Your Redemption is at Hand.”
Today's Mass Reading
A common theme in this week’s readings is that of salvation. In the first reading, we see this again. We have been following this story of Daniel throughout our week, and today we finally reach one of the most well-known passages of the Old Testament – the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. The reluctant king who throws him in to the lions for praying to God hopes that Daniel will survive, and indeed he does. This is enough to convert King Darius, who writes to all the nations to tell them to honor and reverence this God who delivered Daniel from the lions. Imagine, a foreign king, converted to belief in the Jewish God!
Today's Mass Reading
A common theme in this week’s readings is that of salvation. In the first reading, we see this again. We have been following this story of Daniel throughout our week, and today we finally reach one of the most well-known passages of the Old Testament – the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. The reluctant king who throws him in to the lions for praying to God hopes that Daniel will survive, and indeed he does. This is enough to convert King Darius, who writes to all the nations to tell them to honor and reverence this God who delivered Daniel from the lions. Imagine, a foreign king, converted to belief in the Jewish God!
Bringing forth Justice"
Today's Mass Readings
The classic definition of justice is “the firm and strong will to give to each what is his or her due.” This definition, which is received as part of the Greco-Roman tradition, is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the encyclicals of the popes, and the Church’s many social teaching documents. It was even the subject of a small instructional book by Archbishop Pilarczyk (Bringing Forth Justice). The definition is comprised of three parts, which I would like to briefly touch upon in relation to today’s readings.
Today's Mass Readings
The classic definition of justice is “the firm and strong will to give to each what is his or her due.” This definition, which is received as part of the Greco-Roman tradition, is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the encyclicals of the popes, and the Church’s many social teaching documents. It was even the subject of a small instructional book by Archbishop Pilarczyk (Bringing Forth Justice). The definition is comprised of three parts, which I would like to briefly touch upon in relation to today’s readings.
The Eternal Temple and The Eternal Worship"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Daniel is one of the most controversial passages of the Old Testament. Many scholars who date the Book of Daniel to the second century see Daniel’s visions as related to the Babylonians, Medes, Persians, and the Greeks. Other scholars who date the Book of Daniel view the visions as related to the Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Furthermore, most early Christian traditions interpret Daniel’s visions on multiple levels, not simply dealing with historical events, or prophetic events that would come to pass, but also at a mystical level relating to God’s relationship with His people.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Daniel is one of the most controversial passages of the Old Testament. Many scholars who date the Book of Daniel to the second century see Daniel’s visions as related to the Babylonians, Medes, Persians, and the Greeks. Other scholars who date the Book of Daniel view the visions as related to the Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Furthermore, most early Christian traditions interpret Daniel’s visions on multiple levels, not simply dealing with historical events, or prophetic events that would come to pass, but also at a mystical level relating to God’s relationship with His people.
The Cost of Discipleship"
Sunday Mass Readings
The cost of commitment to one’s faith can be great. In the first reading, we see Daniel and his companions unwilling to defile themselves by eating the unclean food of a foreign king. Although they have been given a place of great honor, including the opportunity to share of Nebuchadnezzar’s food and wine, the men choose instead to eat only vegetables and drink only water, rather than abandon the practices and beliefs of their religion, which believes only in the one God.
Sunday Mass Readings
The cost of commitment to one’s faith can be great. In the first reading, we see Daniel and his companions unwilling to defile themselves by eating the unclean food of a foreign king. Although they have been given a place of great honor, including the opportunity to share of Nebuchadnezzar’s food and wine, the men choose instead to eat only vegetables and drink only water, rather than abandon the practices and beliefs of their religion, which believes only in the one God.
Behold, the King"
Sunday Mass Readings
The feast of Christ the King was instituted as a feast by Pope Pius XI as late as 1925. More than purely spiritual considerations, it was world political events that prompted the Pope to institute the feast. World War I (1914-1918) was barely over and the memories of the blood bath was still fresh in the minds of people. Nine million soldiers were killed and an unspecified number of civilians were also killed.
Sunday Mass Readings
The feast of Christ the King was instituted as a feast by Pope Pius XI as late as 1925. More than purely spiritual considerations, it was world political events that prompted the Pope to institute the feast. World War I (1914-1918) was barely over and the memories of the blood bath was still fresh in the minds of people. Nine million soldiers were killed and an unspecified number of civilians were also killed.
God is not God of the Dead, but of the Living"
Today's Mass Readings
The Sadducees (a Jewish sect) came up to Jesus with the hypothetical case of a woman who married seven brothers as each of them successively died. The Sadducees accepted the teachings of only the first five books of the Old Testament and in these books belief in the afterlife is not specifically mentioned.
Today's Mass Readings
The Sadducees (a Jewish sect) came up to Jesus with the hypothetical case of a woman who married seven brothers as each of them successively died. The Sadducees accepted the teachings of only the first five books of the Old Testament and in these books belief in the afterlife is not specifically mentioned.
My House shall be a House of Prayer"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 1 Book of Maccabees, we read about the Temple’s rededication. This story about Juda Maccabee, is an important context for the Jewish feast of Chanukkah, which falls around Christmas time. Appropriately, sometimes in the early Church, the dedication of the Temple in today’s first reading, was viewed as foreshadowing Jesus’ birth.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 1 Book of Maccabees, we read about the Temple’s rededication. This story about Juda Maccabee, is an important context for the Jewish feast of Chanukkah, which falls around Christmas time. Appropriately, sometimes in the early Church, the dedication of the Temple in today’s first reading, was viewed as foreshadowing Jesus’ birth.
Offer to God Praise as Your Sacrifice"
Today's Mass Readings
(Today's reflection is based on the ordinary readings of the day and not on the readings for Thanksgiving.)
In today’s gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, knowing what was to befall the people there. Jesus recognizes that the people do not appreciate his presence as God in their midst, and, yet, as he continues his trek toward his passion and crucifixion, Jesus’ emotions are roused to the point of tears. How powerful this is, to think of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem! Especially when you consider that Jesus was facing his own death and all the injustice and suffering preceding that death. Yet he does not weep for himself, but for the city, for the people, including us today.
Today's Mass Readings
(Today's reflection is based on the ordinary readings of the day and not on the readings for Thanksgiving.)
In today’s gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, knowing what was to befall the people there. Jesus recognizes that the people do not appreciate his presence as God in their midst, and, yet, as he continues his trek toward his passion and crucifixion, Jesus’ emotions are roused to the point of tears. How powerful this is, to think of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem! Especially when you consider that Jesus was facing his own death and all the injustice and suffering preceding that death. Yet he does not weep for himself, but for the city, for the people, including us today.
Well done, Good Servant! You have been Faithful in this Very Small Matter"
Today's Mass Reading
On a recent trip to Rome I viewed a photo exhibit at St. Peter’s called “Vatican Click.” The exhibit featured candid photos of the popes taken by Vatican photographers over the last few decades. I was surprised when, during the exhibit, I came across several photos of Villa Nazareth, a residence for underprivileged college students from Southern Italy studying in Rome. I asked a fellow professor who had lived at Villa Nazareth during college why, amongst hundreds of photos of the popes, there were several pictures of Villa Nazareth. Her response was yet another surprise. “Don’t you know the reputation of that place?” she asked. At the time, I did not.
Today's Mass Reading
On a recent trip to Rome I viewed a photo exhibit at St. Peter’s called “Vatican Click.” The exhibit featured candid photos of the popes taken by Vatican photographers over the last few decades. I was surprised when, during the exhibit, I came across several photos of Villa Nazareth, a residence for underprivileged college students from Southern Italy studying in Rome. I asked a fellow professor who had lived at Villa Nazareth during college why, amongst hundreds of photos of the popes, there were several pictures of Villa Nazareth. Her response was yet another surprise. “Don’t you know the reputation of that place?” she asked. At the time, I did not.
You, O LORD, are My Shield"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 2 Book of Maccabees, we encounter the active faith of a man named Eleazar. This passage recounts the difficult time faithful Jews had under Greek rule. Some of the Greek rulers tried to force Jews to break the laws God had given to them.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the 2 Book of Maccabees, we encounter the active faith of a man named Eleazar. This passage recounts the difficult time faithful Jews had under Greek rule. Some of the Greek rulers tried to force Jews to break the laws God had given to them.
Give me life, O Lord"
Today Mass Reading
Today’s first reading and gospel reading set up an interesting comparison. In the passage from Maccabaeus, we hear the tragic fate that has fallen upon the holy city of Jerusalem and the Israelite people who reside there. Many of the Israelites have adopted Gentile custom and forgotten their Jewish heritage. By covering up their circumcision mark, sacrificing to idols, profaning the Sabbath, and, in general, abandoning the law which was their tradition and their sacred religion, the Israelites have given in to the ways of those who surround them. The king Antiochus Epiphanes wanted this; he wanted all people united under him and him alone. In this one kingdom, all had to sacrifice to the gods that he chose. It was a sort of nationalistic unity that he desired, with no room for the customs of those who worshiped the one true God. Those who kept the law were condemned to death, and yet, many preferred this to forgetting their God and his law. “Terrible affliction was upon Israel,” notes the last sentence of the passage. For the faithful Israelites living at this time, it must have been a time of questioning. Why the suffering? Why the challenge? Why so many abandoning the faith? Where is God in all of this?
Today Mass Reading
Today’s first reading and gospel reading set up an interesting comparison. In the passage from Maccabaeus, we hear the tragic fate that has fallen upon the holy city of Jerusalem and the Israelite people who reside there. Many of the Israelites have adopted Gentile custom and forgotten their Jewish heritage. By covering up their circumcision mark, sacrificing to idols, profaning the Sabbath, and, in general, abandoning the law which was their tradition and their sacred religion, the Israelites have given in to the ways of those who surround them. The king Antiochus Epiphanes wanted this; he wanted all people united under him and him alone. In this one kingdom, all had to sacrifice to the gods that he chose. It was a sort of nationalistic unity that he desired, with no room for the customs of those who worshiped the one true God. Those who kept the law were condemned to death, and yet, many preferred this to forgetting their God and his law. “Terrible affliction was upon Israel,” notes the last sentence of the passage. For the faithful Israelites living at this time, it must have been a time of questioning. Why the suffering? Why the challenge? Why so many abandoning the faith? Where is God in all of this?
By your Perseverance you will Secure your Lives."
Today's Mass Readings
As we reach toward the end of the liturgical year, the reading begin to focus our attention on the end times as well. Thus all of today's reading in some way or another prepare us for the eventuality of meeting Christ either in the second coming, or through our personal end, or welcoming Christ at Christmas time.
Today's Mass Readings
As we reach toward the end of the liturgical year, the reading begin to focus our attention on the end times as well. Thus all of today's reading in some way or another prepare us for the eventuality of meeting Christ either in the second coming, or through our personal end, or welcoming Christ at Christmas time.
Remember the Marvels the Lord has Done"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have seemingly dark, yet joyful song about the Passover – the night that God’s angel passed over the houses of the Hebrews because the blood of the lamb was on their doorposts – and the Exodus – the deliverance of God’s People from enslavement by the Egyptians.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading we have seemingly dark, yet joyful song about the Passover – the night that God’s angel passed over the houses of the Hebrews because the blood of the lamb was on their doorposts – and the Exodus – the deliverance of God’s People from enslavement by the Egyptians.
Whoever Seeks to Preserve His Life will Lose It"
Today's Mass Readings
The popular Left Behind series, which began as novels and became low-budget films, has made quite a lot out of the passage described in today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke. This is a perfect example of why we must be careful to read the Bible with the Church, and not follow the latest fad on the bestsellers list. According to the Left Behind series, at some point in the future Jesus will return, and those who are taken away will be the Christians who follow Christ, whereas those who are left behind are the ones who will be destroyed in God’s judgment, or perhaps given a second chance to repent and turn back to God during the great tribulation on earth.
Today's Mass Readings
The popular Left Behind series, which began as novels and became low-budget films, has made quite a lot out of the passage described in today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke. This is a perfect example of why we must be careful to read the Bible with the Church, and not follow the latest fad on the bestsellers list. According to the Left Behind series, at some point in the future Jesus will return, and those who are taken away will be the Christians who follow Christ, whereas those who are left behind are the ones who will be destroyed in God’s judgment, or perhaps given a second chance to repent and turn back to God during the great tribulation on earth.
The Kingdom of God is Among You"
Today's Mass Readings
“Light from light, true God from true God,” we pray when we recite the Creed each Sunday during Mass. This line from the Creed comes out of our first reading today from Wisdom. In Wisdom’s poetic language, we hear that wisdom “is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness.” As Christians, we look at this beautiful description and recognize Jesus, who is the image of God’s goodness – light from light, true God from true God. This light imagery appears later as well: “For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence…” Today’s passage from Wisdom ends by saying that wisdom reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well.
Today's Mass Readings
“Light from light, true God from true God,” we pray when we recite the Creed each Sunday during Mass. This line from the Creed comes out of our first reading today from Wisdom. In Wisdom’s poetic language, we hear that wisdom “is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness.” As Christians, we look at this beautiful description and recognize Jesus, who is the image of God’s goodness – light from light, true God from true God. This light imagery appears later as well: “For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence…” Today’s passage from Wisdom ends by saying that wisdom reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well.
O God, bring Judgment to the Earth"
Today's Mass Readings
For the sake of relevance, I’d like to concentrate on today’s first reading because the message it presents is particularly relevant to the contemporary American context. In today’s first reading we are once again confronted with the subject of just judgment. To the people of ancient Israel, as to many in our own, the rich and powerful seemed to be above the law. Indeed, regardless of one’s political affiliation, the statistics on our own criminal justice system bear out the sobering truth that the poor are more likely to receive harsher sentencing than the rich. Some things never change. The cry of the poor in today's psalm response, "Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth," is relevant even today.
Today's Mass Readings
For the sake of relevance, I’d like to concentrate on today’s first reading because the message it presents is particularly relevant to the contemporary American context. In today’s first reading we are once again confronted with the subject of just judgment. To the people of ancient Israel, as to many in our own, the rich and powerful seemed to be above the law. Indeed, regardless of one’s political affiliation, the statistics on our own criminal justice system bear out the sobering truth that the poor are more likely to receive harsher sentencing than the rich. Some things never change. The cry of the poor in today's psalm response, "Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth," is relevant even today.
We are Unprofitable Servants"
Today's Mass Readings
When we read the Gospel reading for today, we might be tempted to equate the master in Jesus’ parable with God. We might conclude that God’s attitude toward us, His servants, is that of the master; that we too should prepare His meal first and wait on God while He eats and drinks. This, however, is not Jesus’ point at all. God’s attitude toward us is already described in the first reading for today from the Book of Wisdom, and in the responsorial psalm, Psalm 34. Grace and mercy are with God’s holy ones, and His care is with them too (Wisdom 3:9). And further, “The Lord has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry….The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:16 and 19). Our God, the one true God, is a God of love and mercy.
Today's Mass Readings
When we read the Gospel reading for today, we might be tempted to equate the master in Jesus’ parable with God. We might conclude that God’s attitude toward us, His servants, is that of the master; that we too should prepare His meal first and wait on God while He eats and drinks. This, however, is not Jesus’ point at all. God’s attitude toward us is already described in the first reading for today from the Book of Wisdom, and in the responsorial psalm, Psalm 34. Grace and mercy are with God’s holy ones, and His care is with them too (Wisdom 3:9). And further, “The Lord has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry….The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:16 and 19). Our God, the one true God, is a God of love and mercy.
Guide me, Lord, along the Everlasting Way"
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today are rich with several themes. Both the first reading from Wisdom and the Gospel from Luke mention sin. In wisdom here, “Because into a soul that plots evil, wisdom enters not, nor dwells she in a body under debt of sin. For the holy Spirit of discipline flees deceit and withdraws from senseless counsels; and when injustice occurs it is rebuked.” Jesus, meanwhile, notes that things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but “woe to the one through whom they occur.” And yet the message of this passage is not one of simple hellfire and damnation, rather, Jesus offers a command to correct those who sin and to forgive those who repent. This was a difficult task for the Apostles, just as it is a difficult task for us today. Hence the Apostles beg Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by saying that faith the size of a mustard seed is already enough to do impressive things – like move a mulberry tree.
Today's Mass Readings
The readings for today are rich with several themes. Both the first reading from Wisdom and the Gospel from Luke mention sin. In wisdom here, “Because into a soul that plots evil, wisdom enters not, nor dwells she in a body under debt of sin. For the holy Spirit of discipline flees deceit and withdraws from senseless counsels; and when injustice occurs it is rebuked.” Jesus, meanwhile, notes that things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but “woe to the one through whom they occur.” And yet the message of this passage is not one of simple hellfire and damnation, rather, Jesus offers a command to correct those who sin and to forgive those who repent. This was a difficult task for the Apostles, just as it is a difficult task for us today. Hence the Apostles beg Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by saying that faith the size of a mustard seed is already enough to do impressive things – like move a mulberry tree.
He is not God of the Dead but of the Living"
Today's Mass Readings
Clearly, the theme of today’s readings is life and death. Intertwined within those themes are the words of Jesus, “He is the not the God of dead but of the living” (Lk 20:37).
Today's Mass Readings
Clearly, the theme of today’s readings is life and death. Intertwined within those themes are the words of Jesus, “He is the not the God of dead but of the living” (Lk 20:37).
You Cannot Serve God and Mammon"
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading for today, Paul lists many companions of his who have aided him in spreading the Gospel. It’s easy to think about St. Paul, sometimes, as an individual on his own traveling from place to place and bringing the Gentiles to Christianity in its very early stages. At the end of his letter to the Romans, Paul identifies with the Roman community (which he has not yet met) by making connections to those in the community. The list of names is staggering. Staggering not just because of how many there are, but also because of the Gentile names, the Jewish names, the women, the men. We see that almost immediately the Good News of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection had universal, even cosmic significance. We see also how the Church, even from its earliest days, transcended national, linguistic, class, and gender boundaries.
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading for today, Paul lists many companions of his who have aided him in spreading the Gospel. It’s easy to think about St. Paul, sometimes, as an individual on his own traveling from place to place and bringing the Gentiles to Christianity in its very early stages. At the end of his letter to the Romans, Paul identifies with the Roman community (which he has not yet met) by making connections to those in the community. The list of names is staggering. Staggering not just because of how many there are, but also because of the Gentile names, the Jewish names, the women, the men. We see that almost immediately the Good News of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection had universal, even cosmic significance. We see also how the Church, even from its earliest days, transcended national, linguistic, class, and gender boundaries.