Faith will Suffice"
Today's Mass Readings
Paul, in today’s first reading from his letter to the Romans (4:13, 16-18), strives to impress upon his audience that it is not the Law that saves the human person, but rather, faith in Jesus Christ. For this he will provide a number of examples from the Old Testament, who (even though could not have had faith in Jesus), became godly figures because of their faith. As we know from yesterday’s reading and today’s readings, his first example of faith is Abraham.
Today's Mass Readings
Paul, in today’s first reading from his letter to the Romans (4:13, 16-18), strives to impress upon his audience that it is not the Law that saves the human person, but rather, faith in Jesus Christ. For this he will provide a number of examples from the Old Testament, who (even though could not have had faith in Jesus), became godly figures because of their faith. As we know from yesterday’s reading and today’s readings, his first example of faith is Abraham.
Even the Hairs of Your Head Have all Been Counted
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans continues Paul’s reflection on the relationship of Gentiles (non-Jews) to the Christian faith. In making his theological argument in today’s passage, Paul turns to Abraham as a model of faith. This move – the emphasis on faith as righteousness, apart from works – enables Paul to argue that Abraham is the father of both the Gentiles and the Jews, the uncircumcised as well as the circumcised (as reflected in 4:11-14 of Romans). And what does circumcision have to do with works? By “works” Paul’s means works of the law – not simply good deeds, but rather those actions prescribed by Jewish law, such as circumcision. Paul argues that it is not strict adherence to Jewish law that saves, but faith in God.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans continues Paul’s reflection on the relationship of Gentiles (non-Jews) to the Christian faith. In making his theological argument in today’s passage, Paul turns to Abraham as a model of faith. This move – the emphasis on faith as righteousness, apart from works – enables Paul to argue that Abraham is the father of both the Gentiles and the Jews, the uncircumcised as well as the circumcised (as reflected in 4:11-14 of Romans). And what does circumcision have to do with works? By “works” Paul’s means works of the law – not simply good deeds, but rather those actions prescribed by Jewish law, such as circumcision. Paul argues that it is not strict adherence to Jewish law that saves, but faith in God.
The Kingdom of God is at Hand for You."
Today's Mass Readings
In a week that we remember a number of important saints, today we honor St.
Luke the Evangelist. He is one of our earliest saints, and the first reading from 2 Timothy recognizes him as one of Paul’s companions – someone who was faithful to the gospel and committed to sharing it with others. Luke’s particular gift as someone wrote his gospel and Acts of the Apostles was his attention for detail.
Today's Mass Readings
In a week that we remember a number of important saints, today we honor St.
Luke the Evangelist. He is one of our earliest saints, and the first reading from 2 Timothy recognizes him as one of Paul’s companions – someone who was faithful to the gospel and committed to sharing it with others. Luke’s particular gift as someone wrote his gospel and Acts of the Apostles was his attention for detail.
Only in God is My Soul at Rest"
Today's Mass Readings
If we do not understand today’s first reading as a continuation of yesterday’s readings, it is easy to misunderstand Paul’s harsh language about the wrath of God. Not once, but twice just in today’s reading Paul points to the judgement and wrath of God. In the gospel reading too, Jesus expresses his frustration with the Pharisees for their inability to comprehend the mysteries of spiritual life.
Today's Mass Readings
If we do not understand today’s first reading as a continuation of yesterday’s readings, it is easy to misunderstand Paul’s harsh language about the wrath of God. Not once, but twice just in today’s reading Paul points to the judgement and wrath of God. In the gospel reading too, Jesus expresses his frustration with the Pharisees for their inability to comprehend the mysteries of spiritual life.
The One Who is Righteous by faith Will Live.”
Today's Mass Readings
The letter to the Romans is not an easy letter to grasp. It contains some basic Christian teaching which has influenced Christian doctrine even to this day. In today’s first reading for example (Rom 1:16-25), we find the basis for Catholic teaching on natural law. St. Paul elaborates on what we find written in Psalm 19, namely, that God can be known by all through the world around us. God created the universe, and everything in it, and has left His mark on the created order. The difficulty is that through sin, our sense of God and of God’s law has been impaired. If we were sinless, we would easily perceive God through the created world, and we would have clear access to the natural law through our conscience, which would clearly perceive the Holy Spirit speaking to us. Because of the reality of sin, the Church does not teach that we should obey our conscience blindly, but rather we should only obey an informed conscience.
Today's Mass Readings
The letter to the Romans is not an easy letter to grasp. It contains some basic Christian teaching which has influenced Christian doctrine even to this day. In today’s first reading for example (Rom 1:16-25), we find the basis for Catholic teaching on natural law. St. Paul elaborates on what we find written in Psalm 19, namely, that God can be known by all through the world around us. God created the universe, and everything in it, and has left His mark on the created order. The difficulty is that through sin, our sense of God and of God’s law has been impaired. If we were sinless, we would easily perceive God through the created world, and we would have clear access to the natural law through our conscience, which would clearly perceive the Holy Spirit speaking to us. Because of the reality of sin, the Church does not teach that we should obey our conscience blindly, but rather we should only obey an informed conscience.
Something Greater than Jonah is Here "
Today's Mass Readings
On this memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, better known as St. Teresa of Avila, we find Jesus hinting at His significance in today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke. He is criticizing many of His generation, because they did not recognize who He was.
Today's Mass Readings
On this memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, better known as St. Teresa of Avila, we find Jesus hinting at His significance in today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke. He is criticizing many of His generation, because they did not recognize who He was.
If We Have Died with Christ We shall also Live with Christ"
Sunday Mass Readings
"If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him." (2 Tim 2:11-12)
The above verses are taken from an early Christian hymn. Paul uses it in his letter to Timothy to urge the early Christians to remain faithful to Christ in the midst of adversity. The hymn is relevant even today.
Sunday Mass Readings
"If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him." (2 Tim 2:11-12)
The above verses are taken from an early Christian hymn. Paul uses it in his letter to Timothy to urge the early Christians to remain faithful to Christ in the midst of adversity. The hymn is relevant even today.
Blessed are Those Who Hear the Word of God and Observe It"
Today's Mass Readings
There are two instances in the gospels where Jesus seems to be devaluing the role of Mary, his mother in his life. One of them is today’s gospel reading from Luke 11:27-28. Jesus response to the woman in the crowd who said, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed,” at first sight seems rather negative. In another place in Luke (Lk 8: 19-21), when his mother and his brothers came to see Jesus, he once again seems to minimize the role of his mother. Instead, he says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Some Christians use these passages to justify their negative assessment of Mary. They say that if Jesus treated Mary in such an ordinary way so must all Christians.
Today's Mass Readings
There are two instances in the gospels where Jesus seems to be devaluing the role of Mary, his mother in his life. One of them is today’s gospel reading from Luke 11:27-28. Jesus response to the woman in the crowd who said, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed,” at first sight seems rather negative. In another place in Luke (Lk 8: 19-21), when his mother and his brothers came to see Jesus, he once again seems to minimize the role of his mother. Instead, he says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Some Christians use these passages to justify their negative assessment of Mary. They say that if Jesus treated Mary in such an ordinary way so must all Christians.
Whoever is Not With Me is Against Me"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus casts out demons. Some among the crowd, however, assert that Jesus was only able to cast out demons because He Himself relies upon the power of the prince of demons, Beelzebul, the lord of the flies, or Satan himself. Jesus responds by pointing out how foolish it would be for Satan to fight his own demons. How could such a kingdom stand where it was divided amongst itself?
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus casts out demons. Some among the crowd, however, assert that Jesus was only able to cast out demons because He Himself relies upon the power of the prince of demons, Beelzebul, the lord of the flies, or Satan himself. Jesus responds by pointing out how foolish it would be for Satan to fight his own demons. How could such a kingdom stand where it was divided amongst itself?
Blessed are They who Hope in the Lord
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s beautiful first reading strikes a contrast between those who defy the Lord and those who fear the Lord, trusting in his name. Those who defy the Lord ask indignantly why they should be repentant when evildoers profit. Those who fear the Lord, meanwhile, have their names recorded and receive God’s compassion: “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays” (Mal 3:20b). We see here that ultimately God takes care of those who respect him and do his will; this is true even if evildoers seem to profit in their defiance of the Lord on earth.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s beautiful first reading strikes a contrast between those who defy the Lord and those who fear the Lord, trusting in his name. Those who defy the Lord ask indignantly why they should be repentant when evildoers profit. Those who fear the Lord, meanwhile, have their names recorded and receive God’s compassion: “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays” (Mal 3:20b). We see here that ultimately God takes care of those who respect him and do his will; this is true even if evildoers seem to profit in their defiance of the Lord on earth.
Lord, You are Merciful and Gracious"
Today's Mass Readings
The stormy episode between God and Jonah finally comes to a climax in today’s first reading. This story contrasts God’s will against Jonah’s stubbornness, God’s mercy against Jonah’s vengeful nature and God’s universal love against Jonah’s desire for exclusivity. Finally, God is able to persuade Jonah to see faith, the world and himself in the way that God sees things. It is a vision of universal peace and love.
Today's Mass Readings
The stormy episode between God and Jonah finally comes to a climax in today’s first reading. This story contrasts God’s will against Jonah’s stubbornness, God’s mercy against Jonah’s vengeful nature and God’s universal love against Jonah’s desire for exclusivity. Finally, God is able to persuade Jonah to see faith, the world and himself in the way that God sees things. It is a vision of universal peace and love.
With the LORD is Kindness and Plenteous Redemption"
Today's Mass Readings
The first readings for yesterday, today, and tomorrow, are all taken from the Book of Jonah, and they go together nicely. Jonah is given a message from God to preach to the Assyrians in their capital city Nineveh. The Assyrians were the fiercest enemies of the ancient Israelites, in many ways even worse than the Babylonians. It may be for this reason that the Book of Judith envisions King Nebuchadnezzar as the king of the Assyrians in the Assyrian capital city of Nineveh, when everyone at that time would have clearly known that King Nebuchadnezzar actually was the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was the most infamous king named in the Old Testament, but the Assyrians, not the Babylonians, were the most infamous people named in the Old Testament. In a sense, the Book of Judith is allegorizingn to portray the worst king of the worst empire.
Today's Mass Readings
The first readings for yesterday, today, and tomorrow, are all taken from the Book of Jonah, and they go together nicely. Jonah is given a message from God to preach to the Assyrians in their capital city Nineveh. The Assyrians were the fiercest enemies of the ancient Israelites, in many ways even worse than the Babylonians. It may be for this reason that the Book of Judith envisions King Nebuchadnezzar as the king of the Assyrians in the Assyrian capital city of Nineveh, when everyone at that time would have clearly known that King Nebuchadnezzar actually was the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was the most infamous king named in the Old Testament, but the Assyrians, not the Babylonians, were the most infamous people named in the Old Testament. In a sense, the Book of Judith is allegorizingn to portray the worst king of the worst empire.
Teacher, What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life?”
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is one of the most well-known and most beloved of our tradition. Poor Jonah, swallowed up by a large fish, only to be spewed on the shore three days later…and led back to God’s work that he was trying to avoid. And why did Jonah wish to avoid the Ninevites? Was it because he did not think they would actually repent? Or was it because he thought they might actually repent and he didn’t think they deserved the blessings of God? From either perspective, Jonah wished to avoid the Ninevites because they were not like him in ethnicity or religion.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is one of the most well-known and most beloved of our tradition. Poor Jonah, swallowed up by a large fish, only to be spewed on the shore three days later…and led back to God’s work that he was trying to avoid. And why did Jonah wish to avoid the Ninevites? Was it because he did not think they would actually repent? Or was it because he thought they might actually repent and he didn’t think they deserved the blessings of God? From either perspective, Jonah wished to avoid the Ninevites because they were not like him in ethnicity or religion.
Lord, Increase Our Faith"
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of today’s readings is faith. The first reading from the book of Habakkuk says, “The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live” (Hab 2:4), and in the gospel reading, to the disciples’ request, “Lord, Increase our faith,” (Lk 17: 5), Jesus responded, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you” (Lk 17:6).
So what is faith?
Today's Mass Readings
The theme of today’s readings is faith. The first reading from the book of Habakkuk says, “The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live” (Hab 2:4), and in the gospel reading, to the disciples’ request, “Lord, Increase our faith,” (Lk 17: 5), Jesus responded, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you” (Lk 17:6).
So what is faith?
Fear not, my people!"
Today's Mass Readings
Over the past two weeks we have been reflecting on the theme of the Babylonian exile, the eventual return of the people back to Judah, and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Nowhere has the reason for the exile more clearly explained or the future course of action more categorically prescribed than in today's first reading. Let us take a look at both these aspects.
Today's Mass Readings
Over the past two weeks we have been reflecting on the theme of the Babylonian exile, the eventual return of the people back to Judah, and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Nowhere has the reason for the exile more clearly explained or the future course of action more categorically prescribed than in today's first reading. Let us take a look at both these aspects.
Deliver Us and Pardon our Sins
for Your Name’s Sake"
Today's Mass readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus condemning various cities. They have seen Jesus’ mighty deeds, and yet they do not recognize Him, in fact, in some instances, He is accused of being in league with the devil. Jesus uses the example of two cities Tyre and Sidon that, like Sodom and Gomorrah, were destroyed for their lack of repentance.
for Your Name’s Sake"
Today's Mass readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus condemning various cities. They have seen Jesus’ mighty deeds, and yet they do not recognize Him, in fact, in some instances, He is accused of being in league with the devil. Jesus uses the example of two cities Tyre and Sidon that, like Sodom and Gomorrah, were destroyed for their lack of repentance.
The Kingdom of God is at Hand For You"
Today's Mass Readings
“Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!” says Ezra and Nehemiah to the weeping former exiles now returned to their home in Jerusalem. What emotions must have overcome the Israelites who were allowed to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild their temple! While God had never abandoned them, they had been unable to worship him in the way they desired. Their exile in a foreign nation took away their right to worship according to the Law. Now they are home at last, and celebration is in order!
Today's Mass Readings
“Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!” says Ezra and Nehemiah to the weeping former exiles now returned to their home in Jerusalem. What emotions must have overcome the Israelites who were allowed to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild their temple! While God had never abandoned them, they had been unable to worship him in the way they desired. Their exile in a foreign nation took away their right to worship according to the Law. Now they are home at last, and celebration is in order!
Let My Tongue be Silenced if I Ever Forget You"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the book of the prophet Nehemiah is a continuation of the last week’s themes from Haggai. Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer for Emperor Artaxerxes (a cup bearer task was the taste the emperor’s drinks to ensure that it was not poisoned). When Nehemiah heard news about the state of Jerusalem (Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BC and the inhabitants taken to exile to Babylon), he pleaded with the Emperor Artaxerxes to appoint him governor of Judah (Jerusalem was the capital of Judah) so that he could rebuild Jerusalem. The emperor agreed and Nehemiah proved to be an excellent governor.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from the book of the prophet Nehemiah is a continuation of the last week’s themes from Haggai. Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer for Emperor Artaxerxes (a cup bearer task was the taste the emperor’s drinks to ensure that it was not poisoned). When Nehemiah heard news about the state of Jerusalem (Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BC and the inhabitants taken to exile to Babylon), he pleaded with the Emperor Artaxerxes to appoint him governor of Judah (Jerusalem was the capital of Judah) so that he could rebuild Jerusalem. The emperor agreed and Nehemiah proved to be an excellent governor.
God is with us"
Today's Mass Readings
Who will be greatest in Jesus’ kingdom? It would be helpful to understand a little more about this kingdom. The Jews of Jesus’ time were awaiting the end of the exile. The Babylonian exile had clearly ended, since the Jews had returned to the Promised Land, and, as we saw in the numerous first readings last week, had rebuilt the Temple. But the Babylonian exile only affected the Jews, i.e., the Judeans, those belonging to the tribe of Judah, although the tribe of Benjamin and many Levites were also included. Of the 12 tribes of Israel, only 2 remained in the southern kingdom, in the South, in Judea, where Jerusalem was. The other 10 tribes moved north to what became known as the kingdom of Israel. The northern kingdom was exiled by the Assyrians almost 200 years before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. To this day, Jews speak of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, and many await the reunification of all 12 tribes.
Today's Mass Readings
Who will be greatest in Jesus’ kingdom? It would be helpful to understand a little more about this kingdom. The Jews of Jesus’ time were awaiting the end of the exile. The Babylonian exile had clearly ended, since the Jews had returned to the Promised Land, and, as we saw in the numerous first readings last week, had rebuilt the Temple. But the Babylonian exile only affected the Jews, i.e., the Judeans, those belonging to the tribe of Judah, although the tribe of Benjamin and many Levites were also included. Of the 12 tribes of Israel, only 2 remained in the southern kingdom, in the South, in Judea, where Jerusalem was. The other 10 tribes moved north to what became known as the kingdom of Israel. The northern kingdom was exiled by the Assyrians almost 200 years before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. To this day, Jews speak of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, and many await the reunification of all 12 tribes.
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.