When Jesus asks James and John if they can drink the cup he will drink, they speak a bold and brash, “We can.” These two words in Latin form the motto of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet — possumus. The pioneering sisters in our community and other religious communities indeed lived bold and brash […]
Scripture Readings: Genesis 12.1-4; 2 Timothy1.8-10; Matthew 17.1-9 “This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests.” – Matthew 17.5 The 2nd Sunday of Lent focuses on the story of Jesus’ transfiguration and ours. In prayer on a mountaintop, Jesus’ glory shines through his humanity. The vision knocks Peter, James, and John off their feet in
Gospel Reflection for March 8, 2020, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Scripture Readings: Genesis 2.7-9; 3.1-7; Romans 5.12-19; Matthew 4.1-11 Scripture says, “Not by bread alone do people live but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Scripture also says, “You shall not put the Holy One your God to the test.” – Matthew 4.4, 7 The temptation gospel asks us to examine the
Gospel Reflection for March 1, 2020, 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
Scripture Readings: Leviticus 19.1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3.16-23; Matthew 5.38-48 “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for God makes the sun
Gospel Reflection for February 23, 2020, 7th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Scripture Readings: Malachi 3.1-4; Hebrews 2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40 Simeon took the child Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying, “Now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation for the Gentiles
Gospel Reflection for February 2, 2020, Feast of the Presentation Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 8.23-9.3; 1 Corinthians 1.10-13, 17; Matthew 4.12-23 From the time John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus began to proclaim, “Reform your lives! The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon known as Peter, and his brother Andrew, who were casting a net into
Gospel Reflection for January 26, 2020, 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Gospel Reflection for December 15, 2019, 3rd Sunday of Advent Sunday Readings: Isaiah 35.1-6,10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11 In his ministry Jesus is not hacking dead branches off the family tree of Israel nor winnowing hypocrites from among repentant sinners as John expected he would. Jesus is so different from the axe-wielding, chaff-winnowing judge that
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Gospel Reflection for December 8, 2019, 2nd Sunday of Advent Sunday Readings: Isaiah 2.1-5; Romans 13.11-14; Matthew 23.37-44 Ours are not the only troubled times. The prophet Isaiah describes in Sunday’s first reading an ideal king and a peaceable kin*dom. Small wonder, Isaiah lives in the years following the Assyria army’s destruction of the northern
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Sunday Readings: Isaiah 2.1-5; Romans 13.11-14; Matthew 23.37-44 “Be sure of this: If the owner of the house knew when the thief was coming he or she would keep a watchful eye and not allow the house to be broken into. You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming
Gospel Reflection for December 1, 2019, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Samuel 5.1-3; Colossians 1.12-20; Luke 23.35-43 Jesus was crucified with two criminals. One reviled Jesus, saying, “Aren’t you the messiah? Then save yourself and us.” The other criminal rebuked the first, saying, “Don’t you even fear God? … This man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your
Gospel Reflection for November 24, 2019, Feast of Christ the King Read More »