Deut. 30:15ff. A heartfelt call to fidelity, as the key to their future.”Choose life so that you and your descendants may live!” Luke 9:22ff. Jesus predicts his passion, and its effect on disciples – they must carry their cross each day, after him. Choosing Life The same Jesus who declared that his ideal in life…
Joel 2:12-18. Joel urges the Israelites to repent sincerely of their sins, both individually and in a community liturgy – something like what we are celebrating here and now. 2 Cor 5:20-6:2. If Christ has reconciled the world with God, each Christian must seek to become worthy of the grace of Christ by a personal…
Joel 2:12-18. Joel urges the Israelites to repent sincerely of their sins, both individually and in a community liturgy – something like what we are celebrating here and now. 2 Cor 5:20-6:2. If Christ has reconciled the world with God, each Christian must seek to become worthy of the grace of Christ by a personal…
Tob 2:9ff. A typical family scene of tender goodness, faithful perseverance and some disagreement and quarreling. Mark 12:13ff. Balancing one’s loyalties between civil and religious responsibilities: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but to God what is God’s.” The Homespun Virtues It is good for soul and body to find our daily family life mirrored…
Tob 1:1ff Living in exile away from the promised land. Tobit shows compassion for his neighbours. Mark 12:1ff. The wicked tenants kill the vineyard-owner’s son; they are punished, and the vineyard given to others. Surviving Abroad Tobit was one of the last additions to the Old Testament, just as 2 Peter was to the New…
Theme It is not enough to worship God just by going to Mass on Sunday. We must sincerely try to do the will of the eternal Father. The divine will is for us to show care and concern for others. As the biblical author reminds us, we are to put these words of God into…
Sir 51:12ff. When I was young, wisdom came to me inner beauty, and until the end I will cultivate her. Mark 11:27ff. Jesus will explain the source of his authority if others will state their mind about John the Baptist’s ministry. Willing to Grow Sirach is calm and confident, knowing that fidelity over the years…
Sir 44:1ff. Israel’s ancestors were blessed in life and in their descendants because of God’s covenant with them and their fidelity to it. In times of trial rejoice that you share in Christ’s sufferings. Mark 11:11ff. Two interwoven episodes: cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple; at the centre comes an insistence on prayer….
Sir 42:18ff. God has filled the universe with an infinite variety of life, each part completing and complementing the others. Mark 10:46ff. Jesus heals Bartimaeus of blindness because of his faith. Reborn in spirit Sirach moves from simple things to intricate mysteries, from the beauty of the natural universe to the depths of the human…
Sir 36:1ff. By God’s fidelity to the hopes and prophetic promises of Israel, he will reveal his salvation to the ends of the earth. Mark 10:32ff. Jesus again announces his death and resurrection. His disciples argue over rank and privilege in his kingdom. Reverence in God’s Household A response of fear is present in each…
Sir 35:1ff. This Jerusalem teacher recommends temple sacrifices; he also calls for generosity to the poor, and freedom from extortion. Mark 10:28ff. We will receive a hundred times over and above for anything we have given up for Jesus’ sake. Remembering the Poor When Sirach took part in the temple liturgy, joy and delight brightened…
Sir 17:19ff. Repent from sin while you are still alive. The dead cannot praise God. Mark 10:17ff. Go and sell what you possess and come follow me.Humanly it is impossible but with God all things are possible. Living the Present Moment The book of Sirach, from which we have been reading, is a fine expression…
Opening Comment
The care of God for all of creation draws us together to praise our Creator.
Penitential Rite
As we prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us renew our trust in God’s gracious forgiveness: (pause)
Theme Some people find their lives darkened and blighted by constant worry. Today’s Scriptures encourage us not to worry about tomorrow but to trust in God’s providence. Our God is full of loving compassion, and He knows each one by name. What a difference it would make if we let ourselves believe and trust that…
Sir 17:1ff. God made us in the divine image, and looks with favour on us so that we may praise his holy name. Mark 10:13ff. Jesus embraces and blesses the children who come to him, for the kingdom of God belongs to them. Young and Old in the Community The human community is viewed from…
Sir 6:5ff. Let your friends be tried and trusted.A faithful friend is a tonic for those who fear God. Mark 10:1ff. Jesus’ condemnation of divorce and remarriage. Marriage and Friendship The gospel applies to marriage the ultimate conclusions to be reached from Sirach, about friendship and truthfulness. Though our acquaintances be many, only “one in…
Sir 5:1ff. Rely not on your wealth nor on your strength; do not delay your conversion to the Lord. Mark 9:41ff. A drink of water given to a follower of Christ will be rewarded; warning against scandal; primacy of the eternal life. Primacy of the Hereafter Some lurid statements must be taken figuratively, for in…
Sir 4:11ff. The following of wisdom which brings happiness and reveals life’s deepest secrets. Mark 9:38ff. Jesus corrects the apostles for blocking a man, not of their group, from casting out devils in his name. Wisdom Dearly Bought While Sirach, the wise old head of a Jerusalem school of practical philosophy, tends towards caution and…
Feast of The Chair of St Peter The early Christians in Rome celebrated the memory of the day when the Apostle held his first service with the faithful of the Eternal City, under the title “Cath. Petri In Roma” (the Chair of Peter in Rome)” The earlier tradition was to celebrate this on 18 January….
Sir 1:1ff. All wisdom comes from God and returns to him.It produces fear of the Lord, and gives length to our days. Mark 9:14ff. The mute spirit which convulses the boy is driven out by Jesus’ faith and prayer. Qualities of True Prayer Three great and related moments in Mark’s gospel – Jesus’ baptism, transfiguration…
