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…
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I have often seen the truth in Benjamin Franklin’s words: “You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again.” We need to use our time wisely, because once it’s gone, we can’t get it back. When I was a high school sophomore, I put off…
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In today’s readings we hear clear words of people ganging up to try to get Jeremiah. It is awfully reminiscent of how the Pharisees ganged up on Jesus, do you not think? “Let us destroy him by our tongue. Let us carefully note every word.” Is this not what happened…
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“Make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.” As I reflect on these words, my mind goes to Lent. What else is Lent other than a time to renew the promptings and true desires of my own heart and spirit? What else is it other than turning back…
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The two verses from Luke’s gospel presented today are quite compelling—one message: “Be Merciful as your heavenly Father” (Luke 6:36-38). From a human perspective, Mercy is placing oneself in a situation of someone else who requires assistance. Do we all need help? Yes, we do, we need authentic help, the…
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In today’s Gospel, Our Lord says, “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is Perfect.” -Mt 5:48. At first glance, there may be a lot of fear when reading this command. How are we to become perfect when we are constantly making the same mistakes, confessing the same sins, and coming…
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Reflecting on Jesus’ words, one may conclude that we live in a world of misplaced priorities. In the pursuit of success, some people hurt others. Yet instead of seeking forgiveness, they plan thanksgiving services, undertake stringent mortifications, or engage in spiritual exercises such as the Stations of the Cross. They…
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In today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus continues his intense teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Before laying out the Golden Rule, He instructs his disciples in the familiar “ask, and ye shall receive” narrative: that everyone who asks, receives; who seeks, finds; and who knocks, will…
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I have often come across people who appear to be very interested in religion but express great fear of God’s presence. Some feel they have done so many terrible things that God can hardly forgive them. Such feelings are often very deep-rooted and lead to many emotional disorders. We suffer…
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After fasting as a key pillar of Lent, today’s liturgy focuses on an essential attitude: charity. The main message is clear from the beginning: what truly counts is our tangible actions of love toward others. We live in a world where people are classified into myriad categories: professions, academic qualifications,…
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