Jesus speaks clearly to a situation that we can understand those who cheat will find ways to make their cheating profitable. This goes on every day in our own society and perhaps even among people that we know. We can easily begin to ignore cheating when it happens among people that we love or care…
Everything changed the day Jesus was crucified. Once he died upon the cross, what was once merely an instrument of Roman punishment became in Christ the symbol of humans’ salvation from pain and death. It became an instrument of divine mercy, a symbol of love, and above all, our hope for God’s total deliverance at…
Follow Me The invitation from Jesus is always follow me, and the decision to follow in his footsteps is not one to be taken lightly. Jesus makes this very clear right at the beginning of this Sundays gospel when he spells out the cost of being his disciple, if anyone comes to me without hating their father…
Meals played an important role in the society in which Jesus lived. More than a time for sharing nourishment, they were a time to share ideas and to model different aspects of social relationships. the case here, the place that a person sits while eating are all important. The narrator says Jesus tells a parable,…
People Will Come and Take Their Place in the Kingdom of God Today’s Gospel reading is the third of three parables in chapter 13 that deal with the theme of the unexpected reversals brought by the Kingdom of God. As this parable opens, Luke reminds us that Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem.…
Jesus Brings Fire and Division The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C are not easy to hear. Jesus speaks clearly. He says He did not come to bring peace, but fire. He warns that even families will be divided because of Him. His words are bold and direct. This may…
Be Prepared, for at an Hour You do not Expect, the Son of Man Will Come. Jesus’ instructions on how to be ready for the coming judgment continue in the stories and sayings found in today’s Gospel. The antidote for the anxiety brought on by the coming judgment is to relinquish our possessions and…
In today’s Gospel, we heard of the Lord Jesus speaking to the people and responding to someone from the crowd who asked Him to be a judge between him and his brother. At any time and age, disputes between family members, friends and others regarding money, material wealth and privileges are commonplace, and it can…
God is Not Behind a Locked Door Jesus’ words today are unforgettable: “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” These are not empty promises. They are invitations to relationship. Jesus knows we sometimes feel like we’re knocking on heaven’s door in the…
We Are all Called to Hospitality—and Discipleship The story of Jesus in the home of Martha and Mary complements the story of the Good Samaritan, which immediately precedes it in Luke’s Gospel. Both stories are unique to Luke. The story of the Samaritan opens with the words “a certain man.” Today’s reading opens with…