Today’s Gospel begins with a strong criticism of the ‘teachers of the Law’. His disapproval of their actions was harsh and biting. Saying “Beware of” or “Watch out for”  these men, and accusing them of “’devouring’ widows’ houses” was guaranteed to make enemies, particularly when Pharisees were almost certainly there listening to him. Jesus had a natural ability for…

The Love of the Kingdom                 Today’s readings invite us to reflect on love, loyalty, and faithfulness. These themes are evident in the commands given in Deuteronomy, the eternal priesthood of Jesus in Hebrews, and Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandments in Mark. In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to the people about loving God with all…

Jesus Brings Healing and Restoration                 In our gospel today, Jesus brings healing and restoration to the blind man, Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus cries out for healing, for the pity and compassion of the Son of David. Jesus hears his cry, and through the voice of a messenger, tells Bartimaeus that Jesus is calling him to “Come…

Those Who Wish to be Great Must be The Servant of All                 In today’s Gospel, James and John ask to be given seats of honor when Jesus enters into his glory. Jesus notes their lack of understanding and predicts the suffering they will endure for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus says that the…

Seek God’s Wisdom                 In today’s Gospel Jesus encounters a rich young man who asks how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him. This is a difficult command, but it highlights the challenge of detachment from worldly riches. The young man is saddened…

Love According to God’s Plan                 God has a plan for humanity, for the life of each one of us, and John Paul II called it “God’s original plan” for humanity, for men and women of all times. In that plan, we were created to relate to each other, to complement each other, to help…

Whoever is Not against Us is For Us                 In today’s Gospel, the disciple John questions Jesus about an unknown exorcist who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. John’s question might have been motivated by jealousy. John’s question is further evidence that the disciples have not yet grasped Jesus’ words to them. They continue…

The Suffering Servant                 In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for what is to come. He identifies himself with the “just one’ in the Book of Wisdom which we heard in today’s first reading. He will be put to the test to give proof of his gentleness and patience. He will be…

The Kingdom of God How could Peter, the apostles, and Jesus’ other close companions have got his mission so totally wrong? We see it in this week’s Gospel, but the truth is that from the very beginning and right up to his death, the apostles were more or less clueless. That may sound a bit…

Listening to God Words                 In today’s reading, Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. This is a story about Jesus’ healing power, and in it we find clues about our understanding of sacrament.  In the Sacrament of Baptism, water and oil are used to show the power of the…