Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30; John 4:43-54 The world calls today April Fools’ Day. Some play tricks on others or make jokes, often adding the comment, “April Fools!” As this month goes on, however, we consider, more and more, that the biggest April Fool was our redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Joshua 5:9, 10-12; Psalm 34; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 If you grew up in a family with one or more brothers or sisters, you know what sibling rivalry is—and today’s Gospel gives us an example.
Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51; Luke 18:9-14 The two figures in the Gospel today, the Pharisee and the tax collector, offer us two well-marked contrasts in their spiritual journey. The Pharisee appears to be closer to God because of his good works.
Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 81; Mark 12:28-34 How many times have we come across screaming fans shaking their index finger at anyone who would care to pay attention to them and yelling, “Woohoo, we’re No. 1”?
Our Lenten practice becomes self-serving if it doesn’t empower us to lift up those who have been silenced or marginalized. Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95; Luke 11:14-23 Noise is one of the afflictions of modern life, and we can easily be sucked into its vortex, even allowing ourselves to become addicted to it.
Father Paul Bryan, C.Ss.R., of the St. Clement Mission House Community in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, died on March 25, 2019, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, at age 85. Father Bryan was born on June 19, 1933, in Brentwood, New York, the son of George and Rita (Fearon) and brother of former Redemptorists George J. and Robert J. Bryan.
Moses with the Ten Commandments Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147; Matthew 5:17-19 The GPS is a wonderful invention, if you obey it! I remember someone telling me that her husband was convinced that the GPS was wrong, so he followed his instincts, and they became hopelessly lost.
Jesus did not punish those who denied or killed him. Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Psalm 25; Matthew 18:21-35 God does not punish even though in the first reading the author of the prophet Daniel declares that God will punish.
Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 The Solemnity of the Annunciation celebrates the moment when God made himself one with humanity. He entered our world not through a majestic display of power but through a young Jewish maiden’s quiet willingness to open her heart and her womb to the mysterious movement of the Spirit in her life.
Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42 (optional readings) A well is essential for life in a hot, arid place like the Holy Land. Drawing water was “women’s work,” and it was done early in the morning, before the sun came up.
Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 103; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 In the Gospel story of the prodigal son, the only person who isn’t happy at the end is the older brother who can’t let go. Jesus’ ministry is about rejoicing in God’s love: God’s way of doing things, God’s plan.
Joseph’s brothers sell him into captivity. Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Psalm 105; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 Blood drained from the young soldier’s savage wound, and his last breath was a cry for his mother.
Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; Luke 16:19-31 The rich man in today’s Gospel (Luke 16) did not help Lazarus. When Lazarus died, he went to heaven. But the rich man went to a place of torment which we understand as hell.
Jeremiah 18:18-20, Psalm 31, Matthew 20:17-28 James and John just don’t get it. While Jesus was explaining his mission to the Twelve, they were more concerned about who would sit where. For them power meant putting someone down; for Jesus it means raising someone up.
Father Dennis Billy’s online course, Finding Our Way to God: Spiritual Direction and the Moral Life, has been named Course of the Year by the Association of Christian Distance Education (ACCESS). The course is available for $50.
2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Psalm 89; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 Today the Church interrupts the somber mood of Lent as she celebrates the solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus.
If we want to get a much better understanding of the compassion, forgiveness, and generosity of God, we need to place ourselves at the foot of the cross. Daniel 9:4-10; Psalm 79; Luke 6:36-38 As we enter the second week of Lent, the Word of the Lord calls us to recognize our sinfulness.
The Transfiguration Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 9:28-36 In today’s first reading from Genesis we hear about the sky and stars, darkness and light, goats and pigeons. In the second reading from Philippians we hear about imitation and temptation—what can move us heavenward and what can weigh us down, like our stomach.
Father Ako Walker, C.Ss.R. Father Ako Trevor Walker, C.Ss.R., was ordained to the priesthood on February 16, 2019, in Trinidad, his native country. The presiding bishop was The Most Rev. Gerard M. County, C.S.Sp., of Kingstown, St. Vincent, and Grenadines, Antilles.
Is there any necessary good act I have been avoiding? Now is the time to do it. Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Psalm 119; Matthew 5:43-48 During these first days of Lent, we try to get our bearings on how to proceed through this season of preparation for Easter.