In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples what people are saying about his identity. The disciples indicate that most people believe that Jesus is a prophet of Israel. Then Jesus asks his disciples who they believe that he is. Simon Peter answers, identifying Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus commends Simon Peter…
The Lord Reveals His Salvation to All If we were reading Matthew’s entire Gospel, we would have read about Jesus’ debate with the Pharisees about Jewish purity laws. Jesus argues that it is not what goes into us that makes us unclean; he is referring to the strict Jewish dietary rules. Instead our words…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to take the risk of following Him with ever deeper faith as we are tossed about in the storm of life. When fearfully faced with tempests and earthquakes, we make acts of faith and hope. Yet, there is another kind of fear where we find everything difficult and trying.…
In today’s Gospel we experience Jesus using his power to heal and nourish others. We are called to use our gifts to love and care for others. We must love much to help others progress in holiness. Faith, hope and love form the basis of a generous heart. Generosity makes us trust in God’s goodness…
Jesus Teaches About the Kingdom of Heaven Today’s Gospel concludes three weeks of readings from the 13th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Throughout these three weeks we have heard Jesus teaching crowds about the kingdom of heaven, and we have heard Jesus interpret some of his teachings for the disciples. In this week’s Gospel, concludes…
Jesus Teaches in Parables In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers three parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. He also explains why he speaks to the crowds in parables and interprets the parable of the Sower for the disciples. This reading is a continuation of Jesus’ discourse that we began reading last Sunday. All three…
The Divine Attraction In today’s Gospel the crowds were mesmerized by Jesus and they hung on His every word. They were so drawn to Him that they crowded along the shore to listen as Jesus spoke from the boat. This Gospel story should pose a question to you on a personal level. Are you drawn to…
What are You Yoked To? Christ says: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Jesus is telling the truth. Compared to the burden of chasing after whatever our…
Jesus Outlines the Costs and Rewards of Discipleship In today’s Gospel, Jesus summarizes both the costs of discipleship and its rewards. Once again our understanding of the Gospel is strengthened by considering the context in which it was written and the perspective of Matthew’s audience. The conditions of discipleship outlined in Matthew’s Gospel may…
Jesus Assures that God Cares About You Matthew’s Gospel should be read in the context of Matthew’s intended audience, a Jewish-Christian community. The Gospel alludes to the dangers and persecutions that this community has most likely already faced and will continue to face. To reassure this community, Matthew recalls for them the encouraging words…