Posts by Nathaniel Dreyer
Admonish the Sinner
All of us here know people, perhaps even members of our family, who lead lives that are contrary to what Christ wants, and so all of us can learn a great deal from what we’ve just heard. Today’s readings all focus on the need to admonish the sinner, the third spiritual work of mercy. That…
Read MoreFeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Today’s feast recalls that moment when, shortly before His passion, Christ revealed His glory to His three closest Apostles. Jesus knew that His suffering and death would be a cause of scandal to them, and so He prepared them in advance by showing them the glory that was hidden beneath ordinary appearances. Indeed, the whole…
Read MoreHumility, Love, and Faith.
Today’s Gospel presents us a very interesting series of events: we have a miracle on the way to a miracle, a sort of story within a story, all of which casts light on the nature of suffering and the importance of faith. Matthew’s version of the story is less detailed than the other synoptic versions;…
Read MoreCost and Value
It’s been said that “the cynic is the one who knows the cost of everything, and the value of nothing.” There is a big difference between the cost of something and its value, and today’s Gospel brings this difference to the forefront. We hear the story of the poor widow who put in her small…
Read MoreThe Vine and the Vinedresser
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the beautiful image of the true vine and His Heavenly Father as the vinedresser. We can examine that image, and consider three elements: first, the relationship the vinedresser has to the vine, second, the vinedresser’s actions, and, lastly, what it means for us, namely, that we must remain in Christ.…
Read MoreGod’s Providence
Today’s first reading and Gospel remind us of God’s providence, and that we need to respond in the proper way. The first reading marks the beginning of a very long story about Joseph. The whole affair takes about ten chapters to sort out. Let’s recall, just briefly, how much Joseph suffered because of what his…
Read MoreHerod’s Character
Today’s Gospel recounts for us the death of John the Baptist. Mark’s Gospel gives us some profound insights into Herod’s character, insights that can help us to grow in our spiritual lives. The context for the event is interesting: the people are talking about Jesus, and who He might be. Herod insists that He is…
Read MoreThe Love and Mercy of God for Humanity
Today’s very brief first reading from John’s first letter hammers home the message that we have been contemplating throughout the Christmas season. In four short verses, John uses some form of the word “love” ten times and says clearly what we have been living out in this Christmas season: “In this way the love of…
Read MoreChrist’s Compassionate Love for Humanity
As we make our way through the first week of Advent, today’s readings all remind us of how the upcoming feast at Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ among us, is an incredible act of mercy on the part of God the Father. Mercy In the first reading, Isaiah paints a beautiful picture…
Read MoreSeeking What is Lost
In today’s Gospel, we hear how the Pharisees and scribes grumbled amongst themselves when they saw how Jesus welcomed and ate with tax collectors and sinners. In reply, Jesus offers two parables that show God’s reaction to sinners. Although both images would have been familiar to His listeners, what would have stood out was the…
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