Hebrews 11:32ff. After a litany of heroic men and women who overcame hardships of all kinds, we are called into their company. Mark 5:1ff. Jesus cures the demoniac and then commissions the man to proclaim the good news to the ten cities. Tested on Our Pilgrimage The Scriptures respect our human situation, yet they also…
Zeph 2:3, 3:12-13. The “remnant of Israel,” a people humble and lowly, who trust in the name of the Lord – will escape the severity of divine judgement at the end of time. 1 Cor 1:26-31. Paul reminds his community in Corinth that their first converts came from among the poorer, socially deprived classes. They…
Hebrews 11:1ff. Faith is our certainty that we await a better hereafter, with God in whose promises we trust. Mark 4:35ff. Jesus quells the storm at sea, showing his divine power in overcoming the forces of nature. Limitations and Ideals We are just human beings, neither angels nor gods; we live on our lovely, fragile…
(Today may be celebrated as the feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas; but what are given here are the readings from Ordinary Time. ) Hebrews 10:32ff. Do not abandon your patience and fidelity. If you do the will of God you will receive his promises. Mark 4:26ff. The seed sprouts and grows mysteriously. The mustard seed…
Hebrews 10:19ff. We are assured of entrance into the Holy of Holies by the new and living path Jesus has opened for us. Mark 4:21ff. To those who have more will be given; from the have-nots, the little they have will be taken away. Promise Surprisingly Fulfilled The new life-path which Jesus has opened up…
(Today may be celebrated as the feast of Saints Timothy and Titus; but what are given here are the readings from Ordinary Time.) Hebrews 10:11ff. Jesus offers one sacrifice for sin that forever perfects his people, inscribing the new covenant on their hearts. Mark 4:1ff. Parable of the sower and the mystery of Jesus’ words…
Acts 9:1-22. The change in young Saul, from fiery, zealous persecutor of Christians, to becoming a totally devoted follower and missionary of the crucified and risen Christ. Mark 16:15-18. The promises of Jesus Christ to be with his followers is at the heart of the Gospel’s life-giving truth power. Mark lists various “signs” that will…
(This can also be celebrated as the feast of St Francis de Sales, with a different set of readings) Hebrews 9:15ff. Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice once for all, and so puts an end to the many sacrifices in the temple. Mark 3:22-30. Jesus does not cast out devils by the power of satan….
Is 9:1-3. Isaiah foretells the coming of a Saviour to Galilee of the nations, to the people who walked in darkness. This is perfect background for Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. 1 Cor 1:10-13,13. Even in the early Church there was disunity and the dangers of rivalry and schism. Paul appeals to his Christians to stay…
Hebrews 9:2ff. Jesus enters the true Holy of Holies, not of human making, to cleanse our conscience to serve the living God. Mark 3:20ff. Jesus and the disciples return home, and is mobbed. His relatives fear that he is out of his mind. God Caters for our Human Needs We see Jesus retire, either into…
Hebrews 8:6ff. Jesus, our high priest is mediator of a new and better covenant between God and us, as was announced by the prophet Jeremiah. Mark 3:13ff. Going up a mountain, Jesus commissions the twelve to preach the good news and to expel all evil spirits from the hearts of those who turn to him….
Hebrews 7:25ff. In Jesus we have the supreme high priest, who serves in the true tabernacle of heaven. This was a great source of confidence in the author’s time (late first century), when Christians had been excluded from both the temple and the synagogues; indeed, it remains a supportive Christian conviction to the present day….
Hebrews 7:1-3ff. The priesthood of Jesus is of mysterious origin, like Melchisedek’s, which lasts forever. Just as Melchisedek blessed Abraham, so the priestly influence of Jesus is above and beyond that of the Jewish temple priests, and has worldwide power to save. Mark 3:1ff. Jesus asks if it is permitted on the sabbath to do…
Hebrews 6:10ff. After waiting patiently Abraham obtained the long-delayed promise of a son. We too must learn patience from the example of Jesus. Mark 2:23ff. Jesus defends his disciples for eating on the holy day, since “the sabbath was made for us, not we for the sabbath.” Am I a Minister of Life? The Scriptures…
Hebrews 5:1ff. Jesus shares our human weakness yet shows deep obedience to the will of God, and so he became perfect, and the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Mark 2:18ff. Jesus’ disciples do not fast as long as the bridegroom is with them. No one puts new wine into old wine…
Is 49:3, 5-6. During the Exile, the prophet prepares his oppressed neighbours for the coming of a liberator whom God would send to save them, and to be a light for all nations. 1 Cor 1:1-3. Paul’s opening greeting to his Christian converts in Corinth. They are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be…
Hebrews 4:12ff. God’s word is a two-edged sword, penetrating soul and spirit; our compassionate high priest sympathises with our weakness. Mark 2:13ff. Jesus calls a tax collector to join him as a disciple, and then proceeds to dine with Matthew/Levi and his friends. Both by word and action he calls sinners, not the self-righteous. Qualities…
Hebrews 4:1ff. Through obedient faith, directed especially towards Jesus, we enter into our “rest” – a state of fulfilment that echoes God’s celebration of creation, on the seventh day. Mark 2:1ff. A crowd gathers round Jesus, at his lakeside home in Capernaum; he heals a paralytic after first forgiving his sins. Getting the balance right…
Hebrews 3:7ff. Our hearts are to be open, with confidence towards God today, not hardened, doubting and complaining. Mark 1:40ff. Jesus touches and cures the leper; the man ignores his instructions and proceeds to tell everyone about it. Discerning true from false religiosity The Scripture today invites us to evaluate our reliance on externals, whether…
Hebrews 2:14ff. Jesus shared our flesh and blood, our temptations and death, and so is able to help us in our trials. Mark 1:29ff. Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law, drives out demons, withdraws to a lonely spot to pray, and preaches the good news. Called to Commitment We are consoled by the intimate presence of God…
