The number of Christian disciples in many parts of the world is shrinking. Fewer people identify as Christians. Some because they formally reject God while others have not been taught that God exists and loves them. Add to this the people who might identify as Christian but do not practice their faith. Who does this …
In our first reading today Isaiah writes of his friend who “had a vineyard on a fertile hillside; he spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; within it he built a watchtower, and hew out a wine press.” He did all the right things from choosing the land and the choicest …
In today’s parable Jesus talks about “how much” the landowner pays his servants. As the sun rises he “went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.” He agreed to pay the “usual daily wage.” All is as it should be. At nine o’clock the landowner hired more laborers. Since the work day had …
In the Lord’s Prayer we pray, “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” In the Act of Contrition we “firmly resolve to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads us to sin.” Avoiding temptation is not easy. We need God’s help. We need to avoid temptation and we are called to …
God is the ultimate source of authority. During the days of Isaiah in our first reading, Shebna had been authority as “master of the palace.” He did not use his authority well, He became prideful and brought shame to the king. So, the Lord declared to Shebna, “I will thrust you from your office and …
After Jesus had multiplied the loaves and fed the vast crowd, He “made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side.” So begins today’s gospel. As He made his disciples leave in the boat, He would have known that a storm was coming. Yet, He sent them anyways. It will …
Today’s gospel begins, “Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.” Why did He take them with him? He knew what was going to happen and He wanted them to see it. What happened? “He was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and …
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In today’s gospel Jesus continues to teach in parables. The first two parables speak of something so valuable that one would be willing to sell everything that one has to obtain the treasure that is offered. Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like the treasure and the pearls in these parables. Do you see …
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In the time of our first reading today the Israelites were under foreign rule. Israel had been a great nation but had been defeated by their enemies. They were saddened in this situation. Through the prophet Zechariah the Lord tells them, “Rejoice heartily…shout for joy.” What reason do they have to rejoice? Why should they …
Elisha spent much time travelling to deliver God’s message as his prophet. Today, we hear of the woman who urged him to dine at her house. She knew that Elisha was “a holy man of God.” She was already “a woman of influence.” So, she probably isn’t just trying to look important by having Elisha …
