"Our Father"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading provides us the only prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Together with the first reading in which Abraham intercedes with God for forgiveness for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, these two readings provide us with important points for our own prayer life.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading provides us the only prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Together with the first reading in which Abraham intercedes with God for forgiveness for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, these two readings provide us with important points for our own prayer life.
“This is the Blood of the Covenant
the LORD has Made with You"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading describes the most central and defining event of the entire Old Testament – God’s Covenant with the people of Israel. Thus far, God had made covenants only with individuals – with Noah, Abraham, Jacob. But now, he has made a Covenant with an entire people.
the LORD has Made with You"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading describes the most central and defining event of the entire Old Testament – God’s Covenant with the people of Israel. Thus far, God had made covenants only with individuals – with Noah, Abraham, Jacob. But now, he has made a Covenant with an entire people.
"Lord, You have the Words of Everlasting Life"
Today's Mass Readings
Indeed, the Old Testament readings of this week have been the most important of the entire weeks in the liturgical year. Today, we have another significant episode of our salvation history being revealed – the Ten Commandments. These commandment form the core of the Covenant that God made with the people of Israel (tomorrow’s reading).
Today's Mass Readings
Indeed, the Old Testament readings of this week have been the most important of the entire weeks in the liturgical year. Today, we have another significant episode of our salvation history being revealed – the Ten Commandments. These commandment form the core of the Covenant that God made with the people of Israel (tomorrow’s reading).
"Blessed is Your Holy and Glorious Name, O Lord God!"
Today's Mass Readings
As human beings, how much can we know God? Opinions differ on this matter. Some would claim that God is so beyond human categories that any knowledge about is both insufficient and impossible. As Christians we believe that Jesus was the Son of God and in his incarnation we do know some things about God for certain. Thomas Aquinas suggested that one can know but not in His totality of being. He also said that what we do know about God is by analogy i.e., God is not really father in the same way that we have human fathers. Rather, God is ‘like’ a father. In any case, the human capacity for the knowledge of God is the main theme for today’s reflections.
Today's Mass Readings
As human beings, how much can we know God? Opinions differ on this matter. Some would claim that God is so beyond human categories that any knowledge about is both insufficient and impossible. As Christians we believe that Jesus was the Son of God and in his incarnation we do know some things about God for certain. Thomas Aquinas suggested that one can know but not in His totality of being. He also said that what we do know about God is by analogy i.e., God is not really father in the same way that we have human fathers. Rather, God is ‘like’ a father. In any case, the human capacity for the knowledge of God is the main theme for today’s reflections.
"We Hold this Treasure in Earthen Vessels"
Today's Mass Readings Today is the feast of the apostle James. James was the brother of John (possibly the Evangelist). He is known as James the Great to distinguish him from James the Less, or James the brother of the Lord, who became a pillar of the Jerusalem community, and is thought to have been the first bishop of Jerusalem (Galatians 1, 19 and 2, 9). With Peter and John, James was clearly one of Jesus' closest friends during his ministry. James was martyred at the hands of Herod Agrippa I about 41-44 A.D.
Today's Mass Readings Today is the feast of the apostle James. James was the brother of John (possibly the Evangelist). He is known as James the Great to distinguish him from James the Less, or James the brother of the Lord, who became a pillar of the Jerusalem community, and is thought to have been the first bishop of Jerusalem (Galatians 1, 19 and 2, 9). With Peter and John, James was clearly one of Jesus' closest friends during his ministry. James was martyred at the hands of Herod Agrippa I about 41-44 A.D.
"Whoever Does the Will of My Heavenly Father is My Brother, and Sister, and Mother.”
Today's Mass Readings
The passage from the book of Exodus that we have as our first reading is one not only one of the most decisive moments in Israel’s struggle for freedom, it is also a passage that has implications for Christian living. On the one hand, this passage describes the final destruction of the Egyptian military power. On the other hand, this passage is read at every Easter vigil because of the waters of the Red Sea is a symbol of the “new life” that every Christian every experiences at Baptism.
Today's Mass Readings
The passage from the book of Exodus that we have as our first reading is one not only one of the most decisive moments in Israel’s struggle for freedom, it is also a passage that has implications for Christian living. On the one hand, this passage describes the final destruction of the Egyptian military power. On the other hand, this passage is read at every Easter vigil because of the waters of the Red Sea is a symbol of the “new life” that every Christian every experiences at Baptism.
"Something Greater than Solomon is Here"
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from Exodus today sets up one of the most famous miracles of the Old Testament, namely, the parting of the Red Sea. For years the Israelite people had lived among the Egyptians, only to be enslaved by the Pharaoh because of his jealousy for their prosperity. During this time, many of the Israelites adopted practices of the Egyptians, such as worship of their gods rather than of their own God. Although they were enslaved, the Israelites were accustomed to that way of life. So it’s no wonder that the Israelites complain against Moses in today’s reading. They emphasize that they were perfectly willing to stay and serve the Egyptians, especially if the alternative is being killed by the Pharaoh’s army in the desert to which they had escaped. We see here the rather unsure faith of a people that have been enslaved for generations. Moses, must lead these people into developing a faith that is as sure as his own. The first reading ends by the Lord asserting that the Egyptians will know he is God by the miracle that is about to happen. God will now carry out what he had promised to Moses at the burning bush.
Today's Mass Readings
The first reading from Exodus today sets up one of the most famous miracles of the Old Testament, namely, the parting of the Red Sea. For years the Israelite people had lived among the Egyptians, only to be enslaved by the Pharaoh because of his jealousy for their prosperity. During this time, many of the Israelites adopted practices of the Egyptians, such as worship of their gods rather than of their own God. Although they were enslaved, the Israelites were accustomed to that way of life. So it’s no wonder that the Israelites complain against Moses in today’s reading. They emphasize that they were perfectly willing to stay and serve the Egyptians, especially if the alternative is being killed by the Pharaoh’s army in the desert to which they had escaped. We see here the rather unsure faith of a people that have been enslaved for generations. Moses, must lead these people into developing a faith that is as sure as his own. The first reading ends by the Lord asserting that the Egyptians will know he is God by the miracle that is about to happen. God will now carry out what he had promised to Moses at the burning bush.
"He Who Does Justice Will Live in the Presence of the Lord"
Sunday Mass Readings
God promise to Abraham was fulfilled because of his generosity toward the strangers. Even though God had made the promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, this promise remained unfulfilled for many years. In frustration, Abraham even had a son through his salve woman, Hagar. But now time has come for that promise to be fulfilled. And strangely enough, God came in the form of a stranger to announce the good news. This incident makes me ask a question. What would have happened if Abraham did not receive the strangers of was inhospitable toward them? I think he would have missed God’s blessing.
Sunday Mass Readings
God promise to Abraham was fulfilled because of his generosity toward the strangers. Even though God had made the promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, this promise remained unfulfilled for many years. In frustration, Abraham even had a son through his salve woman, Hagar. But now time has come for that promise to be fulfilled. And strangely enough, God came in the form of a stranger to announce the good news. This incident makes me ask a question. What would have happened if Abraham did not receive the strangers of was inhospitable toward them? I think he would have missed God’s blessing.
“This Day Shall be a Memorial Feast for You"
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading is perhaps the most important Old Testament scripture from the perpsective of the life of the Church and its Eucharistc life. This is so because today's reading discribes the very first Passover. Because of the passover lamb, the people of Israel woud be spared, whereas, the first born of all Egyptians, including that of Pharoah, would face death.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading is perhaps the most important Old Testament scripture from the perpsective of the life of the Church and its Eucharistc life. This is so because today's reading discribes the very first Passover. Because of the passover lamb, the people of Israel woud be spared, whereas, the first born of all Egyptians, including that of Pharoah, would face death.
“I AM WHO I AM"
Today's Mass Readings
What is God’s name? Abraham did not ask that question; Isaac did not ask that question and Jacob did not ask that question. Moses dared to ask that question, though not for his own sake but only to get the mission entrusted to him some credibility. God’s answer to him was evasive, “I am who I am.”
The inability to name God should be interpreted as God’s arrogance, but rather, God’s awesomeness. Human beings are creatures; God is Creator. There is a huge difference between the two. The Israelites realized that. They called God “Yahweh,” originally YHWH (the absence of any vowels symbolize the fact that God’s name is unpronounceable. Yahweh is a word play on the Hebrew equivalent of “I am who I am.” Translated into English it could mean “to be” or “he causes to be, ” in other words, eternal.
Today's Mass Readings
What is God’s name? Abraham did not ask that question; Isaac did not ask that question and Jacob did not ask that question. Moses dared to ask that question, though not for his own sake but only to get the mission entrusted to him some credibility. God’s answer to him was evasive, “I am who I am.”
The inability to name God should be interpreted as God’s arrogance, but rather, God’s awesomeness. Human beings are creatures; God is Creator. There is a huge difference between the two. The Israelites realized that. They called God “Yahweh,” originally YHWH (the absence of any vowels symbolize the fact that God’s name is unpronounceable. Yahweh is a word play on the Hebrew equivalent of “I am who I am.” Translated into English it could mean “to be” or “he causes to be, ” in other words, eternal.
“The Lord is Kind and Merciful"
Today's Mass Readings
Of all ways in which God reveals his self in the Old Testament, the burning bush is perhaps the most spectacular and yet the most personal. As we read this reading, it is easy to get carried away with the burning bush, or God’s determination to save the people. However, equally significant is God’s self-revelation. God is Holy! Thus Moses is asked to take off his sandals. The cry of his people has become unbearable to God. Thus, as the Psalmist says in the Psalm response, “The Lord is kind and merciful.”
Today's Mass Readings
Of all ways in which God reveals his self in the Old Testament, the burning bush is perhaps the most spectacular and yet the most personal. As we read this reading, it is easy to get carried away with the burning bush, or God’s determination to save the people. However, equally significant is God’s self-revelation. God is Holy! Thus Moses is asked to take off his sandals. The cry of his people has become unbearable to God. Thus, as the Psalmist says in the Psalm response, “The Lord is kind and merciful.”
“Turn to the Lord in Your Need, and You Will Live"
Today's Mass Readings
The people of Israel finally end up becoming slaves to the Egyptians. They were slaves for almost four hundred years. But certain events must occur before they can be redeemed. Once again, as in the past, if God wanted God could free them with merely his words. But we must remember that God wants to build a Covenantal relationship with Israel. Thus God takes the first step (Moses is called into Midian). He then waits for human beings to make a free choice, so that God can redeem them.
Today's Mass Readings
The people of Israel finally end up becoming slaves to the Egyptians. They were slaves for almost four hundred years. But certain events must occur before they can be redeemed. Once again, as in the past, if God wanted God could free them with merely his words. But we must remember that God wants to build a Covenantal relationship with Israel. Thus God takes the first step (Moses is called into Midian). He then waits for human beings to make a free choice, so that God can redeem them.
“Our Help is in the Name of the Lord"
Today's Mass Readings
We begin our reflection in the second book of the Bible, the book of Exodus. Exodus literally means “departure.” Obviously, we are referring to the departure of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. However, the events preceding the “exodus” are the formative years of a people who develop a sense of identity, develop a relationship with God, come to know God as their redeemer, and learn to trust God in the same way that their fathers in faith, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had done.
Today's Mass Readings
We begin our reflection in the second book of the Bible, the book of Exodus. Exodus literally means “departure.” Obviously, we are referring to the departure of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. However, the events preceding the “exodus” are the formative years of a people who develop a sense of identity, develop a relationship with God, come to know God as their redeemer, and learn to trust God in the same way that their fathers in faith, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had done.
“Do This and You Will Live"
Sunday Mass Readings
It is often the case in the gospels that when people asked Jesus a question, he often posed a counter question and drew the answer from the questioner. We have one such example in the gospel reading (Mt 11:25-27). When the scholar asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him the question what the Law proposed. When the scholar gave the correct answer, Jesus responded with a statement that is important: “Do this and you will live.”
Sunday Mass Readings
It is often the case in the gospels that when people asked Jesus a question, he often posed a counter question and drew the answer from the questioner. We have one such example in the gospel reading (Mt 11:25-27). When the scholar asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him the question what the Law proposed. When the scholar gave the correct answer, Jesus responded with a statement that is important: “Do this and you will live.”
“Be Glad You Lowly Ones; May Your Hearts Be Glad"
Today's Mass Readings
Two events of significance occur in today’s first reading. First, Jacob forms his twelve sons into the twelve tribes of Israel. And then he dies. Second, Joseph assures his brothers that even as the governor in Egypt he would seek to settle accounts even though their father was now dead. Thus, after providing for the needs of his brothers as a sign of his genuineness, he himself dies. An entire epoch in the history of the people of God has concluded.
Today's Mass Readings
Two events of significance occur in today’s first reading. First, Jacob forms his twelve sons into the twelve tribes of Israel. And then he dies. Second, Joseph assures his brothers that even as the governor in Egypt he would seek to settle accounts even though their father was now dead. Thus, after providing for the needs of his brothers as a sign of his genuineness, he himself dies. An entire epoch in the history of the people of God has concluded.
“Trust in the LORD and Do Good"
Today's Mass Readings
Jacob’s trust in God and God’s care for Jacob are both showcased in today’s first reading (Gen 46:1-7, 28-30). As Israel (formerly Jacob) sets out for Egypt, he offered a sacrifice to his God. God in return appears to Israel in a dream and assured him that He would be with him. The promise of Israel a great nation is repeated again. God promises that God himself would go with him.
Today's Mass Readings
Jacob’s trust in God and God’s care for Jacob are both showcased in today’s first reading (Gen 46:1-7, 28-30). As Israel (formerly Jacob) sets out for Egypt, he offered a sacrifice to his God. God in return appears to Israel in a dream and assured him that He would be with him. The promise of Israel a great nation is repeated again. God promises that God himself would go with him.
"Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood
has eternal life"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see another example of an individual who is about to enter into Christian Mystagogy. Like the Ethiopian eunuch from yesterday’s reading, Saul, who becomes known to the world as the Apostle Paul, is not yet following Jesus. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul does not yet understand the Old Testament in light of Christ. Unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul is actively persecuting Christians. Also unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul understands the Old Testament very well, at one level.
has eternal life"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see another example of an individual who is about to enter into Christian Mystagogy. Like the Ethiopian eunuch from yesterday’s reading, Saul, who becomes known to the world as the Apostle Paul, is not yet following Jesus. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul does not yet understand the Old Testament in light of Christ. Unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul is actively persecuting Christians. Also unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul understands the Old Testament very well, at one level.
"Whoever Eats This Bread Will Live Forever"
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus continues to emphasize what He has been explaining to the crowd and to His disciples in the Gospel readings this entire week. Namely, that He is the Bread of Life. Those who followed Moses and who at the manna in the wilderness all eventually died. Jesus informs His audience that if they eat of the Bread of Life, i.e. if they eat Jesus, they will not die but have eternal life. Jesus explains that the bread of which He speaks is His flesh.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus continues to emphasize what He has been explaining to the crowd and to His disciples in the Gospel readings this entire week. Namely, that He is the Bread of Life. Those who followed Moses and who at the manna in the wilderness all eventually died. Jesus informs His audience that if they eat of the Bread of Life, i.e. if they eat Jesus, they will not die but have eternal life. Jesus explains that the bread of which He speaks is His flesh.
"Be a Witness Today"
Today's Mass Readings
The Church celebrates the feast of Mark the evangelist, the author of the first gospel. Mark was in all probability a Gentile Christian who closely followed the apostle Peter. His gospel is addressed to a primarily to non-Jewish Christians who were facing persecution. Thus, Jesus is presented as one who accepts suffering as the cost for following God’s will.
Today's Mass Readings
The Church celebrates the feast of Mark the evangelist, the author of the first gospel. Mark was in all probability a Gentile Christian who closely followed the apostle Peter. His gospel is addressed to a primarily to non-Jewish Christians who were facing persecution. Thus, Jesus is presented as one who accepts suffering as the cost for following God’s will.
"Imitation of Christ"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading gives us the account of the first martyrdom in the early Christian Church. Stephen challenged the religious authorities to separate themselves from the line of those ancestors who persecuted the righteous prophets of their times. Jeremiah, for example, was one such presecuted prophet. But Stephen’s fiery speech only infuriated them further.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading gives us the account of the first martyrdom in the early Christian Church. Stephen challenged the religious authorities to separate themselves from the line of those ancestors who persecuted the righteous prophets of their times. Jeremiah, for example, was one such presecuted prophet. But Stephen’s fiery speech only infuriated them further.