The One Who is Least Among All of You
is the One Who is the Greatest"
Today's Mass Readings
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (lk 9: 47-48). St. Therese Lisieux, whose feast is celebrated today, chose to be called “Therese of the Child Jesus,” because of her desire to have the simple faith of a small child.
is the One Who is the Greatest"
Today's Mass Readings
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (lk 9: 47-48). St. Therese Lisieux, whose feast is celebrated today, chose to be called “Therese of the Child Jesus,” because of her desire to have the simple faith of a small child.
Lay Hold of the Eternal Life, to Which You were Called"
Sunday's Mass Readings
In today's second reading (1 Tim 6:11-16), St. Paul to Timothy, where he writes, “But you, man of God pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.” In other words, St. Paul is encouraging Timothy and his community to be a certain kind of people. St. Paul is urging them to strive at developing a Christian character.
Sunday's Mass Readings
In today's second reading (1 Tim 6:11-16), St. Paul to Timothy, where he writes, “But you, man of God pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.” In other words, St. Paul is encouraging Timothy and his community to be a certain kind of people. St. Paul is urging them to strive at developing a Christian character.
In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord."
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that, "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition." Thus, the existence of angels is clearly entrenched in our faith.
Today's Mass Readings
Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that, "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition." Thus, the existence of angels is clearly entrenched in our faith.
I will Give You Peace"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find God comforting His people. God’s people are saddened that the Temple they have worked so hard at constructing is not as glorious as Solomon’s Temple. God explains that He controls the flow of precious metals. He can bring forth more gold and precious stones than Solomon was able to muster. But this is not the reason for the glory of the Second Temple. But rather, as the last verse of the first reading says, "And in this place I will give you peace" (Hag 2:9).
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find God comforting His people. God’s people are saddened that the Temple they have worked so hard at constructing is not as glorious as Solomon’s Temple. God explains that He controls the flow of precious metals. He can bring forth more gold and precious stones than Solomon was able to muster. But this is not the reason for the glory of the Second Temple. But rather, as the last verse of the first reading says, "And in this place I will give you peace" (Hag 2:9).
The Lord Takes Delight in His People"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find the same theme that has been building all week, concerning the Temple in Jerusalem. King David wanted a Temple to be built to the Lord. The Israelites in the Wilderness had the Tabernacle, which moved around from place to place, but fulfilled the decree from the Book of Deuteronomy, stipulating that animal sacrifices to the Lord should only be in one place, unlike their polytheistic neighbors. It was not until King Solomon, however, that the Israelites built a Temple, and it was such a temple, that people from all over the known world came to it to learn the wisdom of God.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Haggai, we find the same theme that has been building all week, concerning the Temple in Jerusalem. King David wanted a Temple to be built to the Lord. The Israelites in the Wilderness had the Tabernacle, which moved around from place to place, but fulfilled the decree from the Book of Deuteronomy, stipulating that animal sacrifices to the Lord should only be in one place, unlike their polytheistic neighbors. It was not until King Solomon, however, that the Israelites built a Temple, and it was such a temple, that people from all over the known world came to it to learn the wisdom of God.
My God, I am too Ashamed to Raise my Face to You"
Today's mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the book of Ezra. Ezra was a descendent of the priestly tribe of Israel was born in Babylon while the people of Israel was in exile there. Priests could not exercise their religious ritual during the exile and so they dedicated themselves to studying scripture. Ezra was one of the priests who was sent to Judah to help rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the temple.
Today's mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the book of Ezra. Ezra was a descendent of the priestly tribe of Israel was born in Babylon while the people of Israel was in exile there. Priests could not exercise their religious ritual during the exile and so they dedicated themselves to studying scripture. Ezra was one of the priests who was sent to Judah to help rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the temple.
Let Us Go Rejoicing to the House of the Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we see the continued construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This reading discusses the Temple’s completion, but it was only a preliminary completion. It was completed in the sense that sacrifices could once again be offered within its walls, but Jews would continue to add to the temple, particularly under the later reign of King Herod. It was in fact not until the time of Herod that the final work on the Temple was completed.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we see the continued construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This reading discusses the Temple’s completion, but it was only a preliminary completion. It was completed in the sense that sacrifices could once again be offered within its walls, but Jews would continue to add to the temple, particularly under the later reign of King Herod. It was in fact not until the time of Herod that the final work on the Temple was completed.
The Lord Has Done Marvels For Us"
Today Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we find a foreign king aiding the Jews. In fact, this is the first period in history where these people were known as Jews. During the time of Abraham, they were the Hebrew tribe. After Jacob gets his name changed to Israel, and has his famous 12 sons, they become known as the Israelites, composed of 12 tribes named after the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel. Eventually, after the reign of King Solomon, the kingdom splits into a Northern half, known as Israel or Ephraim, which is composed of 10 tribes. Some of these people became modern day Samaritans (who were also the Samaritans of the time of Jesus). The Southern half was known as Judah, composed of 2 tribes. It was the southern kingdom of Judah that was taken into exile by Babylon. In today’s passage, these people, who begin to be called Jews, have been brought back from exile and have been invited to rebuild Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple there.
Today Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Book of Ezra, we find a foreign king aiding the Jews. In fact, this is the first period in history where these people were known as Jews. During the time of Abraham, they were the Hebrew tribe. After Jacob gets his name changed to Israel, and has his famous 12 sons, they become known as the Israelites, composed of 12 tribes named after the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel. Eventually, after the reign of King Solomon, the kingdom splits into a Northern half, known as Israel or Ephraim, which is composed of 10 tribes. Some of these people became modern day Samaritans (who were also the Samaritans of the time of Jesus). The Southern half was known as Judah, composed of 2 tribes. It was the southern kingdom of Judah that was taken into exile by Babylon. In today’s passage, these people, who begin to be called Jews, have been brought back from exile and have been invited to rebuild Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple there.
You Cannot Serve Both God and Mammon"
Todays Mass readings
The gospel reading has an insight for us in with regard to our attitude toward wealth. In the gospel reading, Jesus says to his disciples, "You cannot serve God and mammon" (Lk 16:13b). Yet while declaring the opposition of God and mammon (Lk 16:13b), Jesus surprisingly praises the dishonest steward for his prudence. Why does Jesus commend the dishonest steward?
Todays Mass readings
The gospel reading has an insight for us in with regard to our attitude toward wealth. In the gospel reading, Jesus says to his disciples, "You cannot serve God and mammon" (Lk 16:13b). Yet while declaring the opposition of God and mammon (Lk 16:13b), Jesus surprisingly praises the dishonest steward for his prudence. Why does Jesus commend the dishonest steward?
Keep the Commandment Without Stain or Reproach”
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of today’s reading today certainly is the word of God. Thus, in the first reading, Paul, in his letter to Timothy urges him “to keep the commandment without stain or reproach…” (1 Tim 6:14). The “commandments” here refer to the teaching of Christ. In the gospel reading, Jesus himself explains the parable by saying, “The seed is the word of God” (Lk 8:11).
Today's Mass Readings
The focus of today’s reading today certainly is the word of God. Thus, in the first reading, Paul, in his letter to Timothy urges him “to keep the commandment without stain or reproach…” (1 Tim 6:14). The “commandments” here refer to the teaching of Christ. In the gospel reading, Jesus himself explains the parable by saying, “The seed is the word of God” (Lk 8:11).
Live in a Manner Worthy of the Call You have Received"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of St. Matthew, an apostle of Jesus and the author of the gospel of Matthew. On this feast day we reflect on the “call” each Christian has. In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls himself “a prisoner for the Lord.” Rather than being prisoners to sin, we all are prisoners to the Lord. Of course, unlike prisoners in a prison, we have far more freedoms. The point is that we ought to choose to follow the Lord’s will in our freedom, unlike a prisoner who is forced to do another’s bidding because of his lack of freedom.
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of St. Matthew, an apostle of Jesus and the author of the gospel of Matthew. On this feast day we reflect on the “call” each Christian has. In today’s first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls himself “a prisoner for the Lord.” Rather than being prisoners to sin, we all are prisoners to the Lord. Of course, unlike prisoners in a prison, we have far more freedoms. The point is that we ought to choose to follow the Lord’s will in our freedom, unlike a prisoner who is forced to do another’s bidding because of his lack of freedom.
Love Covers a Multitude of Sins"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus dining with a Pharisee and with others. This particular Pharisee was shocked that Jesus permitted a woman who was known to be a sinner to touch Him. According to the cleanliness laws, a person could become unclean by simply touching certain kinds of people. For example, a person could become unclean by touching a sinner who had committed a certain kind of sin. A prostitute was certainly that kind of a person. A person could also become ritually unclean through certain normal life cycles and events, as well as from doing certain righteous deeds that you were commanded to do, like burying the dead, for example. If someone was ritually unclean, they had to undergo certain ritual rites to make themselves ceremonially clean again.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus dining with a Pharisee and with others. This particular Pharisee was shocked that Jesus permitted a woman who was known to be a sinner to touch Him. According to the cleanliness laws, a person could become unclean by simply touching certain kinds of people. For example, a person could become unclean by touching a sinner who had committed a certain kind of sin. A prostitute was certainly that kind of a person. A person could also become ritually unclean through certain normal life cycles and events, as well as from doing certain righteous deeds that you were commanded to do, like burying the dead, for example. If someone was ritually unclean, they had to undergo certain ritual rites to make themselves ceremonially clean again.
The Least in the Kingdom is Greater Than John"
Today's Mass Readings
To understand today’s gospel reading (Luke 7:31-35), it is important that one read the passage beginning with Luke 7:18. John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he was indeed the Messiah. Characteristic of Jesus, he does not give a direct answer. Rather, he gives them a testimony of his activities. The presumption here is that John would be able to discern the correct answer from Jesus’ testimony.
Today's Mass Readings
To understand today’s gospel reading (Luke 7:31-35), it is important that one read the passage beginning with Luke 7:18. John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he was indeed the Messiah. Characteristic of Jesus, he does not give a direct answer. Rather, he gives them a testimony of his activities. The presumption here is that John would be able to discern the correct answer from Jesus’ testimony.
God has Visited His People.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, we find one of a number of examples of Jesus raising the dead. The most famous example of Jesus raising the dead, apart from His own resurrection of course, is Lazarus. The Gospels inform us that Jesus raised the dead on a number of occasions. Now, these raisings are more like resuscitations than actual resurrections, because all of those raised, like this young man and like Lazarus, have to physically die again. But that does not change the fact that they had already died, and Jesus actually brings them back to life.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, we find one of a number of examples of Jesus raising the dead. The most famous example of Jesus raising the dead, apart from His own resurrection of course, is Lazarus. The Gospels inform us that Jesus raised the dead on a number of occasions. Now, these raisings are more like resuscitations than actual resurrections, because all of those raised, like this young man and like Lazarus, have to physically die again. But that does not change the fact that they had already died, and Jesus actually brings them back to life.
Blessed be the Lord, for He has Heard My Prayer
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy, we find the apostle Paul’s exhortation: “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.” Notice he said for EVERYONE. That includes, everyone, no one is excluded from these supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. We must offer them for everyone. St. Paul specifically singles out one group, however, to emphasize who we should offer supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings for: “for kings and for all in authority.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy, we find the apostle Paul’s exhortation: “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.” Notice he said for EVERYONE. That includes, everyone, no one is excluded from these supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. We must offer them for everyone. St. Paul specifically singles out one group, however, to emphasize who we should offer supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings for: “for kings and for all in authority.”
I will rise and go to my father"
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s three readings emphasize two things: the scandal of human sinfulness and the scandal of God’s love. In the first reading from the book of Exodus, God, by his mighty works had just freed Israel from slavery. The memory should have been be still fresh in their minds. And yet the people abandon their God and begin to worship the golden calf. God wants to destroy these people but then he has compassion. The emphasis here is not on Moses’ pleading but God’s steadfastness, his faithfulness, his prodigal and scandalizing love. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, calls himself a blasphemer, a persecutor and arrogant but considers himself “treated with mercy…” by God. And he concludes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” All the three parables in the Gospel reading are about a God who goes out in search of sinners.
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s three readings emphasize two things: the scandal of human sinfulness and the scandal of God’s love. In the first reading from the book of Exodus, God, by his mighty works had just freed Israel from slavery. The memory should have been be still fresh in their minds. And yet the people abandon their God and begin to worship the golden calf. God wants to destroy these people but then he has compassion. The emphasis here is not on Moses’ pleading but God’s steadfastness, his faithfulness, his prodigal and scandalizing love. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, calls himself a blasphemer, a persecutor and arrogant but considers himself “treated with mercy…” by God. And he concludes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” All the three parables in the Gospel reading are about a God who goes out in search of sinners.
...And You Yourself a Sword will Pierce"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Although this feast really became popular during the Middle Ages, one can trace its origins to the most sorrowful of events in her life – the death of her Son on the Cross. John the apostle can be called her first devotee, since, he considered it important to record her presence at the foot of the cross and weeping for her only born (John 19: 25-27).
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Although this feast really became popular during the Middle Ages, one can trace its origins to the most sorrowful of events in her life – the death of her Son on the Cross. John the apostle can be called her first devotee, since, he considered it important to record her presence at the foot of the cross and weeping for her only born (John 19: 25-27).
The Son of Man be Lifted Up"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross focuses on one central aspect of Jesus’ life, namely His death on the cross. The idea of the “exaltation of the holy cross” is entirely apropos considering the Gospel of John’s theme of Jesus’ own exaltation, which occurs precisely when He is literally lifted up on the cross. In the Gospel of John, more than any other Gospel, Jesus is seen reigning as King, while He is dying on the cross. In today’s reading from the Gospel, Jesus makes an explicit reference to today’s first reading from the Book of Numbers. Jesus says that, “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (keep in mind that the context for this passage in John concerns baptism, rebirth by both water and Spirit, so baptism and faith are here linked together, inseparable as they must be).
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross focuses on one central aspect of Jesus’ life, namely His death on the cross. The idea of the “exaltation of the holy cross” is entirely apropos considering the Gospel of John’s theme of Jesus’ own exaltation, which occurs precisely when He is literally lifted up on the cross. In the Gospel of John, more than any other Gospel, Jesus is seen reigning as King, while He is dying on the cross. In today’s reading from the Gospel, Jesus makes an explicit reference to today’s first reading from the Book of Numbers. Jesus says that, “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (keep in mind that the context for this passage in John concerns baptism, rebirth by both water and Spirit, so baptism and faith are here linked together, inseparable as they must be).
"For if You Love Those Who Love You,
What Credit is That to You?"
Today's Mass Readings
The teaching found in today’s Gospel reading is perhaps the most difficult in the entire Bible. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, and to bless those who curse us. Jesus is not telling his followers to feel good about their enemies; love is not merely a feeling. The kind of love Jesus is talking about is the sacrificial love where one wishes their enemies well and goes out of their way to help their enemies, even sacrificing for them.
What Credit is That to You?"
Today's Mass Readings
The teaching found in today’s Gospel reading is perhaps the most difficult in the entire Bible. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, and to bless those who curse us. Jesus is not telling his followers to feel good about their enemies; love is not merely a feeling. The kind of love Jesus is talking about is the sacrificial love where one wishes their enemies well and goes out of their way to help their enemies, even sacrificing for them.
"Blessed are You who are Poor..."
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading we read Luke’s version of the beatitudes. There are some very critical differences between the beatitudes in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. For example, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers the sermon from the top of a mountain, hence, the term “sermon on the mount.” In Luke, this section is called the “sermon on the plain” because Jesus after spending the night in prayer on the mountain (Luke 6:12), “came down with them (disciples) and stood on a stretch of level ground” (Luke 6: 17). There are other differences between Luke and Matthew. Whereas Matthew says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” Luke simply says, “Blessed are you who are poor” (Luke 6:20). Whereas Matthew has all the beatitudes begin with “Blessed are…” Luke has one set of four blessings (Luke 6:20-22) and one set of four “Woe to you…” (Luke 6:24-26).
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s gospel reading we read Luke’s version of the beatitudes. There are some very critical differences between the beatitudes in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. For example, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers the sermon from the top of a mountain, hence, the term “sermon on the mount.” In Luke, this section is called the “sermon on the plain” because Jesus after spending the night in prayer on the mountain (Luke 6:12), “came down with them (disciples) and stood on a stretch of level ground” (Luke 6: 17). There are other differences between Luke and Matthew. Whereas Matthew says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” Luke simply says, “Blessed are you who are poor” (Luke 6:20). Whereas Matthew has all the beatitudes begin with “Blessed are…” Luke has one set of four blessings (Luke 6:20-22) and one set of four “Woe to you…” (Luke 6:24-26).