Scripture: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-231 Corinthians 15:45-49Luke 6:27-38 Reflection: In the midst of political divisions in our country and in the world, including war and violence, in the midst of people interpreting what is going on in vastly…
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4Matthew 16:13-19 Reflection: So much of today’s readings reference shepherding. Psalm 23, with its familiar and comforting words, reassures us of God’s love and protection. The Chair of St…
Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9Mark 8:34-9:1 Reflection: Sometimes what seems the best and most promising path to take reaps consequences utterly different than we anticipated. And sometimes the path we initially want nothing to do with is precisely the one that opens…
Scripture: Genesis 9:1-13Mark 8:27-33 Reflection: There is nothing quite as striking or stunning as a rainbow after a deluge of rain that brings life to a standstill. Even while dark clouds still threaten more rain and there is only a…
Scripture: Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22Mark 8:22-26 Reflection: Both scripture readings today present us with stories about living in a wounded world. The first, from Genesis, recounts the last half of the story of Noah. The forty days of rain have stopped…
Scripture: Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10Mark 8:14-21 Reflection: Imagine, if you will, these two striking statements taken from our reading today found in Genesis, chapter six: “When the Lord saw how great was man’s wickedness on earth, and how no desire…
Scripture: Genesis 4:1-15, 25Mark 8:11-13 Reflection: Today’s first reading from Genesis, the infamous and always unsettling story of Cain murdering his brother Abel, is a case study in the pernicious effects of envy, traditionally listed as one of the seven…
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-81 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20Luke 6:17, 20-26 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for today (Luke 6:17, 20-26), Jesus gives some reassurances and some challenges. The reassurances come in the form of beatitudes. Jesus begins with “Blessed are you who…
Scripture: Genesis 3:9-24Mark 8:1-10 Reflection: What were Jesus and his disciples to do with a large crowd in a deserted place, and very hungry after spending three days with them? There just wasn’t enough bread for them. Jesus was “moved…
Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop Scripture: Genesis 3:1-8Mark 7:31-37 Reflection: Jesus often told people not to publicize his miracles. This might seem counterintuitive – wouldn’t miracles be the most obvious way to demonstrate divine power? It makes…