Today’s texts suggest the long process of growth with its ups and downs, before reaching “the hope held in store for you in heaven.”
Arriving at Simon Peter’s home, Jesus learns that the apostle’s mother-in-law is “in the grip of a severe fever.” We note of the sequence of events. The story, in being told over and over again, has been reduced to its bare
For most of us life plods along without much excitement. Routine becomes the pace of every day. Wise old Solomon admitted this fact: “What has been, will be; what has been done, will be done. Nothing is new under the
(from Butler’s “Lives of the Saints”)
St. John the Baptist was called by God to be the forerunner of his divine Son. In order to preserve his innocence spotless, and to improve the extraordinary graces which he had received, he was directed by the Holy
St Paul’s ringing challenge to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,” is indeed a high ideal, a worthy target for all who wish to aim at realising the full value and potential of their lives. In Jeremiah and Jesus we have two inspiring examples of doing God’s will in the teeth of opposition and danger. This is a message of living hope, to all those for whom life is a struggle, and for whom
This weekend, Christians gather to praise God and to ask for help and grace. They know the difficulties that can come when they try to live the right way. Often the road of life is like the way of the cross…..
The gist of today’s parable is summarized in the paradox: The haves will get more, while the have-nots will lose even the little that they have. Like an automobile or a typewriter, God’s gifts must be kept in use, in order to stay in good condition; non-use leads to stagnation, sticky parts and clogged
Presiders at weekend liturgies may like to welcome groups or individuals from continental Europe with greetings like these at the beginning or end of Mass. Phonetic versions are given for priests or congregation leaders unfamiliar with these languages. Corrections and other suggestions most welcome.
Jesus points out that not all even of the specially chosen people are assured salvation. Only five of the bridesmaids were there to welcome the bridal party; five others were told, “I do not know you.” The interpretation of this parable developed within early Christian history. In first speaking it Jesus
The local Pauline churches were eager for the glorious second coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle prays, “may he strengthen your hearts… at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” Similarly in the greeting for the first letter to the Corinthians he prays that they be
The readings offer us two complementary views on human activity. Paul stresses work, the gospel condemns “works”. Paul’s work that leads to faith..
Paul combines attitudes that at first may seem contradictory. Though strong and independent, he is “gentle as any nursing mother.” In no way did he plan his actions merely to please others, yet he was anxious to share very lives of h is people. He values practical, everyday decision-making,
Eight days ago, we were celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Today, we are commemorating another beautiful Marian Feast, that of the Queenship of Mary. This special Liturgical Feast was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on October 11, 1954 through his Encyclical Letter “Ad Caeli Reginam.”
We celebrate Christ’s choice of Peter, in spite of his shortcomings, to be the rock on which his church is founded. At the same time, we recall how Simon Peter could also be called a “stumbling-block” because he could occasionally be headstrong, weak, or plain wrong on some vital issues, like the need for the Christ to suffer before reaching his glory. We pray for our present pope, that he may be guided by the Holy Spirit, with wisdom and strength to lead us in facing the real challenges of the modern world.
At their services this weekend, worshippers come into the presence of the God whose mystery they can never comprehend: ‘all we have comes from the Lord, and we can only bow down in awe, and bring forward the praise that is due to the Almighty….’ —the purpose of the gathering.
Ruth points to a divine providence which functions through human activity yet reaches new heights for the humble and kindly of heart. Jesus contrasts these humble people with others who are proud and selfish. Although Ruth
In the story of Ruth, we see how foreigners are absorbed within the family of Israel; and according to Jesus, every commandment rests on the supreme law of love. The Book of Ruth has served many purposes. In its
Difficulties abound as we reflect on Jephthah the judge and the parable of the royal wedding. In the one story the Bible seems to sanction human sacrifice, or at least to support rash promises; and in the other the original
Especially in the case of parables and riddles, the word of God does not give quick, final answers but prods us into reflection, as we read at the end of the Book of Ecclesiastes, “The sayings of the wise are like goads.” Elsewhere
The final phrase in today’s Gospel is one of those paradoxical statements that can surface anywhere. How many times do we not hear the remark, “the first shall be last, and the last first.” Maybe it was to describe a fait accompli, an accomplished fact that was almost inexplicable. But faith is
Just as Jesus was raised to the glory of heaven, after his death on the cross, so too, his mother, the first among Christians, was raised body and soul into eternal life.
