Scripture: Romans 1:16-25Luke 11:37-41 Reflection Our gospel today zeroes in on the dangers of “limp religion,” an approach to religion that is easy, reassuring, and even uplifting, but so focused on the trivial that it lacks the power to take…
Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10aPhilippians 4:12-14, 19-20Matthew 22:1-14 Reflection: What does heaven look like? Jesus never gives a direct answer. Instead, he compares it to something earthy, something real, as he does in today’s gospel. “The kingdom of heaven may be likened…
Scripture: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2Luke 11:15-26 Reflection: Both of today’s readings express a sure and solid belief in God’s providence for his people. God’s power is mightier than an invasion of locusts or an unclean spirit. God is on the side…
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10Luke 10:38-42 Reflection: I travel for work, facilitate support groups, offer trainings and retreats, and write. I have three adult children and four grandchildren I long to spend time with, and I am responsible for a home, yard,…
Scripture: Jonah 1:1-2:2, 11Luke 10:25-37 Reflection: Could Today’s Lawyer be a Relative of Jonah the Prophet? We begin this week with a holiday, Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, and we begin it with two stories from the lectionary. Courage…
Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7Philippians 4:6-9Matthew 21:33-43 Reflection: Jesus…Today! Today we are challenged by another of Jesus’ encounters with the religious leaders of his day. Matthew shares Jesus’ parable of the owner of a vineyard who seeks a return on his investment…
Scripture: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29Luke 10:17-24 Reflection: Turning to the disciples in private he said,‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.For I say to you,many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,but did not see it,and to…
Scripture: Baruch 1:15-22Luke 10:13-16 Reflection: Our Western culture, maintained by capitalism and a military establishment meant to protect it, thrives on myth of self-sufficiency. We preach to our children the importance of winning, career advancement, wealth, conformity, status, power and…
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12Luke 10:1-12 Reflection: Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. -Nehemiah 8:10 Yet know this: the Kingdom of God…
Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8Luke 9:57-62 Reflection: Bold Discipleship Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus inviting people to share his mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Some made great professions of faith as they joined Jesus; others…