As we approach the conclusion of the Easter season, the daily scriptures during this time shift our focus from the initial awe of the Resurrection to the practical realities of building a living Church Community. Today’s First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 18:23-28) offers us a beautiful…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus does not simply say that sorrow will be replaced by joy, but that sorrow will turn into joy (John 16: 20). He uses the raw image of childbirth. The very source of the mother’s intense pain becomes the direct mechanism that ushers in her ultimate happiness.…
Matthias’ Example of Humility and Trust. Saint Matthias, the Apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles, stands as an example of faith, obedience, and readiness to serve. His story, though brief in the New Testament, carries significant lessons for believers. One notable aspect of Saint Matthias’ life…
In today’s first reading, we reflect on one of Paul’s most famous missionary journey experiences. Before arriving in Athens, Paul had been in Berea, where the Jews welcomed him into the city. Acts 17: 11 says that the “Bereans examined the Scripture every day to see if what Paul said…
Jesus speaking in His “Farewell Discourse” at the Last Supper tells the disciples that they will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, but that their grief will turn to joy. Context Matters Jesus has much to say on the evening before the Crucifixion. Our Lord washes the Apostles’ feet,…
“They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God”. The above statement, taken from the Gospel of John (16:2), confronts us with one of the most painful and paradoxical contradictions of faith experience:…
In his priestly discourse during the Last Supper, Jesus intertwines the imminence of his death with the promise of the Holy Spirit. “I shall not leave you orphans,” he attests. Jesus speaks of the “comforter” who will come to dwell in the disciples forever. This, the “Spirit of truth,” will…
Jesus says to his disciples in today’s Gospel (John 15, 12-17): “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” Having shared his life with his disciples, love emerges as a summary of all He did in their midst and all his teaching. If we recall the events…
Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. The love of God for man should never cease to amaze us. We have done and can do nothing for Him. He is entirely and supremely happy in Himself and neither needs nor wants anything…
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…