The Pain of Betrayal"
Today's Mass Readings
The plot thickens. The intrigue grows. The drama unfolds. The altar for the eternal sacrifice of Jesus is being prepared. With the Passover fast approaching, the entire Jewish nation was busy preparing for the feast. Only Jesus knew that the sacrificial lamb that would be offered was himself. Humanity still does not grasp the depths of this sacrifice… but Jesus does.
Today's Mass Readings
The plot thickens. The intrigue grows. The drama unfolds. The altar for the eternal sacrifice of Jesus is being prepared. With the Passover fast approaching, the entire Jewish nation was busy preparing for the feast. Only Jesus knew that the sacrificial lamb that would be offered was himself. Humanity still does not grasp the depths of this sacrifice… but Jesus does.
"In You, O LORD, I Take Refuge"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus predicts His betrayal by Judas, as well as Peter’s denial. This text for the Tuesday of Holy Week foreshadows Jesus’ experience on Good Friday. Judas, Jesus’ friend and one of the twelve apostles He appointed, will betray Jesus. Peter, another apostle and friend of Jesus, will deny Jesus three times. As we walk with Jesus throughout Holy Week, it would be good for us to reflect on the struggles He underwent. Jesus not only suffered lashings, crucifixion, and death, but also the rejection and betrayal of His closest friends.Perhaps Jesus prayed today's Psalm during these times:
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus predicts His betrayal by Judas, as well as Peter’s denial. This text for the Tuesday of Holy Week foreshadows Jesus’ experience on Good Friday. Judas, Jesus’ friend and one of the twelve apostles He appointed, will betray Jesus. Peter, another apostle and friend of Jesus, will deny Jesus three times. As we walk with Jesus throughout Holy Week, it would be good for us to reflect on the struggles He underwent. Jesus not only suffered lashings, crucifixion, and death, but also the rejection and betrayal of His closest friends.Perhaps Jesus prayed today's Psalm during these times:
"The Lord is My Light and My Salvation; Whom Shall I Fear?"
Today's Mass Readings
During this Holy Week, the last week before the unbounded joy of Easter, the Scripture readings turn our attention to Jesus’ divinity, while not drawing our attention away from his humanity. The first reading from Isaiah foreshadows Jesus as the servant-messiah, who saves his people by his own obedience to God’s will. In the Gospel, we see Jesus spending time with his close friends – Martha, Mary and Lazarus – in his last days.
Today's Mass Readings
During this Holy Week, the last week before the unbounded joy of Easter, the Scripture readings turn our attention to Jesus’ divinity, while not drawing our attention away from his humanity. The first reading from Isaiah foreshadows Jesus as the servant-messiah, who saves his people by his own obedience to God’s will. In the Gospel, we see Jesus spending time with his close friends – Martha, Mary and Lazarus – in his last days.
"The Suffering Servant"
Sunday Mass Readings
Both the first reading and second reading talk about the “suffering servant.” There are four “servant songs” in the book of Isaiah that talk about the ideal servant leader: Is 42:1-7; (b) 49: 1-6; (c) 50: 4-9; and (d) 52:13 – 53:12). The servant leader is specially chosen by God to bring God’s saving grace to his people. The suffering servant accomplishes this mission by taking upon himself the suffering of the very people he comes to redeem.
Sunday Mass Readings
Both the first reading and second reading talk about the “suffering servant.” There are four “servant songs” in the book of Isaiah that talk about the ideal servant leader: Is 42:1-7; (b) 49: 1-6; (c) 50: 4-9; and (d) 52:13 – 53:12). The servant leader is specially chosen by God to bring God’s saving grace to his people. The suffering servant accomplishes this mission by taking upon himself the suffering of the very people he comes to redeem.
"Streaming to the LORD’s Redemption"
Today's Mass Readings
It may not seem obvious, but the underlying theme of today’s readings is restoration and unity. We draw this conclusion from statements in each of the readings. Thus, Ezekiel 37:24 says, “My servant David shall be prince over them, and there shall be one shepherd for them all.” In the gospel reading, Caiaphas the high priest prophesies, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man [Jesus] should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish’ (Jn 11:49-50). John adds, “He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.
Today's Mass Readings
It may not seem obvious, but the underlying theme of today’s readings is restoration and unity. We draw this conclusion from statements in each of the readings. Thus, Ezekiel 37:24 says, “My servant David shall be prince over them, and there shall be one shepherd for them all.” In the gospel reading, Caiaphas the high priest prophesies, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man [Jesus] should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish’ (Jn 11:49-50). John adds, “He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.
"In my distress I called upon the Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, the prophet laments about how he has been treated. By placing this passage with today’s reading from the Gospel of John, the Church invites us to see Jeremiah’s suffering in the light of Christ. Christ’s sufferings are thus likened to those of Jeremiah. We can understand at least one aspect of Christ’s sufferings from the context of Jeremiah’s life. Jeremiah was persecuted by his own people, because he was sent to preach against them. Jesus is likewise being persecuted by some of His own people because of His divine message, which was an affront to many in His audience.
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, the prophet laments about how he has been treated. By placing this passage with today’s reading from the Gospel of John, the Church invites us to see Jeremiah’s suffering in the light of Christ. Christ’s sufferings are thus likened to those of Jeremiah. We can understand at least one aspect of Christ’s sufferings from the context of Jeremiah’s life. Jeremiah was persecuted by his own people, because he was sent to preach against them. Jesus is likewise being persecuted by some of His own people because of His divine message, which was an affront to many in His audience.
"The Lord Remembers His Covenant For Ever"
Today's Mass Readings
It may seem that this theme of covenant is all-pervasive in today’s readings. Especially during this time of Lent, we recall God’s faithfulness to his people through all ages, from the beginning. The first passage, from Genesis, hence calls this to mind by telling the story of Abram (later Abraham). God promises to Abraham that he will keep the covenant forever, with all of Abraham’s descendants. This is meant to be a source of great hope, along with the psalm response, which explicitly remembers this covenant that God made with Abraham and Isaac.
Today's Mass Readings
It may seem that this theme of covenant is all-pervasive in today’s readings. Especially during this time of Lent, we recall God’s faithfulness to his people through all ages, from the beginning. The first passage, from Genesis, hence calls this to mind by telling the story of Abram (later Abraham). God promises to Abraham that he will keep the covenant forever, with all of Abraham’s descendants. This is meant to be a source of great hope, along with the psalm response, which explicitly remembers this covenant that God made with Abraham and Isaac.
"The TRUTH will set you FREE"
Today's Mass Readings
It seems like today’s gospel passage (Jn 8:31-42) is addressed to a group of people that consisted of both believers and non-believers. Thus v. 31 says, “Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We do not know how strongly the ones who believed in him did so, but there seems to be some trust in Jesus’ words. And then there were those who refused to believe and according to 8:37 were trying to kill Jesus.
Today's Mass Readings
It seems like today’s gospel passage (Jn 8:31-42) is addressed to a group of people that consisted of both believers and non-believers. Thus v. 31 says, “Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We do not know how strongly the ones who believed in him did so, but there seems to be some trust in Jesus’ words. And then there were those who refused to believe and according to 8:37 were trying to kill Jesus.
"Hide not your face from me"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is cryptically telling His audience that He is approaching the time where He will be killed, and then He will be raised from the dead and ascend to the Father in Heaven. Some in His audience recognize that Jesus is speaking about His own death, and they are confused. Is He going to kill Himself? Jesus is of course predicting His crucifixion at the hands of the Romans.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is cryptically telling His audience that He is approaching the time where He will be killed, and then He will be raised from the dead and ascend to the Father in Heaven. Some in His audience recognize that Jesus is speaking about His own death, and they are confused. Is He going to kill Himself? Jesus is of course predicting His crucifixion at the hands of the Romans.
"Feast of the Annunciation"
Today's Mass Readings
At first, it seems a little odd to celebrate the annunciation during this season of Lent. Yet, while we are immersed in this time of repentance, we are also nine months away from Christmas. So at a time when we fast in order to remember the loss of Jesus, he is at the same time never gone from us but rather intimately present.
Today's Mass Readings
At first, it seems a little odd to celebrate the annunciation during this season of Lent. Yet, while we are immersed in this time of repentance, we are also nine months away from Christmas. So at a time when we fast in order to remember the loss of Jesus, he is at the same time never gone from us but rather intimately present.
"Protecting Human Dignity"
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading is a great lesson on the God given dignity of the human person. The book of Genesis tells us that the source of the dignity of every human person comes from the fact that God has imprinted God’s own image and likeness on man and woman (Gen 1:26). Because of this every human person has a certain privilege and merits a certain kind of treatment. The Church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life – from conception until natural death – stems from this belief in the sacredness of every person.
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading is a great lesson on the God given dignity of the human person. The book of Genesis tells us that the source of the dignity of every human person comes from the fact that God has imprinted God’s own image and likeness on man and woman (Gen 1:26). Because of this every human person has a certain privilege and merits a certain kind of treatment. The Church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life – from conception until natural death – stems from this belief in the sacredness of every person.
"To Take a Stand; To Be the Voice of Christ"
Today' Mass Readings
“So a division occurred in the crowd because of him (Jesus).” John tells us that Jesus had become the cause of division in Israel (John 5: 43). Some in the multitude recognized him as prophet (7: 40), while others claimed that he was the messiah (7:41). The division arises because Jesus’ place of origin is contested. After his birth in Bethlehem, his family had fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. When they returned they lived in Nazareth in Galilee. It is clear in the reading that they associate Jesus as a Galilean rather than from than Bethlehem.
Today' Mass Readings
“So a division occurred in the crowd because of him (Jesus).” John tells us that Jesus had become the cause of division in Israel (John 5: 43). Some in the multitude recognized him as prophet (7: 40), while others claimed that he was the messiah (7:41). The division arises because Jesus’ place of origin is contested. After his birth in Bethlehem, his family had fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. When they returned they lived in Nazareth in Galilee. It is clear in the reading that they associate Jesus as a Galilean rather than from than Bethlehem.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom is a powerful reading. It points toward Good Friday, which is only three weeks from today. Those speaking in the text are the wicked who are frustrated by the righteous one who claims to be the Son of God. Christians have commonly understood this passage as referring to Jesus. Who else was condemned to a shameful death, mocked and tortured, and yet claimed to be the Son of God? The wicked, in this reading, felt judged by the righteous one’s life. He did not live the way they lived, but was set apart for God. He avoided sin and lived a holy life. The Greek philosopher Plato, who lived long before Jesus, wrote that if a truly righteous man ever walked the earth, he would be crucified. This is what we find happening in the first reading.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom is a powerful reading. It points toward Good Friday, which is only three weeks from today. Those speaking in the text are the wicked who are frustrated by the righteous one who claims to be the Son of God. Christians have commonly understood this passage as referring to Jesus. Who else was condemned to a shameful death, mocked and tortured, and yet claimed to be the Son of God? The wicked, in this reading, felt judged by the righteous one’s life. He did not live the way they lived, but was set apart for God. He avoided sin and lived a holy life. The Greek philosopher Plato, who lived long before Jesus, wrote that if a truly righteous man ever walked the earth, he would be crucified. This is what we find happening in the first reading.
"Remember us, O Lord!"
Today's Mass Readings
If there is one word that stands out in today’s readings, that word is “remember.” In the passage from Exodus, we see the Israelites turning back to the ways of the Egyptians even after God had freed them from slavery. Rather than worshipping God, they continue to worship Egyptian gods in the form of a molten calf.
Today's Mass Readings
If there is one word that stands out in today’s readings, that word is “remember.” In the passage from Exodus, we see the Israelites turning back to the ways of the Egyptians even after God had freed them from slavery. Rather than worshipping God, they continue to worship Egyptian gods in the form of a molten calf.
"The Love of the Father Can Carry Us Through"
Today's Mass Readings
Pay very close attention to the gospel readings for next two days. John 5:17- 40 is a monologue. Through it, Jesus explicates his very intimate relationship with the Father to his audience. This, in spite of the fact that in 5:18, his opponents were trying to kill him because Jesus claimed equality with the Father. That Jesus would continue to make bold statements such as, “Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (5:22), should baffle any of us.
Today's Mass Readings
Pay very close attention to the gospel readings for next two days. John 5:17- 40 is a monologue. Through it, Jesus explicates his very intimate relationship with the Father to his audience. This, in spite of the fact that in 5:18, his opponents were trying to kill him because Jesus claimed equality with the Father. That Jesus would continue to make bold statements such as, “Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (5:22), should baffle any of us.
"Living Waters"
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading for today from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, we find Ezekiel’s vision of the living water flowing from the Heavenly Temple. The image is reminiscent of Revelation chapter 21 and its depiction of the Heavenly Jerusalem and Jesus’ water of life. In Ezekiel’s passage this water is so overflowing and powerful, that it is depicted as turning the salt water of the sea, and presumably the Dead Sea as well, into fresh water.
Today's Mass Readings
In the first reading for today from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, we find Ezekiel’s vision of the living water flowing from the Heavenly Temple. The image is reminiscent of Revelation chapter 21 and its depiction of the Heavenly Jerusalem and Jesus’ water of life. In Ezekiel’s passage this water is so overflowing and powerful, that it is depicted as turning the salt water of the sea, and presumably the Dead Sea as well, into fresh water.
"Solemnity of St.Joseph"
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the solemnity of St. Joseph. He is known to us first of all as the husband of Mary and hence the foster father of Jesus. Both Mary and Joseph point us toward their holy Son, who was truly man and therefore had human parents. Today’s readings highlight the importance of Joseph’s role in salvation history
Today's Mass Readings
Today is the solemnity of St. Joseph. He is known to us first of all as the husband of Mary and hence the foster father of Jesus. Both Mary and Joseph point us toward their holy Son, who was truly man and therefore had human parents. Today’s readings highlight the importance of Joseph’s role in salvation history
"Growing in spiritual maturity"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is a very important reading in the Old Testament. After many years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites finally have finally reached the Promised Land. In the desert, had God led them, protected them, fed them and quenched their thirst. Now, under the leadership of Joshua, they have crossed the Jordan and are encamped east of Jericho. From now on there would be no longer be any manna. The Israelites would have to cultivate their own food. In this way, God was inviting the people to maturity, both spiritual and material. Like little children who begin to eat on their own, develop their own thinking and character, learn accountability, make responsible choices and grow up as mature, disciplined individuals, God now invites the Israelites to mature in their faith, in their relationship with God with one another and with other nations around them.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is a very important reading in the Old Testament. After many years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites finally have finally reached the Promised Land. In the desert, had God led them, protected them, fed them and quenched their thirst. Now, under the leadership of Joshua, they have crossed the Jordan and are encamped east of Jericho. From now on there would be no longer be any manna. The Israelites would have to cultivate their own food. In this way, God was inviting the people to maturity, both spiritual and material. Like little children who begin to eat on their own, develop their own thinking and character, learn accountability, make responsible choices and grow up as mature, disciplined individuals, God now invites the Israelites to mature in their faith, in their relationship with God with one another and with other nations around them.
"O God, be merciful to me a sinner."
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is taken from the book of the prophet Hosea. The prophet’s personal story is one of the most moving stories of the Old Testament. Hosea is commanded by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. God’s purpose was multi-dimensional. First, through Gomer’s infidelity to Hosea, God wanted the prophet to feel the pain of God who wept at the infidelity of Israel. Second, unlike a prostitute, God wanted Israel as a nation to vow themselves to “right, justice, love and mercy” (Hosea 2:21). It is in this context that we must understand the second part of the reading from Hosea where God says, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away.” Third, just as Hosea remained faithful his “wandering” wife, God wanted Israel to understand God’s fidelity to them.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading is taken from the book of the prophet Hosea. The prophet’s personal story is one of the most moving stories of the Old Testament. Hosea is commanded by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. God’s purpose was multi-dimensional. First, through Gomer’s infidelity to Hosea, God wanted the prophet to feel the pain of God who wept at the infidelity of Israel. Second, unlike a prostitute, God wanted Israel as a nation to vow themselves to “right, justice, love and mercy” (Hosea 2:21). It is in this context that we must understand the second part of the reading from Hosea where God says, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away.” Third, just as Hosea remained faithful his “wandering” wife, God wanted Israel to understand God’s fidelity to them.
"To Love God and Our Neighbor"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus explains the greatest commandment: Love God. However, Jesus adds a second one to the first: love your neighbor, which is an essential means of loving God. Loving God and loving neighbor are thus inseparable. Understanding and practicing these two commandments together would make Jesus say to us what he said to the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus explains the greatest commandment: Love God. However, Jesus adds a second one to the first: love your neighbor, which is an essential means of loving God. Loving God and loving neighbor are thus inseparable. Understanding and practicing these two commandments together would make Jesus say to us what he said to the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”