Sunday’s Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalms 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34 REST IN THE LORD For several weeks we have listened to readings that have recounted just how arduous the work of prophets and disciples can be. In today’s Gospel, the Lord Jesus listens to the reports of those he had sent out “two by two” to minister…
Sunday’s Readings: Amos 7:12-15; Psalms 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13 CALLED BY GOD Today’s scriptures invite us to listen to two calls. The first is the call issued by the LORD to the prophet Amos, the “shepherd and a dresser of sycamores” (Amos 7:14). The second is the call the Lord Jesus issued to…
Sunday’s Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5; Psalms 123:1-2, 2, 3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6 OBSTACLES The prophet Ezekiel, Saint Paul, and the Lord Jesus share something in common in today’s scripture readings. They all experience obstacles to their ministry. Ezekiel is summoned to prophesy to the Israelites, who are “hard of face and obstinate of heart” (Ezekiel…
Sunday’s Readings: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Psalms 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5:21-43 O LORD, BE MY HELP Today we encounter readings that draw us into the mystery of suffering and death. In the past few years we have witnessed the devastation of life and property through earthquakes and hurricanes.…
Sunday’s Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalms 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80 JOHN THE BAPTIST Since June 24 falls on a Sunday this year, the Church has the opportunity for a more intense celebration of the birth of John the Baptist, who is often described as the last of the Old Testament prophets and the bridge…
Sunday’s Readings: Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalms 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34 THE MASTER STORYTELLER In today’s Gospel, Jesus is presented to us as the master storyteller. He loved to use parables as a tool for comparing one thing to something else. In most of his parables, Jesus revealed who God is by comparing God’s…
Sunday’s Readings: Genesis 3:9-15; Psalms 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35 PROMISES Today’s liturgy is full of promises. The reading from Genesis promises a final triumph over the power of sin and a return to a new creation. The reading from Second Corinthians promises that all who follow Christ will have to struggle.…
Sunday’s Readings: Exodus 24:3-8; Psalms 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 PRECIOUS BLOOD On this solemnity we focus our attention on the Body and Blood of Christ. We listen to the story of the renewal of the old covenant, which Moses sealed by splashing the blood of animals on the altar of sacrifice, as…