Jesus tells three parables in Sunday’s gospel, ending with the story of the prodigal son. “My son, you are with me always, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice! This brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life. He was lost, and is found.” Luke 15.31-32 […]
Gospel Reflection for September 15, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14.27 Crucifixion was an excruciatingly painful and shameful form of execution, reserved for Rome’s vilest criminals and insurrectionists, cruelly calculated to deter imitators. Jesus’ teaching to carry the cross would have shocked and rocked his listeners. Understanding that exaggeration
Gospel Reflection for September 8, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. You will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14.13-14 In his advice for making guest lists, Jesus prefers those who cannot repay their hosts with
Gospel Reflection for September 1, 2013, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
A person asked Jesus this question, “Teacher, will only a few be saved?” Jesus answered, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13.23-24 Jesus’ narrow door is a demanding ethic. His way calls us to alleviate our fears by giving
Gospel Reflection for August 25, 2013, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” Luke 12.49 The fire Jesus wishes were already kindled points to this challenge of Jews and Gentiles in Christ working together to reconcile divisions. Fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Early in Luke’s gospel John
Gospel Reflection for August 18, 2013, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “From those to whom much has been given, much will be required; from those to whom much is committed, how much greater the demand!” Luke 12.48 Luke admonishes those who are leaders in the Christian community, those who have been entrusted with the care of “the little ones.” Their faith is to be
Gospel Reflection for August 11, 2013, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “Take care. Avoid greed in all its forms. For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Luke 12.15 In his gospel Luke urges us to see ourselves within a web of social relations, to stand in solidarity with those in need rather than alone like the rich fool. Like God,
Gospel Reflection for August 4, 2013, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
As we know from our experience, there are all kinds of prayers and reasons for praying. Sometimes we pray because we are in need of God’s help, as I did when I was concerned about my son’s safety. Sometimes we pray because we are grateful for a gift received or for a day in which
Sunday By Sunday excerpt for July 28: Prayer Read More »
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11.9 Jesus calls us in Sunday’s gospel to persevere in prayer. God is more gracious than a friend who reluctantly gets up in the night to help us. But God’s
Gospel Reflection for July 28, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
The story of the Good Samaritan leads Jesus to pose the question, “Which of these is your neighbor?” The lawyer responded, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said, “Then go and do the same.” Luke 10.36-37 The parable stands at the heart of Jesus’ message of salvation. In effect, Jesus tells the lawyer
Gospel Reflection for July 14, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »