Today’s Gospel records the parable of the wasteful steward who, in order to be received favorably by his master’s debtors after he was justly dismissed from the role of steward, artificially lowered the amounts they owed to his master by having them write new promissory notes. Jesus ends the parable…
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…
I understand if you feel that today’s readings seem to present a paradox to us. How do we reconcile Jesus’ command “to hate” (which is the accurate translation of Jesus’s words as opposed to “love more” or “prefer”) recorded in the Gospel with St. Paul’s call to “owe nothing to…
Preparing the Table. In today’s readings, the Father calls us to a great feast, a banquet fit for kings. “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many.” Walk with me in this meditation as we help the Father prepare this feast. Close your eyes and visualize each…
When I look at the readings, I break them down into three categories: knowledge, response, and command. Knowledge In the first reading, St. Paul shares who God is. He is unchangeable. His ways are “irrevocable.” “Oh, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are…
As a community of one faith, we celebrate today’s sacrifice of Holy Mass for all who have gone and who are yet to arrive at the banquet of the Lord in heaven. These groups of individuals are currently on their way to heaven, being purified/purged of any residual imperfections. Do…
I rise this morning with the quiet joy that this day holds, a holy day, a luminous remembrance of all the saints who have gone before us, those who lived, breathed, and died in faith. Their lives, like ancient constellations, still shine through history, revealing for us the glory of…
Today’s Gospel presents us the consequence of opposing law and charity. There is the Pharisee’s interpretation, teaching that merely fulfilling the law is enough to be considered righteous. On the other hand, there are statements that insinuate that charity makes law unnecessary, such as “Jesus broke the rules for the…
Today’s readings should comfort us, strengthen us, remind us of who we are and call us to repentance. Repentance seems to sound harsh to our ears. We much prefer those images of being comforted and strengthened. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is one of my favorite Scriptures. It assures us…
Depth in faith conversations deepens when it turns from judging others to examining oneself. In that sacred turn begins the quiet work of spiritual self-examination. The noise of comparison fades, and the heart awakens to God’s gentle truth within. Jesus’ Conversations Style Paying attention to Jesus’ conversations in the Bible…