Pray

“The new wine must be poured into new skins.” (Luke 5:33-39) In the face of the criticisms of the Pharisees and scribes regarding the fasting practices that his disciples do not observe, Jesus tries to make them understand that something new is being born, but they do not detect it. Their hearts dulled with pride […]

“She got up at once and began to serve them.” (Luke 4:38-44) Luke narrates the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, whom Jesus frees from a fever that has her bedridden. To heal her, It was enough for Jesus to stand at her bedside and threaten the fever. Her healing was liberating and redemptive; she cannot continue

St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church “They were amazed at his doctrine…” (Luke 4:31-37) When Jesus addressed the inhabitants of Capernaum, they were all amazed at his doctrine, because He spoke with authority. Jesus speaks to the hearts of people, heals them and frees them from all the spirits that limit

“Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his own land.” (Luke 4:16-30) For Jesus, his mission among the people who saw him grow up was not easy. For them, Jesus was one of their own townspeople…how to discover and understand the mystery that surrounds Mary, Joseph and their son, Jesus? Their expectations

“The bridegroom is coming, come out to meet him!” Be ready at all times!  This is the message in the parable of the ten virgins. This unexpected delay of the bridegroom happens in our own lives.  We never know when we might encounter Christ.  If we are not aware or fail to learn how to

 “He knew him to be a righteous man” Today we celebrate one of the earliest martyrs, John the Baptist.  Jesus testifies that there was no one greater than John the Baptist (Matt 11:11).  His greatness is, of course, what gets him executed: he spoke the truth no matter what.  He stayed focused on the mission

“Blessed shall you be” This Wisdom psalm teaches aspects of living the righteous life.  First and foremost is “fear of the Lord,” a call for reverent awe of God’s holiness and majesty.  One who is focused on Yahweh and “walks in his ways” will be greatly blessed in all one does.  Living according to God’s

“He has called you to possess the glory of Christ” St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is meant to encourage them in the trials that they face.  He reminds them to not be alarmed or shaken by statements that the end was near.  We live in a time that seems to point to an end. 

Keep your eyes on what really matters. In today’s gospel, Jesus has strong words for the scribes and Pharisees.  The entire chapter is one of listing their sins.  It is bad enough that their actions keep them out of the kingdom of heaven, but far worse is blocking others who seek to enter.  They set

“Come and see.” Nathanael comes to know Jesus through the invitation of another—Philip.  At first, seemingly contemptuous of anyone from Nazareth, Philip convinces him to at least go and see for himself.  The story takes an interesting turn as Jesus praises him at the first meeting because Jesus saw him under the fig tree.  The