Following on the heels of last Sunday’s Parable of the Sower, we hear Christ proposing not one nor a couple but three parables! These timeless treasure troves contain divine truths, the depths of which our human minds can never plumb, no matter how many times we apply our minds to…
The Old Testament reading from Micah explains the sins of wealthy people trying to trick others to increase their wealth and make personal gains. It expresses God’s judgement on them. The Gospel reading from Matthew is the fulfilment of Isaiah 42:14, which states, “For a long time I have kept…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a powerful reality check: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” It is easy to follow rules. It is easy to check off religious boxes. We can attend Mass, say our prayers, and follow protocols perfectly. These surely are commendable. But Jesus reminds us that God…
Today, the Word of God and the memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel merge in an invitation to rediscover profound peace in Christ. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah describes our human toil and our thirst for God: “My soul yearns for you in the night… we have…
Today’s First Reading, from the book of the prophet Isaiah (10:5-7, 13-16), presents us with an extraordinary and dramatically relevant provocation: “Shall the ax boast over him who chops with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it?” The Lord uses the king of Assyria as a…
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The readings today invite us to examine the relationship between our worship and the way we live. They remind us that God desires more than outward religious practice. He seeks hearts that are open to Him and lives that reflect His love. In the…
On the occasion of the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church focuses our attention on the Parable of the Sower. The Setting Jesus teaches from a boat as crowds gather to listen from the shore. God’s desire is that through Jesus, all can hear the Gospel and understand that…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus lays bare the reality of discipleship: “A disciple is not above his teacher.” He warns us that following Him will bring misunderstanding and opposition, but counters this with a powerful, recurring command: “Do not be afraid.” Christ reassures us that we are worth more than many…
To what shall we compare the love of God? What is it like to dwell in relationship with the Lord? These are questions we face each time we approach the Lord in prayer. The Christian faith offers us several different images for relating to God. On one hand, we are…
Perhaps one of the greatest sorrows of old age is not poverty or sickness, but being forgotten by one’s own children. Many parents spend their youth sacrificing everything for their children. They deny themselves comfort, work tirelessly, lose sleep, and pour out their lives so that their children may flourish.…