I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. John 6.51 Jesus argues that the revelation of God in Israel’s holy history and law ought to lead real believers to […]
Gospel Reflection for August 12, 2012, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never hungry, and whoever believes in my will never be thirsty. John 6.35 When Jesus sat at a table with his friends 2,000 years ago, he had little more to say to them than what he had been trying to say through the whole
Gospel Reflection for August 5, 2012, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
A crowd that numbers 5,000 men is following Jesus and his disciples and needs to be fed. They have only five barley loaves and two fish. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they had their fill, Jesus
Gospel Reflection for July 29, 2012, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
When the apostles returned from their first mission, Jesus tried to help them get to an isolated place so they could rest. They couldn’t escape the crowds. As he went ashore, Jesus saw a great crowd. He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He began to teach them many
Gospel Reflection for July 22, 2012, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus called the twelve, began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts. Mark 6.7-8 The simple but demanding ethical standards Jesus gives his disciples challenge them
Gospel Reflection for July 15th, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus came back to his hometown and began to teach. Jesus could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. He was amazed at their unbelief. Mark 6.5-6 Jesus’ preaching and healing arouse concern among members of his own family and criticism among
Gospel Reflection for July 8, 2012, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
The synagogue leader Jairus asked Jesus to heal his ailing daughter. On the way to the sick child, a hemorrhaging woman touched Jesus’ cloak. Her faith healed her. By the time Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home, people were mourning because the girl was dead. Jesus took the girl by the hand and said to her,
A Gospel Reflection for July 1, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Elizabeth gave birth to a son and announced his name was John. Since that was not a family name, people questioned her decision. They asked her husband, Zechariah, who has been mute since he failed to believe God’s promise of a son. “Zechariah asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ They
Gospel Reflection for June 24, Birth of St. John the Baptist Read More »
Jesus said, “With what can we compare the reign of God, or what image will help to present it? It is like a mustard seed, which when planted in the soil, is the smallest of all seeds on earth; yet once it is sown, springs up to become the largest of shrubs with branches big
Gospel Reflection for June 17, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you retain the sins of any they are retained. John 20.21-23 In this gospel, the whole community of believers receives peace and the power to forgive. If the community graciously shares the peace and forgiveness Jesus bestows
Gospel Reflection for May 27, 2012, Pentecost Sunday Read More »