Today’s gospel lets us eavesdrop on a secret moment of revelation, for we are not simply told that Jesus stole away to spend time in prayer; we get a rare opportunity to hear the actual words of his prayer. In Exodus we watch in awe as Moses approaches the burning bush in reverential fear, and hear
The gospel puts in question the purpose of miracles. Both Chorazin and Capernaum witness many miracles, yet the people in those cities at the northwest corner of the Lake of Galilee remained unconvinced by the message of Jesus and he
Benedict , the founder of western monasticism, was born at Nursia, c. 480 and died at Monte Cassino in the year 543. The earliest life of Benedict, in St Gregory’s “Dialogues”, is more character sketch than biography,
On this July Sunday, Christians gather as pilgrims on a journey, asking God to keep them steadfast until they reach their eternal home: “In the Spirit, let us worship God who cares for us according to our needs.”
We celebrate Christ the gardener, who came to sow the seed of God’s word in our world. The fate of that seed depends on the type of soil where it is sown. The growth of his grace in our lives all depends on how we receive it. Adding a very hopeful note, St Paul assures us that all of creation is in a state of evolutionary growth, to become all that God wants it to be: his own flourishing “Kingdom”.
In the tradition of dedicating Saturdays to Mary, the mother of Jesus, we can blend all the crisscrossing ways of life, which converge in the mystery of divine providence.
There is no logical order in the various maxims gathered in the Gospel. In fact, the some of same maxims are quoted in other gospels while giving them a different application. To get their meaning,
Today’s texts are appropriate for Friday, the day when we commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. We read of tears of agony and persecution as well as of joy and relief. Joseph and Jacob weep over their long separation and final reunion. The gospel too, while it does not mention tears, implies them as brother hands brother over to death, and children “turn against parents and have them put to death.”
The ministry of the Twelve is not confined to preaching, for the news that the reign of God is at hand is to be exemplified by curing the sick, raising the dead, healing lepers, expelling demons. Jesus adds that what they have freely received, they must freely give to others, in a complete sharing of gifts and talents. The true meaning of “the reign of God,” therefore, is seen in the generous relationships of daily life.
From all parts of the famine-stricken middle east, people flocked into Egypt to avoid starvation. Joseph’s brothers are among this stream of refugees, which suggests the mixed ancestry of the people that would eventually come out of Egypt under the name of Israel. In its very origin Israel had a universalist quality, and by their poverty and need the original Israelites are linked with people throughout the world.
What the gospel presents in summary style is treated at a more leisurely pace in a story from Genesis. Matthew overlooks the weary journeys, the mixed receptions, sometimes favourable and sometimes not, that Jesus met with. It is all stated quickly and simply: he continued his tour of all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the reign of God, and curing every sickness and disease. Once cured of sickness and disease,
Family and personal problems are the launching pad for religious growth, in today’s readings. The envy of his twin brother forced Jacob to flee for his life; and Jesus is confronted with a family tragedy, the death of the synagogue leader’s young daughter.
Jesus invites us to come to him and find rest from our burdens. Only those who become humble like a child can put themselves and their problems fully into God’s hands. Our Lord’s loving, gentle spirit is perfectly prophecied in Zechariah’s image of the royal figure right there among his people, humbly riding on a donkey. He is with us to help us, not to burden us with guilt.
The Church returns to Ordinary Time this Sunday, after the Lent & Easter season, and the great feasts that followed. Green vestments are worn once more, and a little of the Good News according to Matthew is shared each Sunday……
Several times Matthew tells how Jesus himself remained with the old – with “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6), that he was not sent to foreigners, even to those who happened to show up in Palestine. Yet in the Sermon on the Mount (5-7), Matthew repeats Jesus’ new vision that perfects and replaces the old law, “You have heard the commandment… but now I say to you…” The change from
Deuteronomy 7:6-11. God’s fidelity to his chosen people, who are dear to his heart.
1 John 4: 7-16. Our loving God has poured his love into us, through his Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 11:25-30. To know Jesus is our sure way to know and love our gracious Father.
