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.
Memorial of Saint Irenaeus
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of Lamentations, we hear about the shear desolation of the Jewish people. The book as a whole comes from the period of the destruction of the temple in the sixth century BC, a deeply trying time we can imagine for God’s chosen ones. We see that part of their desolation is in feeling complete abandonment, for even their prophets were false (Lam 2:14). Yet many are undertaking practices of repentance – covering themselves in sackcloth and ashes, the common practice of penance, prostrating themselves (Lam 2:10), weeping (Lam 2:11), and Jerusalem itself is imaged as praying (Lam 2:19).
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the book of Lamentations, we hear about the shear desolation of the Jewish people. The book as a whole comes from the period of the destruction of the temple in the sixth century BC, a deeply trying time we can imagine for God’s chosen ones. We see that part of their desolation is in feeling complete abandonment, for even their prophets were false (Lam 2:14). Yet many are undertaking practices of repentance – covering themselves in sackcloth and ashes, the common practice of penance, prostrating themselves (Lam 2:10), weeping (Lam 2:11), and Jerusalem itself is imaged as praying (Lam 2:19).
Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Second Book of Kings is a powerful and important reading. Perhaps many of us do not feel the power and importance of this reading, but it is. This reading tells of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple in Jerusalem. To this day, if you go to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the remains of the Jerusalem Temple, you can hear people weeping, wailing out loud, which is the reason the wall is sometimes called the Wailing Wall. These people weep and shriek because of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, not the first destruction which we read about in today's reading, but the second destruction under the Romans in 70 A.D.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the Second Book of Kings is a powerful and important reading. Perhaps many of us do not feel the power and importance of this reading, but it is. This reading tells of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple in Jerusalem. To this day, if you go to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the remains of the Jerusalem Temple, you can hear people weeping, wailing out loud, which is the reason the wall is sometimes called the Wailing Wall. These people weep and shriek because of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, not the first destruction which we read about in today's reading, but the second destruction under the Romans in 70 A.D.
Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel passage from Matthew, we find the closing words of what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, tomorrow’s passage begins with Jesus coming down from the mountain. As we consider this passage today, we must ask ourselves what kind of a conclusion is today’s passage. How did it direct the disciples of that time, and where does it point us today?
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel passage from Matthew, we find the closing words of what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, tomorrow’s passage begins with Jesus coming down from the mountain. As we consider this passage today, we must ask ourselves what kind of a conclusion is today’s passage. How did it direct the disciples of that time, and where does it point us today?
Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Even as we continue with our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount, we must take today’s first reading into consideration. It recounts one of the most important events in the history of the Old Testament history – the discovery of the second book of the Law. We know this book as the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy means “second law” and it is called so because these words of Moses remained hidden till the reign of King Josiah between 609-640 BC. Scripture scholars believe that King Josiah was so deeply touched in his heart by this book that he initiated a national reform based on the teaching found in the book.
Today's Mass Readings
Even as we continue with our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount, we must take today’s first reading into consideration. It recounts one of the most important events in the history of the Old Testament history – the discovery of the second book of the Law. We know this book as the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy means “second law” and it is called so because these words of Moses remained hidden till the reign of King Josiah between 609-640 BC. Scripture scholars believe that King Josiah was so deeply touched in his heart by this book that he initiated a national reform based on the teaching found in the book.
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. There is much that could be said about today's readings, but one point I want to bring out up front is that we too, like John the Baptist, have a calling from God.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. There is much that could be said about today's readings, but one point I want to bring out up front is that we too, like John the Baptist, have a calling from God.
Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading from Matthew’s account on the Sermon on the Mount always makes a lot of sense to us. It’s no secret that human beings are prone to judging others. And we probably can think of lots of examples of people who seem quick to judge others while completely failing to notice their own shortcomings. These people can be particularly annoying; we wonder how they can be so critical of others and not of themselves.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading from Matthew’s account on the Sermon on the Mount always makes a lot of sense to us. It’s no secret that human beings are prone to judging others. And we probably can think of lots of examples of people who seem quick to judge others while completely failing to notice their own shortcomings. These people can be particularly annoying; we wonder how they can be so critical of others and not of themselves.
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the book if Jeremiah belongs to a special kind of literature in the Bible called the Lamentations. It means what the word proposes: a person lamenting because of some external situation or because of one’s own misfortune. Before we proceed to understand the reason for Jeremiah’s lament let us understand the context of Jeremiah’s ministry.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the book if Jeremiah belongs to a special kind of literature in the Bible called the Lamentations. It means what the word proposes: a person lamenting because of some external situation or because of one’s own misfortune. Before we proceed to understand the reason for Jeremiah’s lament let us understand the context of Jeremiah’s ministry.
Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings continue the theme of idolatry and true worship of God.
In the first reading, from the book of Chronicles, punishment is meted out to King Joash because of his consent to idolatry. What we know, though from the verses immediately proceeding those of today’s reading is that King Joash wasn’t always so unfaithful. When he took the throne at the tender age of seven, he was blessed with the wise advisor Jehoiada who worked to restore temple worship and observe the Mosaic law. But after Jehoiada’s death (2 Chr 24:17) Joash is taken in another direction and when challenged by his old advisor’s son, moves to have him stoned to death instead of listening to him (2 Chr 24:21). What a changed man! This killing proves to be the source of Joash’s own downfall – all brought on by idol worship.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings continue the theme of idolatry and true worship of God.
In the first reading, from the book of Chronicles, punishment is meted out to King Joash because of his consent to idolatry. What we know, though from the verses immediately proceeding those of today’s reading is that King Joash wasn’t always so unfaithful. When he took the throne at the tender age of seven, he was blessed with the wise advisor Jehoiada who worked to restore temple worship and observe the Mosaic law. But after Jehoiada’s death (2 Chr 24:17) Joash is taken in another direction and when challenged by his old advisor’s son, moves to have him stoned to death instead of listening to him (2 Chr 24:21). What a changed man! This killing proves to be the source of Joash’s own downfall – all brought on by idol worship.
Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
A lot could be said about the readings for today. For starters, the first reading from the Second Book of Kings, although it appears to be a merely violent episode which doesn't make much sense out of context, is really about the issue of idolatry. Idolatry is dealt with in a very physically violent way in this passage, because of the eternal spiritual dangers that come along with such idolatry. The entire Book of Judges, for example, is about life without God. The major theme of Judges is chaos. This is what happens when the people cease following God, and it is arguably the most violent book of the Bible.
Today's Mass Readings
A lot could be said about the readings for today. For starters, the first reading from the Second Book of Kings, although it appears to be a merely violent episode which doesn't make much sense out of context, is really about the issue of idolatry. Idolatry is dealt with in a very physically violent way in this passage, because of the eternal spiritual dangers that come along with such idolatry. The entire Book of Judges, for example, is about life without God. The major theme of Judges is chaos. This is what happens when the people cease following God, and it is arguably the most violent book of the Bible.
Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s selection from the Sermon on the Mount from the gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus instructing his followers on prayer. The passage, not to mention the prayer, is so familiar to us that we might easily pass it over. This would be a mistake, however. As we often hear at Mass, this is the prayer “that Jesus taught us.” This is “the Lord’s Prayer.” This is the prayer of the whole Church.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s selection from the Sermon on the Mount from the gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus instructing his followers on prayer. The passage, not to mention the prayer, is so familiar to us that we might easily pass it over. This would be a mistake, however. As we often hear at Mass, this is the prayer “that Jesus taught us.” This is “the Lord’s Prayer.” This is the prayer of the whole Church.
Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reflection on the sermon, Jesus contrasts the way disciples are called to perform certain actions from those who perform actions either to be seen or those who perform actions out of insecurity and fear. Three actions are the focus of attention: prayer (relationship with God), almsgiving (relationship with others), fasting (relationship with self). Even though it is only three areas that are mentioned here, the supposition is that every aspect of the disciple’s life will be different from those of those who are not disciples.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reflection on the sermon, Jesus contrasts the way disciples are called to perform certain actions from those who perform actions either to be seen or those who perform actions out of insecurity and fear. Three actions are the focus of attention: prayer (relationship with God), almsgiving (relationship with others), fasting (relationship with self). Even though it is only three areas that are mentioned here, the supposition is that every aspect of the disciple’s life will be different from those of those who are not disciples.
Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Matthew we encounter one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, sayings of Jesus: "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). Loving your enemies is an important part of what it means to be Christian, but it is very difficult.
Jesus acknowledges that His audience has been told before to hate their enemies. For most of us, I think, we could find that much easier to do. Wouldn't it be nice if Jesus said that it was ok to hate our enemies? But He does not. Rather, Jesus says, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Matthew we encounter one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, sayings of Jesus: "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). Loving your enemies is an important part of what it means to be Christian, but it is very difficult.
Jesus acknowledges that His audience has been told before to hate their enemies. For most of us, I think, we could find that much easier to do. Wouldn't it be nice if Jesus said that it was ok to hate our enemies? But He does not. Rather, Jesus says, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today in the Sermon on the Mount from the gospel of Matthew, Jesus raises the familiar quotation of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” This phrase speaks of the simple justice of whatever you do to me, I can do to you. It’s the kind of childhood logic we enjoyed in our sandbox days. If you take my shovel, I’ll take yours. I’ll pay you back for whatever you did to me (or my friends and family). While I called this “simple justice,” what it really denotes is a sort of exchange model of justice wherein these acts are equal and therefore fair. It does sort of make sense, to some extent.
Today's Mass Readings
Today in the Sermon on the Mount from the gospel of Matthew, Jesus raises the familiar quotation of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” This phrase speaks of the simple justice of whatever you do to me, I can do to you. It’s the kind of childhood logic we enjoyed in our sandbox days. If you take my shovel, I’ll take yours. I’ll pay you back for whatever you did to me (or my friends and family). While I called this “simple justice,” what it really denotes is a sort of exchange model of justice wherein these acts are equal and therefore fair. It does sort of make sense, to some extent.
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s readings are about a faithful, loving and compassionate God. The God we hear about in the first reading today is the God who bears us on eagle wings. This is the God who in the second reading proves his love for us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This is the God whose heart in the Gospel reading is moved because he saw the people and they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s readings are about a faithful, loving and compassionate God. The God we hear about in the first reading today is the God who bears us on eagle wings. This is the God who in the second reading proves his love for us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This is the God whose heart in the Gospel reading is moved because he saw the people and they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew that we have been hearing over the past couple of days.
At first blush the injunction from Jesus, like many others throughout the sermon, seems to raise the stakes; to escalate the rule of Jewish law to an unattainable level – don’t simply make good on all of your oaths, rather don’t take any at all. But there’s more here.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew that we have been hearing over the past couple of days.
At first blush the injunction from Jesus, like many others throughout the sermon, seems to raise the stakes; to escalate the rule of Jewish law to an unattainable level – don’t simply make good on all of your oaths, rather don’t take any at all. But there’s more here.
Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua
Today's Mass Readings
Does God have a face? One correct answer to this question is the obvious one, no, God does not have a face, nor a body. Of course, since the Incarnation, it would also be correct to say that God has a face in Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God, and as also fully human He has a face. But what does it mean to seek God's face?
Today's Mass Readings
Does God have a face? One correct answer to this question is the obvious one, no, God does not have a face, nor a body. Of course, since the Incarnation, it would also be correct to say that God has a face in Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God, and as also fully human He has a face. But what does it mean to seek God's face?
Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew’s gospel. Here Jesus challenges the people to move beyond the simple rules of the Ten Commandments into a fuller biblical justice. The subject of today’s passage concerns the commandment against killing. This is familiar to us as it would have been to the people whom Jesus addressed at the time. And most of the people listening to Jesus, like most of us hearing his words today, would say that we are not guilty of breaking this commandment.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew’s gospel. Here Jesus challenges the people to move beyond the simple rules of the Ten Commandments into a fuller biblical justice. The subject of today’s passage concerns the commandment against killing. This is familiar to us as it would have been to the people whom Jesus addressed at the time. And most of the people listening to Jesus, like most of us hearing his words today, would say that we are not guilty of breaking this commandment.
Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). Even though we began the reflection on the Sermon on Monday with the Beatitudes, we are still only in the introductory section. In yesterday’s gospel Jesus called those who follow him “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Mt 5: 13-16). In doing so, he was giving his disciples the larger purpose for their calling. In today’s section (Mt 5:17-19), he gives them another broad instruction about the more particular things he will lay out later in this Sermon.
Today's Mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). Even though we began the reflection on the Sermon on Monday with the Beatitudes, we are still only in the introductory section. In yesterday’s gospel Jesus called those who follow him “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Mt 5: 13-16). In doing so, he was giving his disciples the larger purpose for their calling. In today’s section (Mt 5:17-19), he gives them another broad instruction about the more particular things he will lay out later in this Sermon.
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the First Book of Kings is a great but much neglected passage. The Church has consistently interpreted this passage in light of the Eucharist. Just as the Lord through the Prophet Elijah was able to miraculously produce abundant bread for a year out of only a handful of flour, so the Lord perpetually multiplies His glorified body and blood in the Eucharist which we celebrate.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the First Book of Kings is a great but much neglected passage. The Church has consistently interpreted this passage in light of the Eucharist. Just as the Lord through the Prophet Elijah was able to miraculously produce abundant bread for a year out of only a handful of flour, so the Lord perpetually multiplies His glorified body and blood in the Eucharist which we celebrate.