John the Baptist echoes the words of Second Isaiah to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. Make ready a road for God. Clear a straight path for God. Every valley shall be filled; every mountain and hill shall be leveled. The winding shall be made straight and rough ways smooth, and all humankind […]
Gospel Reflection for December 9, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Jesus is warning his followers about the frightening natural events that will accompany the return of Son of Man. When these things happen, stand straight and lift up your heads for your redemption is near at hand. Luke 21.28 In verses we hear this Sunday, Jesus talks about fear, foreboding, and signs in the heavens
Gospel Reflection for December 2, 2012, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Pilate, the Roman governor, summoned Jesus. Pilate asked, “So, then, are you a king?” Jesus said, “It is you who say I am a king. The reason I was born, the reason why I came into the world, is to testify to the truth. Anyone committed to the truth hears my voice.” John 18.7 In
Gospel Reflection for November 25, 2012, Feast of Christ the King Read More »
Jesus was talking to his disciples about the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus said, “About the day or hour when these things will happen, no one knows. Neither the angels in heaven nor even the Son, only the Father.” Mark 13.32 Why is the gospel ambiguous about when the world will end? To
Gospel Reflection for November 18, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus was teaching in the temple and spoke out against the scribes being showy in their faith, looking for status. Jesus said, “I want you to observe that this poor widow gave more to the treasury than all the others. They gave from their loose change what they could spare. But she in her poverty
Gospel Reflection for November 11, 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
One of the scribes asked Jesus which was the greatest of all the commandments. Jesus answered, “The greatest of all the commandments is ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord your God is Lord alone. Therefore, love the Lord your God with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is,
Gospel Reflection for November 4, 2012, 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Teacher, I want to see again,” Bartimaeus answered. “Go,” said Jesus. “Your faith has made you well.” At once Bartimaeus was able to see and followed Jesus up the road. Mark 10.51-52 Sunday’s gospel portrays the blind beggar Bartimaeus as an ideal disciple.
Gospel Reflection for October 28, 2012, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10.45 Jesus calls his disciples together when he hears the rest complaining about James and John seeking status. He defines himself as one who serves, who gives his life to
Gospel Reflection for October 21st, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “How hard for those trusting riches to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10.24 In his lifetime, Jesus was an itinerant preacher, who possessed no belongings and owned no home. Jesus sent his disciples out in the same way—with no food, money, bags, or second tunic. Christians for whom Mark writes in A.D.
Gospel Reflection for October 14, 2012, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Some Pharisees ask Jesus if the Law allows for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus said, “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female, and for this reason men and women leave their fathers and mothers and the two become one. They are no longer two but one. Let no
Gospel Reflection for October 7, 2012, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
