Scripture: Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 Matthew 11:28-30 Reflection: Upon first glance, it might seem that the Old and New Testament readings are making very different points today. Isaiah tells us that judgment is coming, that we have suffered often in vain and that the Lord » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Matthew 13:24-43 Reflection: The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field. The seed is the word of God. Luke 8:11 St Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists, had a very special » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-17 Matthew 10:34-11:1 Reflection: A quick read of today’s Scriptures produces a rather somber, somewhat disturbing tone…one all-too-appropriate for a Monday morning! The selection from early in Isaiah’s writing presents a picture of God’s people gone astray, challenged through the prophet by God » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Micah 2:1-5 Matthew 12:14-21 Reflection: Our readings for this Saturday in ordinary time are hardly ordinary at all. In fact, with the imagery we find from the prophet Micah, along with the Gospel echo of the great prophet Isaiah, our readings invite us to » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Matthew 10:24-33 Reflection: Passing on messages can be a challenge. It’s one thing to talk to a person who represents a tail wagging puppy, and another who is a roaring lion or another who yawns in your face, looking for a soft chair to » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-11 Matthew 13:1-23 Reflection: There used to be an amusing TV commercial for Chiffon margarine; Mother Nature was fooled by the sweet taste of the creamy spread and she mistook it for butter. At the end she thunders, "It’s not nice to fool » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 11:1-7, 8c-9 Matthew 10:7-15 Reflection: Parents are deeply involved in their children’s development and welfare. They expend time, energy and money on behalf of the young committed to their care. This is especially evident during their years of education, among which the college » Continue Reading.
Readings: Ephesians 2:19-22 John 20:24-29 Reflection: We are, of course, all familiar with John’s account of Thomas and his refusal to believe the disciples’ miraculous news that Jesus had risen from the dead, "unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands." In » Continue Reading.
Memorial of St. Benedict, abbot Scripture: Hosea 14:2-10 Matthew 10:16-23 (387) Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gets His disciples ready for the persecutions they will face for following Him. He gives them encouragement, promising them that "whoever endures…will be saved." He also uses some » Continue Reading.
Readings: Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 Matthew 9:9-13 Reflection: Today we reflect not just on the call of Matthew to join Jesus, but on the call Jesus makes to each of us. Matthew, a tax collector in his day, would have most certainly been viewed as a » Continue Reading.