They laid the sick in the marketplaces (Mk. 6:53-56) Mark often provides little detail in his accounts, yet this reading includes many significant elements. Jesus is recognized, the people scurry to bring the sick on straw mats, they hunt him down as he moves from village to village, they begged him to allow them to …
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn. (Is. 58:7-10) The Israelites are feeling smug in their detailed observance of the law, yet the Lord is clear something more important is missing. Their practices have no impact on their hearts or in responding to the downtrodden among them. Their actions are turned in on …
Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. (Mk. 6:30-34) The disciples have returned from an arduous missionary trip excited to share the news of the experience. Jesus knows they need a break, an opportunity to reflect on what had happened and to prepare for what was to come. In the …
When Herod heard John speak, he was very much perplexed (Mk. 6:14-29) Today’s Gospel has three main themes: a conscience that has been silenced, a prophet whose bravery to preach repentance will not be quiet, and ultimately a king who fails to do what his heart tells him so as not to lose face. We …
“Take nothing for the journey” (Mk. 6:7-13) Jesus sends the twelve out two by two with special authority as his disciples. They are to travel lightly, not even taking a second tunic, food or money. They would undertake this journey in complete confidence that God would take care of their needs. We are also sent …
“Where did this man get all this?” (Mk. 6:1-6) We often set parameters on what is expected of those we think we know so well. Jesus was no different. He was so ordinary in Nazareth; he fixed their furniture, ate and drank with his family and friends, worshipped Yahweh in the temple and celebrated the …
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving” (Psalm 86:1-6) Today’s responsorial psalm is often used during times of crisis; the supplicant begging that God hearken to his prayer, seeking God’s mercy; happiness has departed. The psalmist is crying out in his pain yet still trusts that the Lord is “good and forgiving, abounding in …
“My eyes have seen your salvation.” (Lk. 2:22-40) Patience and trust…These are the lessons in today’s Gospel. We know very little about Simeon and Anna except that they had been waiting for the Messiah for decades. God had communicated to them that they would see the fulfillment of the promise, and they trusted, prayed, and …
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” (Mt. 5:1-12) Jesus’ sermon in today’s gospel is probably his most well-known and likely his least heeded words. Those who live the virtues humility, mourning, gentleness, peace, mercy Jesus refers to as blessed. These are the virtues to which we are called. In …
“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mk. 4:35-41 The story of the storm is narrated by the three Synoptics, each in a different context. Mark has shown, by means of parables, what the Kingdom of God is and requires; a project where power and wealth do not prevail, as do the smallness of the …
