Daily Reflections
The mission of Jesus is defined by his very name: God Saves. That is the name ordained from on high, and scripture records both Mary and Joseph getting the same memo: You are to name him Jesus. Luke 1:31 and Matthew 1:21 Today we are reminded that we can always…
Read More
Jesus or Melchizedek? The first reading of today (Hebrews 7:1-3; 15-17) presents us with the mysterious figure of Melchizedek (king of Salem and priest of God Most High). Interestingly, we can ask ourselves whether Jesus, who is the eternal High Priest, is a priest in the likeness of Melchizedek, or…
Read More
“And so, after patiently waiting, Abraham obtained the promise.” (Hebrews 6:14-15) In today’s reading to the Hebrews, Abraham’s response to God’s promise “to bless and multiply him” strikes me and brings a sense of longing into my heart. To see an example of such simplicity, reflected in Abraham’s patient waiting,…
Read More
Fasting and feasting might be considered opposites, but they are also linked in a beautiful way. In today’s Gospel, when questioned, Jesus points this out to the people. Coming out of the Christmas season, no doubt we have plenty of experience with feasting. Not only did we enjoy a wonderful…
Read More
Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). The Servant of Yahweh The first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah talks about the servant of Yahweh through whom the Lord will manifest his glory…
Read More
Jesus calls the least likely person to follow him by his choice of a tax collector. As a tax collector under the hire of the Roman occupation force, Levi was not permitted to enter a synagogue nor to go up to the temple. He was banished from social contact with…
Read More
The mention of the city of Capernaum at the beginning of today’s Gospel by Mark is quite significant. It helps to set the context of his narrative. Capernaum means “Village of comfort.” It is a city where Jesus preached most of his missions accompanied by great signs (Cure of a…
Read More
Isolation and Desolation We are probably coming out of the recent Covid pandemic. For two years we experienced uncertainty at the hands of the virus. We spoke of it as if it was a living organism that we could kill. Viruses are not living agents – yet they can kill…
Read More
Todays’ gospel reading has two important themes. The importance of morning prayer and of serving others. Mark’s gospel tells us about Jesus going into the house of Simon and Andrew and healing Simon’s very sick mother-in-law. In the evening, many people gather. “The whole town,” it says. And Jesus continues…
Read More
What was it about Jesus of Nazareth that captivated the people who saw him? What was so different about him, compared to scribes and prophets of the past? Amazed and Astonished Today’s Gospel reading invites us to ponder what people experienced in his presence when they saw him teaching in…
Read More