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.
The gospel shows a woman of great faith and determination. Like her, we can come to the Lord with our needs, trusting him even if at first he seems not to care about our predicament. With Jesus, there are no “outsiders” who are excluded from his grace just because of the accidents of birth, race or education. Similarly, Paul’s great trust in God’s universal saving will for humans allows him to trust that even his fellow-Jews who rejected Jesus will reach salvation.
The theme for this Sunday’s liturgy is: ‘Everyone is welcome in God’s house, everyone who loves God’s name’. In that spirit, Catholics gather for weekend celebrations to experience the warmth of the divine embrace.
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.
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
It would have been good to read this before giving the homily on Matthew 14:22 about walking on water:
http://sarcasticlutheran.typepad.com/sarcastic_lutheran/2011/08/jesus-walking-on-the-water-a-sermon-sarcastic-and-serious.html
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
Padraig McCarthy has supplied us with the links for those who are looking for the Rite of Marriage as it will be celebrated when the New Missal come in this Autumn.
We thank him for this information
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.
(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 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
We could try to have a deep and trusting faith in divine providence, like Elijah and Peter, in today’s Scripture. Neither of those two saints found it always easy to believe that God would take care of them. And the great apostle Paul, too, had his problems in holding to his faith in God’s guiding hand in human history, for he was in anguish
In this Sunday’s liturgy, Catholics gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who calmed the storm on the lake. The liturgy expresses gratitude that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to our souls.
Theme: The apostles were priveleged to witness the inner life of Christ, when his splendour was revealed to them on the holy mountain. We pray for a deeper experience of God in our own lives, and to share in his divine 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.
