Scripture Readings: Genesis 2.1-4; 2 Timothy 1.8-10; Matthew 17.1-9 “This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests. Listen to him.” – Matthew 17.5 Matthew’s account of the Jesus’ transfiguration is the preeminent story of transformation, a crossroads event. Just a few verses earlier Jesus tells his followers for the first time that he […]
Gospel Reflection for March 12, 2017, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Scripture Readings: Genesis 2.7-9; 3.1-7; Romans 5.12-19; Matthew 4.1-11 “Away with you, Satan. Scripture says, ‘You shall worship the Holy One your God; only God shall you adore.’” – Matthew 4.10 Each year the temptation story from one of the synoptic gospels is the gospel for the 1st Sunday of Lent. The devil in the
Gospel Reflection for March 5, 2017, 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 49.1-5; 1 Corinthians 4.1-5; Matthew 6.24-24 “Which of you by worrying can add a moment to his or her lifespan? As for clothes, why be concerned? Learn a lesson from the way the wild flowers grow. They don’t work; they don’t spin. Yet I assure you, not even Solomon in all his
Gospel Reflection for February 26, 2017, 8th Sunday Ordinary Time 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 enemy,’ but I say to 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 to rise
Gospel Reflection for February 19, 2017, 7th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Sunday Readings: Sirach 15.15-20; 1 Corinthians 2.6-10; Matthew 5.17-37 “So when you offer your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” –
Gospel Reflection for February 12, 2017, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58.7-10; 1 Corinthians 2.1-5; Matthew 5.13-16 “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5.13-14 Salt became a precious commodity because it allowed fish and meat to be dried and cured to last a long time. By comparing his disciples to salt, Jesus encourages them
Gospel Reflection for February 5, 2017, 5th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
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 »