Prepare the Way for Justice This week Gospel readings invite us to consider John the Baptist and his relationship to Jesus. John the Baptist appears in the tradition of the great prophets, preaching repentance and reform to the people of Israel. To affirm this, Luke quotes at length from the prophet Isaiah. John baptizes…
As we begin another liturgical year, our world cries out, begging for peace. On this first Sunday of Advent, God hears the sorrowful laments of many throughout the world, from Ukraine to Sudan to the Middle East. So many of us, myself included, want peace. During these terrible times, I am reminded of Pope Paul…
True Kingship At the end of the liturgical year, we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. But Christ’s kingship is different from any with which we’re familiar – his kingdom “does not belong to this world.” His kingship doesn’t demand violence, but truth. Following him brings us closer to God’s grace. Jesus must…
During the month of November, the feasts of our Church remind us that this world is passing: We must remember where we are going and what we must do to get there. Throughout this month, the readings have continued to emphasize these themes: that we will one day die, we will experience the judgment of…
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…