An old man, Simeon, received and blessed Jesus when Mary and Joseph presented him at the temple. “Lord, you can let your servant go in peace; you have fulfilled your word. My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before all the nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory […]
Gospel Reflection for February 2, 2014, Feast of the Presentation Read More »
Jesus said to the fishermen, “Come follow me. I want you to gather people in your nets.” Matthew 4.19 Christians today may wonder why the four fishermen so unhesitatingly follow a man who comes walking along the lake shore and invites them to, “Follow me.” Matthew is writing about the call of Peter, Andrew,
Gospel Reflection for January 26, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
The fourth gospel begins in God time and enters history only in verse 6, when “a man named John was sent from God…to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him” (1.6-7). Jesus has no birth story and no parents at the beginning of this gospel. Instead he has a dedicated public
Gospel Reflection for January 19, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
After Jesus was baptized be John, a voice from the heavens spoke. “This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him.” Matthew 3.17 In receiving John’s baptism, Jesus passes from private life in Galilee to public life characterized by humility and compassionate justice. At his baptism the Spirit of God commissions him for his
Gospel Reflection for January 12, 2014, Baptism of the Lord Read More »
Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and asked, “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 gospel tells us little about the foreigners who come to worship Jesus, but we have clothed them in rich detail. Why?
Gospel Reflection for January 5, Epiphany Sunday Read More »
The angel of God appeared to Joseph with this command. “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise. Herod is searching for the child to destroy him.” Matthew 2.13 In Sunday’s gospel the Holy Family is on the run to protect Jesus’ life. King
Gospel Reflection for December 29, Feast of the Holy Family Read More »
In a dream, an angel told Joseph, “Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child. She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew
Gospel Reflection for December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent Read More »
When John the Baptist heard in prison about the works Christ did, he sent a message by his disciples to ask, “Tell us, are you the one to come?” Matthew 11.2-3 In his ministry Jesus is not hacking dead branches off the family tree of Israel nor winnowing hypocrites from among repentant sinners as John
Gospel Reflection for December 15th: Third Sunday of Advent Read More »
John the Baptist speaks about Jesus, saying, “I baptize with water for the sake of reform, but the one who will follow me is more powerful than I. I am not even fit to carry his sandals. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3.11 Fierce and holy like the prophet
Gospel Reflection for December 8, 2013, Second Sunday of Advent Read More »