Personal Responsibility

Today’s texts summon us to a clear, personal decision for the Lord, and also to a childlike spirit before the mystery of life. The covenant ceremony at Shechem provides the occasion to step forward and to pledge oneself anew to the Lord. Jesus commends the spontaneity of children, a spirit which adults ought never to lose.

Heroic Love

Whenever the Bible calls for heroic love and fidelity on the part of Israel, it first recalls God’s sublime kindness towards his chosen people. Today’s text from Joshua represents a typical covenant ceremony at Shechem, a major sanctuary in central Israel. When people had taken their places before the

Change of Heart

In the first six chapters of his book, Joshua’s story is modelled on outstanding moments in the career of Moses. Through parallels to the crossing of the Red Sea and the sanctification of the people before Mount Sinai (Josh 3:5; Exod 15; 19:10-14), the celebration of Passover (Josh 5:10; Exod 12), the manna

Lawrence the Deacon

St Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of the Church of Rome and was martyred under the Emperor Valerian on the 10th of August 258, four days after Pope Sixtus II and his companions. Little is known of the life of Saint Lawrence. What is clear is that he was immensely popular with the Christians of Rome.

Edith, A brief biography

(excerpts from www.kilmacudcarmel.ie/edith.html)

Edith Stein was born to a Jewish family at Breslau (today, Bratislava) on October 12, 1891. She was the youngest of 11 children. Her father died when she was two years old, and her hard-working and devout mother took over the care of her

The Paradox of Election

The more we come to know the God of majesty, the more amazing seems his love and personal concern, his closeness to his creatures. Today’s texts centre on this paradox. Deuteronomy puts it marvellously, first speaking of

Fidelity and Endurance lead to Life

Matthew here draws together various sayings of Jesus on true discipleship; Deuteronomy sets forth the conditions and attitude of an obedient follower of Moses; the prophecy of Nahum celebrates the victory of such goodness and fidelity over massive forces of evil.

The Rock and the Flesh

Two contrasting words emerge from the readings, “rock” and “flesh.” In them we can recognize the rich diversity and development of the Scriptures. A literal rock is the source of fresh water and vigorous life in the Book of Numbers. In Matthew’s Gospel a human “rock” becomes the foundation of the church.

God’s transforming touch

The readings speak of hope, the quality of persevering despite bad reports and long delays, and God’s adjustment to our human responses. The Israelites gave up so quickly, but the Canaanite woman would not take No for an answer. Jeremiah would not revise his early message of hope for the

Overcoming Anxiety

Never neglecting his people, God comes to rescue them in a moment of crisis, defending Moses against the envy of Miriam and Aaron. The Israelites are drawn back from the land of exile; and the disciples, adrift on the lake of Galilee in a violent storm, are saved from drowning.

Facing the Hard Road

We have striking contrasts and confrontations to meditate on today. While providing food in the wilderness, Moses succumbs to the people’s complaint, while in a similar context Jesus feeds the crowds. We hear of prophets quarreling with one another and of Jesus’ being mistaken for a ghost.