An Eve and A Day for Saints

In the Old Testament “Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Fear the Lord, your God, and observe… all his statutes and commandments.” In the Gospel when a scribe who is a follower of Moses asks Jesus about Moses’ commandments, Jesus does not tell people to “Fear.” He tells them only to “Love.” To those who … Continue reading “An Eve and A Day for Saints”

What is Being Asked of Us?

Jesus tells a parable to “the chief priests” about the “Kingdom of God,” symbolized as a vineyard. Two sons are asked to “go out and work in the vineyard.” Jesus likens one of the sons, who says “Yes,” to the work, but then does not do it, to the priests. Jesus likens the other son, … Continue reading “What is Being Asked of Us?”

Nursing Courage

“Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one.” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, angry men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a deadly disease like the coronavirus. Some centuries back, the people of Italy … Continue reading “Nursing Courage”

Warlords and Saints

Sunday’s first reading from the Old Testament opens by telling us, “The Lord was pleased to crush him.” What kind of Lord is so pleased? A War Lord. The reading goes on, “If he gives his life as an offering for sin … the will of the Lord will be accomplished.” What Lord’s will is … Continue reading “Warlords and Saints”

Treasures

St. Lawrence, whose feast day is next week, fits well with Jesus’ teaching this Sunday; “the Community of God is like a treasure.” Lawrence lived in Rome and was a deacon among disciples (?225-258). He served his faith community by caring for those who were poor, distributing the goods of the community to people according … Continue reading “Treasures”