The Old Testament reading says the people should be “an offering to the LORD.” It means the people should live their lives in sacrifice to the Lord. If they do so, the Lord will save them from their “enemies.” In the Gospel “Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went.” “Someone asked…
Jesus asks his listeners, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You…
Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies.” Jesus calls anyone and everyone to join him in the Way of Love. It is an easy way when we are among family and friends. Thus, as Jesus says, “if you love those who love you, what credit is that…
Jesus calls fishermen to follow him on his Way, “’Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Jesus is gathering commoners to co-create the Community of God. It will be the transforming witness to the military…
The Old Testament writes of Yahweh, declaring, “I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God.” “Fear the LORD, your God, and keep, throughout the days of your lives, all his statutes and commandments.’” “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with…
“James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and…
“John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he is not of our company. Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.” Jesus went on to talk about what causes us to sin, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.”…
Jesus’ Gospel message continues to focus on communion, from which one of the founders of institutional christianity unfortunately diverges – Paul of Tarsus. Paul infamously states in today’s second reading, “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife.” “As the church is subordinate…
The Old Testament tells of worshippers complaining to Yahweh, “You had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!” Yahweh retaliates against the disloyal worshippers, “the LORD drove in quail from the sea… for the people… but while the meat was still between their teeth… the LORD’s wrath…
The New Testament reading is likely written by Paul or perhaps a follower to the people of Ephesus. It describes Paul being in prison. Paul is in prison because there are rulers who want him in prison. In today’s reading he is encouraging the people of Ephesus “to preserve the unity of the spirit…