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…
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….
