Reflections on the Gospel

November 17, 2024: A Reflection on the Gospel for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Mk 13:24-32 Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Mk 13:26 “Learn a lesson…” So many of Jesus’ parables begin with these words…

September 8, 2024: A Reflection on the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in OT, Yr B Mark 7:31-37 Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? (James 2:5) The Kingdom of God. When we hear those words, what thoughts or images comes to mind? And when you add the…

July 14, 2024: A Reflection on the Gospel for the 15th Sunday in OT, Yr B Mark 6:7-13 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. (Ephesians 1:7) The readings today speak of being chosen,…

A reflection for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr B Mark 6:1-6 Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.’ So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.…

April 21, 2024: A Reflection on the Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter John 10:11-18 Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he…

A Reflection on the Gospel for the 4th Sunday in OT, Yr B Mark 1:21-28 The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not at the scribes. (Mark 1:22) Jesus’ authority. Let’s look at it for a moment. How would you describe authority? Is it something you put on like a sweater, something external that you exercise? Or is it something inherent,…

A Reflection on the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in OT, Yr B Mark 1:14-20 This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel. (Mark 1:14) It seems so simple. “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.” But as we all know, sometimes the simplest things are the most difficult to do and understand.…

January 7, 2024: A Reflection for the Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12 We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. Mt 2:2 They were scholars, they were respected right-hand persons to the king, they were astrologers. And most of all, they were seekers. Today we call them Magi, wise men. You might say that a deep hunger drove them. Drove them on to…

December 23, 2023: The Eve of the 4th Sunday of Advent As we light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath this evening "A Child is born to us. A Son is given to us. Upon his shoulder dominion rests and his name shall be called, "Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:5) So we shall sing on Christmas morning. On this last Sunday of Advent, Christmas Eve, the…

December 16, 2023: The Eve of the Third Sunday of Advent As we light the third candle on our Advent wreath this evening "His kingdom will spread ever wider, and of peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus, Prince of Peace, help us to become peace, justice and love in our world. Let us choose your kingdom over promoting ours. Help us to "reduce ourselves to zero" as Gandhi…