Love, is the Essence of DiscipleshipLove, Jesus teaches in this gospel passage, is the essence of discipleship. All that God asks of us can be boiled down to two deceptively simple commandments: that we love God with every part of our being, and that we love our neighbors as ourselves. These commandments are not original…
Caesar and GodIn today’s Gospel Jesus reminds us of the necessity of giving things their proper importance.The Herodians and Pharisees were giving too much importance to the issue of the payment of taxes.Jesus reminds them that loving and honoring God is of greater importance. In family life we do manyimportant things, but we remember that…
All are Invited, All are WelcomeIn Today’s gospel the image and symbol of the meal and banquet are used to let us know how generous God is. The table is set and the food is ready. However, those invited gave various excuses why they could not go to the feast. In response, the king invited…
Gratitude to GodIn this Sunday’s readings we hear two parables that speak about vineyards. Vineyards were special fields that were very carefully looked after in order to produce the best wine possible. In the gospel, Jesus speaks of a second vineyard that the Father owns. The Father also expects fruit from his vineyardand sends messengers…
Accepting the Gift of RepentanceOur journey through life is filled with ups and downs, successes and failures. We stumble, we falter, andat times, we hurt those we love most. We strive to live by Christian principles, which call us to love unconditionally as Christ did, yet we fall short. In moments of reflection, we may…
The Mercy of God Elevates JusticeToday’s parable speaks of the mercy of God that does not negate justice, but elevates it. St. Paul invites us today to “conduct ourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This alone is the way worthy of the gospel of Christ: to delight in the blessings of…
Forgive One Another as God has Forgiven UsIn today’s reading Peter asks Jesus how many times one ought to extend forgiveness to another. Theparable of the unforgiving servant is Jesus’ elaboration of his initial reply to Peter. Through the parable wecome to understand the depths of God’s mercy toward us and the results of our…
Fraternal CorrectionIn today’s Gospel, God demands that a sinner not be tried, convicted, or sentenced in absentia, becauseit’s the sinner’s welfare that is at stake as much as the welfare of the one who is sinned against. In ourmodern throw-away culture, we may not wish to love the criminal, but only the victim. Jesus is…
HumblyLike in the first reading, the focus in today’s gospel is on humility. To be humble, according to Jesus, is tonot exalt oneself, thinking of oneself more highly than one ought. Rather, the humble person chooses the lowest place at the table. That person chooses not to pursue status but to let other people be…
Who do I say that Christ is in my life?In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a profound moment where Jesus asks his disciples a criticalquestion: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13). The disciples share various opinions circulating among the people: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still…