Opening Comment
Today’s readings about water and thirst remind us that this is a baptismal season. During Lent, many people all over the world look forward to their baptism, while those already baptised prepare to renew their promises.
Micah 7:14ff. The prophet trusts that God, as a merciful shepherd, will again have compassion on his lowly and needy people. Luke 15:1ff. The parable of the Prodigal Son portrays a profoundly compassionate God, and includes a sharp warning against self-righteousness. Our Inheritance: Remembering God In these passages the Bible speaks of an inheritance, promised…
(this text is also included in our Sundays & Feasts section) Theme: Wonderful News The Annunciation story is full of splendid promise, radiant with a bright future. God’s messenger tells of a coming Saviour who will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High and will reign forever. The Word becomes…
Jeremiah 17:5ff. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord rather than in mere mortal power. Luke 16:19ff. The contrasting fortunes in the next life, of “Dives,” the uncaring rich man and his poor neighbour, Lazarus. In God We Trust In the curse of Jeremiah and the parable of Jesus we meet a lifetime of…
Jeremiah 18:18ff. In his hopeless situation the prophet calls out the great prayer of hope: “Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies!” Matthew 20:17ff. Jesus’ reply to the request for prominent places goes too often unheeded: “the greatest among you must be our servant.” Believing in God’s Plan, No Matter What Both biblical readings record an…
Isaiah 1:10ff. A ringing prophetic call to personal conversion: “remove your evildoings from before my eyes” Matthew 23:1ff. Unlike the hierarchical customs of Judaism, in Jesus’ circle “the greatest among you will be your servant.” Charity is vital, in order to have genuine personal integrity The Scriptures for this day inculcate consistency and integral wholeness…
Daniel 9:4ff. The exiles’ prayer of repentance. Humbled by the experience of being conquered and taken away as captive slaves, they turn back to God their Saviour. Luke 6:36ff. Jesus calls us to be perfect in the virtue of mercy, in imitation of God himself. Beautiful Compassion Where Matthew’s gospel has Jesus say, on the…
Opening Comment
Now that we are ten days into the season of Lent, our goal is clarified in today’s liturgy. The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in our hearts in the dark days ahead. Resurection will follow, as surely as day follows night.
Theme Today’s main readings have two transforming moments, which impact on the outlook of whole religions: Abraham’s call by God is basic to faith of Jews, Muslims and Christians, while Our Lord’s transfiguration is a key moment in the forming of Christian faith. Peter, James and John saw Christ transfigured on the mountain. They themselves…
2 Sam 7:4ff. It is not king David, but his son Solomon, who will build a house for the glory of God’s name. God, however, will ensure the continuance of David’s descendants, among them Joseph, foster-father of Jesus. Rom 4:13ff. The “Faith,” “Righteousness” and (spiritual) “Descendants” that are linked with Abraham in this reading might…
Ezekiel 18:21ff. Ezekiel’s teaching about personal responsibility offsets the older focus on the guilt of the clan. Matthew 5:20ff. The true righteousness, that goes deeper than merely external observance of a set of laws. Ezekiel’s Principle The prophet Ezekiel places before us God’s expectation that we persevere in doing good across a lifetime. In Matthew’s…
Opening Comment
As we journey through the first week of Lent, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, the apostle of the Irish. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of St Patrick.
Theme Nowadays St Patrick has become more national symbol than saint. With some irreverence, many of our young folk refer casually to “Paddy’s Day” and scarcely spare a thought for the hero who did such good for Ireland. One must dig beneath a mountain of patriotic sentiment to uncover the real person – the man…
Jo 3:1ff. Jonah’s preaching at Nineveh bears a fruit unintended by him, since the merciful God spares the city from his intended punishment. Luke 11:29ff. The only sign to be given will be the sign of Jonah: who returns from the dead, after three days. Learning from Jonah The inspired author of the book of…
Isaiah 55:10ff. God’s word comes down from heaven like rain, to make the earth fruitful Matthew 6:7ff. Guidance about prayer and the spirit of forgiveness. Safe In His Hands Year after year, one Lent after another, we hear and ponder God’s word. The process is a long one, of listening to the word of God,…
Leviticus 19:1ff. The basic commandments are set alongside guidance for worship and for social compassion. Matthew 25:31ff. The final judgment will be based on “As you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.’ Leaving out Luxuries Both biblical readings deal, like the prophets, with the radical needs and…
Opening Comment
We celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, men and women are beginning a period of preparation for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we spend Lent preparing to renew our baptismal vows at Easter, looking forward to our blessing with Easter water and to receiving the gift of a new start.
Theme Today recalls Christ’s victory over temptation in the desert. The beginning of Lent is a good time for us to confront the temptations in our lives. We should pray for the gift of discernment between good and evil. Readings Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve preferred to follow their…
Isaiah 58:9ff. If the people are converted, they will be richly blessed…”like a spring whose waters never fail.” Luke 5:27ff. The converted tax collector sits at table with Jesus, who welcomes sinners to repentance. Levi, a Paradigm of Acceptance The Jesus we follow is one who loves and accepts the individual in their reality, as…
Isaiah 58:1ff. Authentic religious practice (“True fasting”) is contrasted with merely external observance. Matthew 9:14ff. Jesus predicts fasting in the future, once the bridegroom is gone from this world. Genuine Penance The people were doubtless incensed when accused by Isaiah of rebelling against God. They saw themselves as eager in religious practice. They fast, but…
