed as leaders of the flock. Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus prays for his flock even as he prepares to face his impending death. His prayer is equally poignant – a deep concern for the flock.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings highlight a number of themes, but among them stands service to the Lord. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus is depicted as the servant of God Who is glorified and Who glorifies God the Father. The hour has come, Jesus explains, as a reference to His own death. Jesus' service requires sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings highlight a number of themes, but among them stands service to the Lord. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus is depicted as the servant of God Who is glorified and Who glorifies God the Father. The hour has come, Jesus explains, as a reference to His own death. Jesus' service requires sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life.
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are very important ones. In the first reading we see the importance of the one baptism in Christ. John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of repentance, but Jesus brought the Holy Spirit with baptism, which St. Paul likewise brings to these people in today's first reading from Acts. There are other lessons to be learned from today's readings, but I just want to focus on one for today, and it is one that sums up the end of Easter, the feast of Pentecost which we are about to celebrate this upcoming Sunday, and the beginning of Ordinary Time: be courageous.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's readings are very important ones. In the first reading we see the importance of the one baptism in Christ. John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of repentance, but Jesus brought the Holy Spirit with baptism, which St. Paul likewise brings to these people in today's first reading from Acts. There are other lessons to be learned from today's readings, but I just want to focus on one for today, and it is one that sums up the end of Easter, the feast of Pentecost which we are about to celebrate this upcoming Sunday, and the beginning of Ordinary Time: be courageous.
Feast of the Ascension
Ascension Sunday Mass Readings
On this the feast of the Ascension, one sentence in the second reading caught my attention. Ephesians 1:14 says, “May God give you wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.” It is my intention to reflect on this sentence in this reflection.
Ascension Sunday Mass Readings
On this the feast of the Ascension, one sentence in the second reading caught my attention. Ephesians 1:14 says, “May God give you wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.” It is my intention to reflect on this sentence in this reflection.
Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles, Philip and James. What is interesting and instructive about the celebration of these two is that we know very little about them. Why is that instructive? Well, these two are celebrated as saints in the Church precisely because of their association with Jesus, because Jesus called them. It is nothing that they did charismatically. In fact, the one story we have about either of these two is illustrated in today’s gospel – Philip being rather incredulous! (Jn 14:8). We come to think that saints, let alone the apostles, are often those incredibly charismatic people who can do things that seem impossible for us. Yet, the Church knows enough about Philip and James through the tradition to call them saints. They were apostles; they were sent on a mission by Christ to spread the gospel and they responded.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles, Philip and James. What is interesting and instructive about the celebration of these two is that we know very little about them. Why is that instructive? Well, these two are celebrated as saints in the Church precisely because of their association with Jesus, because Jesus called them. It is nothing that they did charismatically. In fact, the one story we have about either of these two is illustrated in today’s gospel – Philip being rather incredulous! (Jn 14:8). We come to think that saints, let alone the apostles, are often those incredibly charismatic people who can do things that seem impossible for us. Yet, the Church knows enough about Philip and James through the tradition to call them saints. They were apostles; they were sent on a mission by Christ to spread the gospel and they responded.
Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Today's Mass Reading
Today is the Memorial of St. Athanasius who was an important bishop in the fourth century and is a Doctor of the Church. The reason the Church recognizes Athanasius as a Doctor is because of the important role Athanasius played at the Council of Nicaea, where the doctrine of the Trinity was solemnly defined. The idea of God as Trinity had been discussed well over a hundred years earlier, for example, in the writings of Tertullian. But it was here at Nicaea in 325 A.D. that the Church formally accepted this language to describe God. Athanasius was faithful to God’s call. Although the Roman emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea, he did not care so much about the conclusions reached by the bishops at Nicaea, rather, he was solely concerned with the unity of his empire, which was only recently Christianized.
Today's Mass Reading
Today is the Memorial of St. Athanasius who was an important bishop in the fourth century and is a Doctor of the Church. The reason the Church recognizes Athanasius as a Doctor is because of the important role Athanasius played at the Council of Nicaea, where the doctrine of the Trinity was solemnly defined. The idea of God as Trinity had been discussed well over a hundred years earlier, for example, in the writings of Tertullian. But it was here at Nicaea in 325 A.D. that the Church formally accepted this language to describe God. Athanasius was faithful to God’s call. Although the Roman emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea, he did not care so much about the conclusions reached by the bishops at Nicaea, rather, he was solely concerned with the unity of his empire, which was only recently Christianized.