Category: Reflections

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020) Readings:   1 Kings 19:9, 11-13 Psalms 85:9-14 Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:22-23 So often overlooked by the faithful, the responsorial psalm, which bridges the gap between our first and second readings, provides us with some of the oldest and most heartfelt prayers of humankind. The refrain we use today… Continue reading NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020)

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020) Readings:   Isaiah 55:1-3 Psalms 145:8-9, 15-18 Romans 8:35, 37-39 Matthew 14:13-21 Today’s gospel begins “when Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist.” Ponder for a moment that short phrase, and recognize the level of upset this surely caused Jesus and His disciples. Not only was Jesus’… Continue reading EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020)

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020) Readings:   1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 Psalms 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130 Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 13:44-52 If we rubbed a small bottle like in the fantasy Aladdin, and a genie popped out encouraging us to wish for whatever we wanted, and the wish would be granted, what is it that… Continue reading SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020)

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020) Readings:   Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Psalms 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 Romans 8:26-27 Matthew 13:24-43 In today’s gospel Jesus continues to teach His disciples in parables, parables, like last week, that most likely were uttered without any specific explanation. The agricultural imagery, as well as the image of baking bread, would… Continue reading SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020)

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020) Readings:   Isaiah 55:10-11 Psalms 65:10-14 Romans 8:18-23 Matthew 13:1-23 The scope of God’s salvation is endless, extending as it does into the eternity where God’s plan of salvation was crafted. Although God’s plan surely has its fulfillment in Jesus, it began before the seas and mountains were created.… Continue reading FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020) 

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020) Readings:   Zechariah 9:9-10 Psalms 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14 Romans 8:9, 11-13 Matthew 11:25-30 The disciples and those listening to Jesus might have been more pleased had Jesus said: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth” [for you have revealed all things to the brightest and… Continue reading FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (2020)

TRINITY SUNDAY (2020) Readings:   Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 Daniel 3:52-56 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 John 3:16-18 Today’s liturgy should come with a disclaimer that might say: “Today we are going to celebrate the Trinity who is at the very center of our faith. Please know that by the end of the liturgy there is no guarantee… Continue reading TRINITY SUNDAY (2020)

The Solemnity of Pentecost (2020) Readings:   Acts 2:1-11 Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23 Today we celebrate liturgically the completion of Christ’s Paschal Mystery, which Acts says happened forty days after Christ’s resurrection, and which our gospel from John says happened on the very same day as the resurrection.… Continue reading The Solemnity of Pentecost (2020)

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD (2020) Readings:   Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11 Psalms 47:2-3, 6-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20 In most enlightened parts of the country, what used to be “Ascension Thursday” is celebrated on the Sunday preceding the great feast of Pentecost. Why the bishops of the United States couldn’t… Continue reading THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD (2020)

Readings:   Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8, 14-17 Psalms 66:1-7, 16, 20 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:155-21 As we approach the end of the Easter Season, the readings prepare us for Jesus’ physical departure and the bestowal of the “Advocate,” the “Spirit of truth,” whose presence we will celebrate on Pentecost Sunday. Remember, that in… Continue reading 6th Sunday of Easter