Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” is the psalm response for today (Ps. 121:2). While it seems to be spoken confidently, the psalm itself bespeaks a kind of desperation, and a confidence in the Lord because of that desperation: “I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me?” (Ps. 121:1). In today’s gospel passage, we are led also to lift up our eyes to a mountain, where sits our savior Jesus. The reading from Matthew describes Jesus climbing up a mountain upon seeing large crowds (Mt. 5:1). Jesus then proceeds to teach them, in the words of the now famous beatitudes.
Today's Mass Readings
“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” is the psalm response for today (Ps. 121:2). While it seems to be spoken confidently, the psalm itself bespeaks a kind of desperation, and a confidence in the Lord because of that desperation: “I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me?” (Ps. 121:1). In today’s gospel passage, we are led also to lift up our eyes to a mountain, where sits our savior Jesus. The reading from Matthew describes Jesus climbing up a mountain upon seeing large crowds (Mt. 5:1). Jesus then proceeds to teach them, in the words of the now famous beatitudes.
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In Today’s first reading the prophet Hosea says to the people of Israel, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away” (Hosea 6:4). Israel always played hot and cold with God.
Today's Mass Readings
In Today’s first reading the prophet Hosea says to the people of Israel, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away” (Hosea 6:4). Israel always played hot and cold with God.
Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on both apostleship and discipleship.
As we come to the end of the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Paul charges his young protégé to persevere in the work of spreading the gospel. As Paul has been sent (the word “apostle” literally means “one who has been sent”) by Christ, Paul is continuing the apostolic line by sending forth Timothy. Paul knows that his time on earth is coming to an end; he is about to be poured out as a libation (2 Tm 6), that is as a sacrifice, in martyrdom. He has in Timothy, a successor in his apostolic work. Paul makes no bones about the difficulty of such a task – Timothy will need persistence to handle the hardships as well as wisdom to teach, to reprimand, to convince, and to encourage.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on both apostleship and discipleship.
As we come to the end of the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Paul charges his young protégé to persevere in the work of spreading the gospel. As Paul has been sent (the word “apostle” literally means “one who has been sent”) by Christ, Paul is continuing the apostolic line by sending forth Timothy. Paul knows that his time on earth is coming to an end; he is about to be poured out as a libation (2 Tm 6), that is as a sacrifice, in martyrdom. He has in Timothy, a successor in his apostolic work. Paul makes no bones about the difficulty of such a task – Timothy will need persistence to handle the hardships as well as wisdom to teach, to reprimand, to convince, and to encourage.
Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, we encounter a difficult verse: "In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). This is a difficult verse, but it highlights one part of the Christian life that some tend to ignore, namely that being a Christian is not a way to avoid suffering, even suffering caused from persecutions.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, we encounter a difficult verse: "In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). This is a difficult verse, but it highlights one part of the Christian life that some tend to ignore, namely that being a Christian is not a way to avoid suffering, even suffering caused from persecutions.
Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and gospel passage both feature the word “with.” Now, granted, “with” is not the kind of word that normally stands out. It’s a preposition, meaning that it serves to make a connection between two other words or phrases. But it stands out today because the connection it makes seems so important. In St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy today, we encounter “with” in a well-known passage: “If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with him” (2 Tm. 2:11-12). These short sentences tell us something about life as a Christian. It is not life alone, it is life with Christ. Christians die with Christ, live with Christ, and ultimately, reign with Christ in heaven. We share Christ’s sufferings, Christ’s joys, and Christ’s final glory. Paul himself is performing or living this passage as he writes it; he is suffering in prison for Christ in the hopes that others may share in this life with Christ. Again, the life of a Christian is not solitary. It is life with Christ and for Christ, with others and for others.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and gospel passage both feature the word “with.” Now, granted, “with” is not the kind of word that normally stands out. It’s a preposition, meaning that it serves to make a connection between two other words or phrases. But it stands out today because the connection it makes seems so important. In St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy today, we encounter “with” in a well-known passage: “If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with him” (2 Tm. 2:11-12). These short sentences tell us something about life as a Christian. It is not life alone, it is life with Christ. Christians die with Christ, live with Christ, and ultimately, reign with Christ in heaven. We share Christ’s sufferings, Christ’s joys, and Christ’s final glory. Paul himself is performing or living this passage as he writes it; he is suffering in prison for Christ in the hopes that others may share in this life with Christ. Again, the life of a Christian is not solitary. It is life with Christ and for Christ, with others and for others.
Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the letter of Paul to Timothy should shake any of us from our slumber. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God... (2 Tim 1:6). In other words Paul is urging Timothy and his community to be on fire. To be lukewarm about God is to do a disfavour to the gift of the Holy Spirit that God has given to us.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the letter of Paul to Timothy should shake any of us from our slumber. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God... (2 Tim 1:6). In other words Paul is urging Timothy and his community to be on fire. To be lukewarm about God is to do a disfavour to the gift of the Holy Spirit that God has given to us.
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Second Letter of St. Peter, we find St. Peter’s admonition: “be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Peter 3:14-15). Like the Letter of St. James, which we finished covering in the daily readings a few weeks ago, and like the First Letter of St. Peter, which we finished reading last week, 2 Peter contains much wisdom for living the Christian life.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Second Letter of St. Peter, we find St. Peter’s admonition: “be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Peter 3:14-15). Like the Letter of St. James, which we finished covering in the daily readings a few weeks ago, and like the First Letter of St. Peter, which we finished reading last week, 2 Peter contains much wisdom for living the Christian life.
Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark contains a dramatic parable in a dramatic setting. Jesus addresses the parable to the religious leaders of his time. The symbolism of the story is obviously apparent to these leaders as well as to the rest of the crowd. The vineyard owner represents God the Father, who has put his “vineyard” in the hands of tenant farmers – those who would care for his land and hence assure him produce due to their labors in his absence. These farmers, associated with the religious leaders, are not amenable to the requests of God, the vineyard owner. The servants sent by the vineyard owner represent the prophets sent by God, many of whom were disrespected, even killed. Finally, God, the vineyard owner, sends his own Son, Jesus to this vineyard. Jesus implies that the religious leaders ought to respect him, and he foretells that they will instead kill him out of their own self-interest. Jesus ends the parable by saying that God will find others to care for his vineyard. Though Jesus will be rejected by them, he will be the foundation of something new. In other words, Jesus has just criticized and accused the people who seek to arrest him, and the crowd understands this. So it’s no wonder that they have to retreat at this moment.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark contains a dramatic parable in a dramatic setting. Jesus addresses the parable to the religious leaders of his time. The symbolism of the story is obviously apparent to these leaders as well as to the rest of the crowd. The vineyard owner represents God the Father, who has put his “vineyard” in the hands of tenant farmers – those who would care for his land and hence assure him produce due to their labors in his absence. These farmers, associated with the religious leaders, are not amenable to the requests of God, the vineyard owner. The servants sent by the vineyard owner represent the prophets sent by God, many of whom were disrespected, even killed. Finally, God, the vineyard owner, sends his own Son, Jesus to this vineyard. Jesus implies that the religious leaders ought to respect him, and he foretells that they will instead kill him out of their own self-interest. Jesus ends the parable by saying that God will find others to care for his vineyard. Though Jesus will be rejected by them, he will be the foundation of something new. In other words, Jesus has just criticized and accused the people who seek to arrest him, and the crowd understands this. So it’s no wonder that they have to retreat at this moment.
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings direct us to reflect on life – either lived superficially or lived in the depths of our beings. In the first reading from the book of Deuteronomy Moses tell the people of Israel, “Take these words of mine into your heart and soul” (Deut 11:18). He wanted to take his people away from the superficial practice of the law and focus their attention to making the Law integral to the heart and soul. In other words, the hope is that the lives of the people will be guided by God’s law not from the outside but from the inside out.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings direct us to reflect on life – either lived superficially or lived in the depths of our beings. In the first reading from the book of Deuteronomy Moses tell the people of Israel, “Take these words of mine into your heart and soul” (Deut 11:18). He wanted to take his people away from the superficial practice of the law and focus their attention to making the Law integral to the heart and soul. In other words, the hope is that the lives of the people will be guided by God’s law not from the outside but from the inside out.
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Today, we celebrate the feast of the Visitation, when Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth, who the angel Gabriel had told Mary was also with child.
As with all Marian feasts, the Church’s eye remains fixed on Jesus, celebrating Mary as God’s servant because she embraced her role in God’s plan of salvation. Indeed, we notice in Luke’s gospel that from the very beginning of the visitation story, the focus is on Jesus: it is the “blessed fruit of [Mary’s] womb” (Lk 1:42) that causes John the Baptist to leap in Elizabeth’s womb (Lk 1:41). John will prepare the way for Jesus and he is excited by the Savior even in utero!
Today's Mass Readings
Today, we celebrate the feast of the Visitation, when Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth, who the angel Gabriel had told Mary was also with child.
As with all Marian feasts, the Church’s eye remains fixed on Jesus, celebrating Mary as God’s servant because she embraced her role in God’s plan of salvation. Indeed, we notice in Luke’s gospel that from the very beginning of the visitation story, the focus is on Jesus: it is the “blessed fruit of [Mary’s] womb” (Lk 1:42) that causes John the Baptist to leap in Elizabeth’s womb (Lk 1:41). John will prepare the way for Jesus and he is excited by the Savior even in utero!
Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Today's Mass Readings
In today's second reading from the First Letter of St. John, we read the following often quoted verse: "God is love" (4:16). This verse inspired the theme for Pope Benedict XVI's first papal encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, God Is Love. And in a way, this phrase summarizes all of the readings for today. This verse is not meant to trivialize our relationship with God, however. Rather, it should cause us comfort, but also help us to recognize our own great responsibility. The entire passage for today from St. John's First Letter exhorts us to live in love. "God is love," St. John tells us, "and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him" (1 John 4:16).
Today's Mass Readings
In today's second reading from the First Letter of St. John, we read the following often quoted verse: "God is love" (4:16). This verse inspired the theme for Pope Benedict XVI's first papal encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, God Is Love. And in a way, this phrase summarizes all of the readings for today. This verse is not meant to trivialize our relationship with God, however. Rather, it should cause us comfort, but also help us to recognize our own great responsibility. The entire passage for today from St. John's First Letter exhorts us to live in love. "God is love," St. John tells us, "and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him" (1 John 4:16).
Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark is a healing story, and, as such, it might be easy to pass over it as unremarkable. A man suffering from an ailment (in this case blindness) petitions Jesus for healing, and Jesus responds by healing him. It’s a common plot, but that does not make the story uninteresting or unimportant. What stands out from this story is the closing line: “Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way” (Mk. 10:52). Early Christians sometimes referred to their religion as “the way,” and here the implication is clearly that the blind man became a follower of Jesus upon his cure. We often hear it said that “seeing is believing.” In the case of Bartimaeus, seeing results in more than just simple belief. Seeing is following. His experience of Jesus’ healing power changed his life.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark is a healing story, and, as such, it might be easy to pass over it as unremarkable. A man suffering from an ailment (in this case blindness) petitions Jesus for healing, and Jesus responds by healing him. It’s a common plot, but that does not make the story uninteresting or unimportant. What stands out from this story is the closing line: “Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way” (Mk. 10:52). Early Christians sometimes referred to their religion as “the way,” and here the implication is clearly that the blind man became a follower of Jesus upon his cure. We often hear it said that “seeing is believing.” In the case of Bartimaeus, seeing results in more than just simple belief. Seeing is following. His experience of Jesus’ healing power changed his life.
Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Our reflection on the first letter of Peter continues. Among the various themes of this letter, today’s reading emphasizes steadfastness to Christ’s life and teachings in an otherwise hostile environment. Scripture scholars tell us that this letter was written around 70-90 AD, perhaps after the death of both Peter and Paul. This means that this letter was probably written by one of the disciples of Peter. There was no known official persecution at this time but the difficulty of living the Christian life in a secular environment that espoused values contrary to scripture is emphasized often.
Today's Mass Readings
Our reflection on the first letter of Peter continues. Among the various themes of this letter, today’s reading emphasizes steadfastness to Christ’s life and teachings in an otherwise hostile environment. Scripture scholars tell us that this letter was written around 70-90 AD, perhaps after the death of both Peter and Paul. This means that this letter was probably written by one of the disciples of Peter. There was no known official persecution at this time but the difficulty of living the Christian life in a secular environment that espoused values contrary to scripture is emphasized often.
Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
There are a lot of great themes packed into today's readings. I just want to highlight one of them, since our first readings for a while are taken from the First Letter of St. Peter, the first pope. Suffering plays an important role in this letter, which often alludes to the passage of the Suffering Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).
Today's Mass Readings
There are a lot of great themes packed into today's readings. I just want to highlight one of them, since our first readings for a while are taken from the First Letter of St. Peter, the first pope. Suffering plays an important role in this letter, which often alludes to the passage of the Suffering Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).
Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
Today's Mass Readings
As we begin the eighth week of Ordinary Time, we begin to read the letter of 1 Peter during our daily Masses this week. The Book of 1 Peter has traditionally been regarded as written by Peter, one of the first apostles and the first pope. During Jesus’ lifetime, Peter seemed not to understand Jesus’ suffering. The reflections in the short theological letter of 1 Peter demonstrate that Peter moved a long way toward understanding this following Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Today, for example, Peter indicates that Jesus’ followers may have to suffer through various trials (1 Pt. 1:6). As a whole, however, today’s passage from 1 Peter also features the theme of rejoicing. This is the rejoicing of faith. Those who have never even seen Jesus may still love him and believe in him, finding salvation in him. This is a particularly important sentiment coming from Peter, who himself had experienced Jesus in person.
Today's Mass Readings
As we begin the eighth week of Ordinary Time, we begin to read the letter of 1 Peter during our daily Masses this week. The Book of 1 Peter has traditionally been regarded as written by Peter, one of the first apostles and the first pope. During Jesus’ lifetime, Peter seemed not to understand Jesus’ suffering. The reflections in the short theological letter of 1 Peter demonstrate that Peter moved a long way toward understanding this following Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Today, for example, Peter indicates that Jesus’ followers may have to suffer through various trials (1 Pt. 1:6). As a whole, however, today’s passage from 1 Peter also features the theme of rejoicing. This is the rejoicing of faith. Those who have never even seen Jesus may still love him and believe in him, finding salvation in him. This is a particularly important sentiment coming from Peter, who himself had experienced Jesus in person.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Today's Mass Readings
Some time back a survey pointed out that only 30% of the church going Catholics actually believed that the bread and the wine at the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. So, the bread and wine; is it the really the body and blood of Christ? Of course it is !
Today's Mass Readings
Some time back a survey pointed out that only 30% of the church going Catholics actually believed that the bread and the wine at the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. So, the bread and wine; is it the really the body and blood of Christ? Of course it is !
Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
As we come to the end of James’s letter that we have been following for some time now, we see that St. James wraps up the letter with an exhortation to his fellow Christians. What we notice about his ending plea is that all things are to be brought to God – sufferings, good spirits, sickness, and sinfulness. This is, however, not possible by ourselves. In order to pray in our sufferings (Jas 5:13), we have to learn how to pray. In order sing a song of praise (Jas 5:13), we have to have been taught such a song. The role of our fellow Christians becomes even more obvious in the last two: the role of presbyters (priests) and our fellow Christians is made explicit (Jas 5:14, 19).
Today's Mass Readings
As we come to the end of James’s letter that we have been following for some time now, we see that St. James wraps up the letter with an exhortation to his fellow Christians. What we notice about his ending plea is that all things are to be brought to God – sufferings, good spirits, sickness, and sinfulness. This is, however, not possible by ourselves. In order to pray in our sufferings (Jas 5:13), we have to learn how to pray. In order sing a song of praise (Jas 5:13), we have to have been taught such a song. The role of our fellow Christians becomes even more obvious in the last two: the role of presbyters (priests) and our fellow Christians is made explicit (Jas 5:14, 19).
Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
There's a lot we could discuss from today's readings, since they bring up so many issues---oath-swearing, Jesus' teaching against divorce, etc. I want to focus, however, on the allusion to the Book of Job from today's first reading from the Letter of St. James.
In today's first reading, St. James gives us the example of Job from the Old Testament. Job is a great example of someone who had hardships and trials in his life. Job not only lost much of his wealth in the form of livestock, but he was harmed physically as well, with sores all over his body. Even worse, all of his children were killed. Job is then surrounded by his friends who basically blame Job for all of his problems.
Today's Mass Readings
There's a lot we could discuss from today's readings, since they bring up so many issues---oath-swearing, Jesus' teaching against divorce, etc. I want to focus, however, on the allusion to the Book of Job from today's first reading from the Letter of St. James.
In today's first reading, St. James gives us the example of Job from the Old Testament. Job is a great example of someone who had hardships and trials in his life. Job not only lost much of his wealth in the form of livestock, but he was harmed physically as well, with sores all over his body. Even worse, all of his children were killed. Job is then surrounded by his friends who basically blame Job for all of his problems.
Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
It should be difficult for nearly any of us in the United States to read today’s first reading and not feel convicted by the Holy Spirit by James’s writing. Whether we feel this way or not, we are the rich of the world. On a daily basis we are surrounded by a quantity and quality of possessions that most of the world can only dream about – houses, cars, furniture, clothes, toys, food, and so on. We need only look about us at this minute to know it is true. It is easy to reflect on our comfort and perhaps think to ourselves that we are truly blessed.
Today's Mass Readings
It should be difficult for nearly any of us in the United States to read today’s first reading and not feel convicted by the Holy Spirit by James’s writing. Whether we feel this way or not, we are the rich of the world. On a daily basis we are surrounded by a quantity and quality of possessions that most of the world can only dream about – houses, cars, furniture, clothes, toys, food, and so on. We need only look about us at this minute to know it is true. It is easy to reflect on our comfort and perhaps think to ourselves that we are truly blessed.
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.