Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. We can see from today’s reading from the Gospel of John why she is often called in the tradition, the Apostle to the Apostles. The Gospels record how Mary Magdalene was, along with some other women disciples, the first to see Jesus’ empty tomb, and to see the risen Lord. Jesus chose to reveal the mystery of His resurrection first to women, who were so marginalized in the society of the time. So St. Mary Magdalene was the one who brought the message of Christ’s resurrection to Peter, the leader of the early apostles.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. We can see from today’s reading from the Gospel of John why she is often called in the tradition, the Apostle to the Apostles. The Gospels record how Mary Magdalene was, along with some other women disciples, the first to see Jesus’ empty tomb, and to see the risen Lord. Jesus chose to reveal the mystery of His resurrection first to women, who were so marginalized in the society of the time. So St. Mary Magdalene was the one who brought the message of Christ’s resurrection to Peter, the leader of the early apostles.
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
For the next two weekends, the Gospel reading will focus on the Kingdom of God. Jesus used a number of parables to explain the concept of the Kingdom of God. However the concept defies a clear definition. This is because when Jesus spoke about the Kingdom, sometimes he spoke about it as having already come and sometimes he spoke about it as a future reality; sometimes he spoke about it being inside the person and sometimes he spoke about being in the midst of people. Many scripture scholars also suggest that when he spoke about the kingdom he was speaking about himself.
Today's Mass Readings
For the next two weekends, the Gospel reading will focus on the Kingdom of God. Jesus used a number of parables to explain the concept of the Kingdom of God. However the concept defies a clear definition. This is because when Jesus spoke about the Kingdom, sometimes he spoke about it as having already come and sometimes he spoke about it as a future reality; sometimes he spoke about it being inside the person and sometimes he spoke about being in the midst of people. Many scripture scholars also suggest that when he spoke about the kingdom he was speaking about himself.
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings speak to us about God’s loving dedication to the poor and the outcasts.
In today’s first reading, the prophet Micah warns the people of Judah that God will allow them to be destroyed by their enemies because of their greed. The rich people of Judah have used their power to take land and houses away from the poor. Not only was this a form of manipulation of other Jews, but it manipulated the law which mandated certain practices – such as forgiveness of debts and land redistribution – precisely to mitigate such greed from creating an unjust situation. When conquered by their enemies, the Jews will no longer have the power which they have abused. They can no longer be greedy when they no longer have any control!
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings speak to us about God’s loving dedication to the poor and the outcasts.
In today’s first reading, the prophet Micah warns the people of Judah that God will allow them to be destroyed by their enemies because of their greed. The rich people of Judah have used their power to take land and houses away from the poor. Not only was this a form of manipulation of other Jews, but it manipulated the law which mandated certain practices – such as forgiveness of debts and land redistribution – precisely to mitigate such greed from creating an unjust situation. When conquered by their enemies, the Jews will no longer have the power which they have abused. They can no longer be greedy when they no longer have any control!
Third Sunday of Lent
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and second reading offer great parallels and contrasts. First, there is in both these readings the theme of a gradual discovery of God, and secondly, they both use the theme of water. Both the story of the grumbling Israelites and the story of the woman at the well offer us some deep insights into our own faith journey.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and second reading offer great parallels and contrasts. First, there is in both these readings the theme of a gradual discovery of God, and secondly, they both use the theme of water. Both the story of the grumbling Israelites and the story of the woman at the well offer us some deep insights into our own faith journey.
Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from Isaiah and the gospel reading from Matthew are both hard passages. Both challenge us, although in different ways. In the Isaiah text, we hear of God’s revulsion with his people who will offer sacrifices without appropriately engaging in the justice those acts signify. What we see here is the need for repentance and reconciliation prior to proper worship of God. Right action is itself glorifying to God, and the worship of God must go hand in hand with the just treatment of others. We are reminded of our own failings every time we gather for our own sacrifice, namely, that of the Eucharist. It is for this reason that we engage in “calling to mind our sins” and begging the mercy of God as well as our neighbors. It is also for this reason that we offer peace to the other members of our Church before receiving the sacrament. These liturgical actions are indications of the truth expressed in this Isaiah passage, namely, that our worship is most glorifying to God when it is offered by a holy and good people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from Isaiah and the gospel reading from Matthew are both hard passages. Both challenge us, although in different ways. In the Isaiah text, we hear of God’s revulsion with his people who will offer sacrifices without appropriately engaging in the justice those acts signify. What we see here is the need for repentance and reconciliation prior to proper worship of God. Right action is itself glorifying to God, and the worship of God must go hand in hand with the just treatment of others. We are reminded of our own failings every time we gather for our own sacrifice, namely, that of the Eucharist. It is for this reason that we engage in “calling to mind our sins” and begging the mercy of God as well as our neighbors. It is also for this reason that we offer peace to the other members of our Church before receiving the sacrament. These liturgical actions are indications of the truth expressed in this Isaiah passage, namely, that our worship is most glorifying to God when it is offered by a holy and good people.
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of the readings today is the Word of God. There is no other parable in the New Testament that captures the entirety of the relationship between the Word of God and a Christian than the parable of the sower.
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of the readings today is the Word of God. There is no other parable in the New Testament that captures the entirety of the relationship between the Word of God and a Christian than the parable of the sower.
Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Starting today, the readings for the next couple of weeks will be taken from the book of Isaiah. He is undoubtedly the greatest of the Old Testament prophets and prophesied during the second half of the eighth century BC. He saw the fall of the Northern Kingdom to the Assyrians. Isaiah took special effort to point out the moral breakdown of Judah, the Southern Kingdom and its capital Jerusalem.
In today’s first reading, we have the story of Isaiah’s call to be a prophet of God. Initially while standing before God’s glory Isaiah is terrified, for Jews held that to the see God would lead to one’s death. In the same vein, he is terrified because he, unlike the seraphim singing God’s praises, lives “among a people of unclean lips” (Is 6:4) and is therefore not worthy to proclaim such praise before God. What does God do? He has a seraph cleanse his lips, making him worthy. Notice, too, that Isaiah shifts from utter terror before God to courage, laying his service at God’s feet (Is 6:8).
Today's Mass Readings
Starting today, the readings for the next couple of weeks will be taken from the book of Isaiah. He is undoubtedly the greatest of the Old Testament prophets and prophesied during the second half of the eighth century BC. He saw the fall of the Northern Kingdom to the Assyrians. Isaiah took special effort to point out the moral breakdown of Judah, the Southern Kingdom and its capital Jerusalem.
In today’s first reading, we have the story of Isaiah’s call to be a prophet of God. Initially while standing before God’s glory Isaiah is terrified, for Jews held that to the see God would lead to one’s death. In the same vein, he is terrified because he, unlike the seraphim singing God’s praises, lives “among a people of unclean lips” (Is 6:4) and is therefore not worthy to proclaim such praise before God. What does God do? He has a seraph cleanse his lips, making him worthy. Notice, too, that Isaiah shifts from utter terror before God to courage, laying his service at God’s feet (Is 6:8).
Memorial of Saint Benedict
Today's Mass Readings
The message of today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea is particularly clear: Turn back to the Lord your God. As with much of the Book of Hosea, the message is again delivered to the rebellious northern 10 tribes of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. It’s rebellion against the Southern Kingdom not only involved political rebellion, but was in fact a rebellion against God as well. The message is one of hope. Israel need not remain in rebellion forever.
Today's Mass Readings
The message of today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea is particularly clear: Turn back to the Lord your God. As with much of the Book of Hosea, the message is again delivered to the rebellious northern 10 tribes of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. It’s rebellion against the Southern Kingdom not only involved political rebellion, but was in fact a rebellion against God as well. The message is one of hope. Israel need not remain in rebellion forever.
Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
We continue following the prophet Hosea in today’s first reading. The passage describes how God has lovingly cared for his people, guiding them with affection even as they strayed from him. Today’s excerpt ends with God’s assurance that he will not destroy the people, despite their unfaithful behavior. Against those who would portray “the God of the Old Testament” as someone who is vindictive, the God described in this Old Testament passage is compassionate and forgiving, committed to the people whom he loves so dearly.
Today's Mass Readings
We continue following the prophet Hosea in today’s first reading. The passage describes how God has lovingly cared for his people, guiding them with affection even as they strayed from him. Today’s excerpt ends with God’s assurance that he will not destroy the people, despite their unfaithful behavior. Against those who would portray “the God of the Old Testament” as someone who is vindictive, the God described in this Old Testament passage is compassionate and forgiving, committed to the people whom he loves so dearly.
Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the first reading these days may seem repetitive. As with the readings from Amos over the past week and as with the reading s of the last two days, today’s reading also focuses on Israel’s infidelity to the Covenant. In fact, the main purpose of the prophets was not so much to foretell the futures as we are often given to understand, but rather, to highlight the infidelity of the nation and call them to the original covenantal love and steadfastness. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea and a host of other prophets became God’s spokespersons communicating to the people God’s disappointment, God’s hurt, God’s frustration, God’s love and sometimes even God’s anger at a broken covenantal relationship.
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of the first reading these days may seem repetitive. As with the readings from Amos over the past week and as with the reading s of the last two days, today’s reading also focuses on Israel’s infidelity to the Covenant. In fact, the main purpose of the prophets was not so much to foretell the futures as we are often given to understand, but rather, to highlight the infidelity of the nation and call them to the original covenantal love and steadfastness. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea and a host of other prophets became God’s spokespersons communicating to the people God’s disappointment, God’s hurt, God’s frustration, God’s love and sometimes even God’s anger at a broken covenantal relationship.
Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Hosea, we find one of the many predictions of the downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The North and South had split, and the 10 tribes of Israel in the North, being cut off from the Temple in Jerusalem, worshipped false gods on altars in multiple different places. God predicted their downfall, and that is exactly what happened. The Assyrians came in and wiped out the northern tribes, displacing them. It began in Samaria and what became known as Galilee. Approximately 200 years later, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was taken into exile by the Babylonians.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Hosea, we find one of the many predictions of the downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The North and South had split, and the 10 tribes of Israel in the North, being cut off from the Temple in Jerusalem, worshipped false gods on altars in multiple different places. God predicted their downfall, and that is exactly what happened. The Assyrians came in and wiped out the northern tribes, displacing them. It began in Samaria and what became known as Galilee. Approximately 200 years later, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was taken into exile by the Babylonians.
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s powerful first reading comes to us from the book of the prophet Hosea. The prominent feature of this book is a description of God and his people Israel in the terms of marriage – husband and wife. God is the faithful lover, who wants to the best for his spouse but also wants to be loved in return. Today’s passage reflects this desire of God; God wants his people to love him passionately and to be faithful to him because of this love. Hosea is addressed to a people who have gone astray from this love for God. The people Israel have worshipped other gods, which Hosea will compare to adultery. In sum, what we see in this passage is that God loves us passionately and the proper return for this is our own whole-hearted love for God.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s powerful first reading comes to us from the book of the prophet Hosea. The prominent feature of this book is a description of God and his people Israel in the terms of marriage – husband and wife. God is the faithful lover, who wants to the best for his spouse but also wants to be loved in return. Today’s passage reflects this desire of God; God wants his people to love him passionately and to be faithful to him because of this love. Hosea is addressed to a people who have gone astray from this love for God. The people Israel have worshipped other gods, which Hosea will compare to adultery. In sum, what we see in this passage is that God loves us passionately and the proper return for this is our own whole-hearted love for God.
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Mt 11: 28-30). What does it mean for us to accept Christ's invitation to “meekness and humility"?
Today's Mass Readings
Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Mt 11: 28-30). What does it mean for us to accept Christ's invitation to “meekness and humility"?
Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of the prophet Amos, we hear about God’s intentions to restore the people of Israel to their greatness, but we must understand that this reading comes from the very end of the book of Amos. Earlier, Amos impugns the Israelites for their lack of faithfulness to God and warns them of coming destruction. Indeed, Assyria would conquer Israel (the Northern Kingdom) in 721 BC, shortly after Amos’s prophetic career. Nevertheless, we are presented with this oracle of hope at the end of the book of Amos (Am 9:12). This word of hope, of peace in the moments of utter terror, stands in sharp contrast to the warring empire of Assyria that was coming to conquer Israel as a result of Israel’s disobedience to the covenant. Assyria left fear and trembling in its wake. God promises peace in the moment of desolation.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of the prophet Amos, we hear about God’s intentions to restore the people of Israel to their greatness, but we must understand that this reading comes from the very end of the book of Amos. Earlier, Amos impugns the Israelites for their lack of faithfulness to God and warns them of coming destruction. Indeed, Assyria would conquer Israel (the Northern Kingdom) in 721 BC, shortly after Amos’s prophetic career. Nevertheless, we are presented with this oracle of hope at the end of the book of Amos (Am 9:12). This word of hope, of peace in the moments of utter terror, stands in sharp contrast to the warring empire of Assyria that was coming to conquer Israel as a result of Israel’s disobedience to the covenant. Assyria left fear and trembling in its wake. God promises peace in the moment of desolation.
Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the memorial of St. Elizabeth of Portugal and American independence day. Like her great-aunt St. Elizabeth of Hungary, after whom she was named, St. Elizabeth of Portugal was also born into privilege, but devoted herself to helping the poor and living a life of holiness and devotion. Today's readings go well with this memorial.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the memorial of St. Elizabeth of Portugal and American independence day. Like her great-aunt St. Elizabeth of Hungary, after whom she was named, St. Elizabeth of Portugal was also born into privilege, but devoted herself to helping the poor and living a life of holiness and devotion. Today's readings go well with this memorial.
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
It’s no secret that it’s tough to believe in things that we can’t see. At least once—and probably much more than once—in our lives as children or adults we’ve said to someone, “I won’t believe it until I see it!” And, indeed, it is easier to be rationally convinced of something when we have been witness to it.
Today's Mass Readings
It’s no secret that it’s tough to believe in things that we can’t see. At least once—and probably much more than once—in our lives as children or adults we’ve said to someone, “I won’t believe it until I see it!” And, indeed, it is easier to be rationally convinced of something when we have been witness to it.
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
As we read the book of Amos these days as our first reading, we must be a little careful not to take parts of the book (as we have them for daily mass) as the entire message of Amos. I say this because there is much harsh treatment of Israel mentioned there in and one can think of Amos as only preaching condemnation. The last chapter, as we shall later, does end with a message of hope. Today’s reading, through analogy, brings home a difficult yet important message.
Today's Mass Readings
As we read the book of Amos these days as our first reading, we must be a little careful not to take parts of the book (as we have them for daily mass) as the entire message of Amos. I say this because there is much harsh treatment of Israel mentioned there in and one can think of Amos as only preaching condemnation. The last chapter, as we shall later, does end with a message of hope. Today’s reading, through analogy, brings home a difficult yet important message.
Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus asleep in a boat with the other disciples. A storm begins to rage and the disciples become afraid. We might be tempted to read this story as if the disciples were little children afraid of the thunderstorm outside, in need of a parent to comfort them.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus asleep in a boat with the other disciples. A storm begins to rage and the disciples become afraid. We might be tempted to read this story as if the disciples were little children afraid of the thunderstorm outside, in need of a parent to comfort them.
Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The prophet Amos is among the most rhetorical in his indictment of the sins of Israel. In the chapter before today’s passage, Amos notes the offenses of numerous other peoples and nations. The people of Israel must have listened to this with delight, believing themselves to be superior to all these other places. After Amos has thus hooked the reader by criticizing other nations, however, he turns to his critique of Israel: “they sell the just man for silver and the poor man for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the weak into the dust of the earth and force the lowly out of the way” (Am 2:6-7).
Today's Mass Readings
The prophet Amos is among the most rhetorical in his indictment of the sins of Israel. In the chapter before today’s passage, Amos notes the offenses of numerous other peoples and nations. The people of Israel must have listened to this with delight, believing themselves to be superior to all these other places. After Amos has thus hooked the reader by criticizing other nations, however, he turns to his critique of Israel: “they sell the just man for silver and the poor man for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the weak into the dust of the earth and force the lowly out of the way” (Am 2:6-7).
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Today's Mass Readings
Pope Benedict has declared the year starting June 29, 2008 as the Year of St. Paul. June 29 has traditionally been celebrated as the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. This year, though, this celebration is all the more special because of the Pope's declaration.
Today's Mass Readings
Pope Benedict has declared the year starting June 29, 2008 as the Year of St. Paul. June 29 has traditionally been celebrated as the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. This year, though, this celebration is all the more special because of the Pope's declaration.