Scripture Readings: Zephaniah 2.3;3.12-13; 1 Corinthians 1.26-31; Matthew 5.1-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5.3 Who does God bless? The obvious answer is people with a security guard at their gates and a home for every season. Jesus has a different take. He insists God […]
Gospel Reflection for January 29, 2017, 4th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 8.23-9.3; 1 Corinthians 1.10-13, 17; Matthew 4.12-23 Jesus said “Come, follow me. I want you to gather people into your nets.” – Matthew 4.19 As his first action in his public ministry, Jesus calls four fishermen to accompany and follow him. From the beginning Jesus gathers companions. In fact, it is for
Gospel Reflection for January 22, 2017, 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 49.3,5-6; 1 Corinthians 1.1-3; John 1.29-34 “The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘When you see the Spirit descend and rest on someone, it is he who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen for myself and have testified, ‘This is God’s chosen one.’”
Gospel Reflection for January 15, 2017, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Ephesians 3.2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2.1-12 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” – Matthew 2.2 The magi follow a star. They search for God in the visible, natural world. Creation is the first source of revelation.
Gospel Reflection for January 8, 2017, Epiphany Read More »
Sunday Readings: Numbers 6.2-27; Galatians 4.4-7; Luke 2.16-21 “Mary pondered all these words in her heart.” – Luke 2.19 Sunday’s gospel about the shepherds visit to Mary’s child and offers only a single sentence about her. That sentence turns on the word pondered, in Greek the word if symballein. Ballein means to throw. Literally the
Gospel Reflection for January 1, 2017, Mary, Mother of God Read More »
Christmas Readings: Isaiah 9.1-6; Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20 “While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have to child. Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” – Luke
Gospel Reflection for December 25, 2016, Christmas Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 7.10-14; Romans 1.1-7; Matthew 1.18-24 “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to
Gospel Reflection for December 18, 2016, 4th Sunday Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 35.1-6,10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11 John the Baptist sends messengers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one to come or should we expect someone else?” Jesus answers, “Tell John what you hear and see: the blind can see; the lame can walk; lepers are cured; the deaf hear; the dead are raised
Gospel Reflection for December 11, 2016, 3rd Sunday Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 11.1-10; Romans 15.4-9; Matthew 3.1-12 Two family trees figure in Sunday’s readings: the children of Abraham and Sarah hear God’s call, go to a new land, and await a child who will be the first of descendants as countless as the stars. Faith in God’s promise is their DNA. The descendants of
Gospel Reflection for December 4, 2016, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Malachi 3.19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3.7-12; Luke 21.5-19 “By patient endurance you will save your lives.” – Luke 21.19 In the face of war (Syria, Afghanistan), earthquakes (Oklahoma after fracking), and plagues (Zika virus)–all the regular stuff of breaking news, Jesus recommends patient endurance. Persevere. Jesus has taught us how to live every day.
Gospel Reflection for November 13, 2016, 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
