In the first reading the prophet Elisha is conscious of the hospitality a woman provides and promises to reward her. Paul proclaims consciousness about a life before baptism and the rewards of a baptized life. Jesus begins his Gospel conscious of the violence done to peacemakers (“the cross”) but promises that rewards will come…
A reading from the Gospel according to John, which tends to magnify Jesus’ flawless and perfect divinity, is used on today’s Feast of Corpus Christi which tends to magnify Jesus’ flesh and blood humanity, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.” The magnificence of the Incarnation, divinity enfleshed, continues to inspire.…
Jesus is known as a man of peace. In John’s Gospel he is likened to a caring shepherd, “the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his sheep by name and leads them.” Jesus’ gentleness with people is contrasted to men of war. Such men are likened to “thieves and robbers,” who “comes…
The Old Testament reading describes the establishment of holy rule, “All the elders of Israel” stood “before the Lord” to “anoint David King.” The king takes command of the army and its soldiers, tortures enemies, and kills people. It is the command king takes in the Gospel, specifically torturing and killing Jesus. As Jesus…