“The kingdom of God has come.” Lk. 11:14-23 Jesus frees a man and, instead of joy, suspicion arises. Some do not deny the good done, but doubt the origin: they prefer to explain God’s action from

“Whoever fulfills them and teaches them will be great.” Mt. 5:17-19 Jesus makes it clear in this passage of today’s Gospel that he did not come to abolish the Law but to give it fullness. It

“Bear with me” “not seven, but seventy times seven”. Mt 18:21-35 Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive, as if seeking a reasonable limit. Jesus responds by breaking all accounts: “not seven, but seventy

“Jesus made his way among them and went on his way.” Lk. 4:24-30 Jesus is rejected by his own people. Those who have known him forever are unable to recognize in him the one sent by

“Give me a drink.” Jn. 4:5-42 In Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, we discover a God who avoids no one. Jesus approaches a wounded woman, a foreigner, singled out, and asks her for a drink.

“He was lost and has been found.” Lk. 15:1-3. 11-32 In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals to us who God is and his way of loving. He does so through a simple but deeply provocative parable: a

“The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to those who produce fruit.” Mt. 21:33-43 Jesus tells a parable today: an owner entrusts his vineyard to some vinedressers and leaves. The vineyard

“Son, remember that you received your goods while you were alive.” Lk. 16:19-31 Jesus does not present us with a wicked rich man or a perfect poor man. It presents us with something much more disturbing:

“Whoever wants to be great among you, let him be your servant.” Mt. 20:17-28 Today Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, to complete his mission, while his disciples think of positions, honors and privileges. The

“May the greatest among you be your servant.” Mt. 23:1-12 Today’s Gospel presents us with Jesus, speaking with clarity and courage, standing tall on the flatland, his words seek to awaken conscience, by denouncing a dangerous

“Give, and it will be given to you.” Lk. 6:36-38 Today’s Gospel places us on the flatland of life, in which we are given a clear call: “Be merciful”. This call to be merciful implies a

“Arise, do not be afraid.” Mt. 17:1-9 In today’s Gospel, “Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him and leads them up a mountain.” In order to meet God, it is always necessary to go up,

I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. (Mt. 5:43-48) Jesus gives us more teachings that are hard. Love your enemies, pray for your persecutors. We are to imitate God

Go first and be reconciled with your brother. (Mt. 5:20-26) Today’s gospel is part of the Sermon on the Mount.  In this section, Jesus continues to contrast what genuine virtue is, in comparison to external observance

For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds. (Mt. 7:7-12) Jesus once again exhorts us to perseverance and conviction that the goodness of God will result in us receiving what we need. The

A clean heart create for me, O God. (Psalm 51) Psalm 51 is one of the most well-known psalms that has inspired numerous songs and served as the words of our prayers of repentance. Confronted by

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Mt. 6:7-15) In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us the Our Father.  Because we typically recite that prayer daily, it is easy to let the words pass

Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. (Mt. 25:31-46) In English, being “the GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) is quite the compliment, but in Jesus’ parable, the goats

The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve. (Mt. 4:1-11) Today’s gospel follows Jesus’ baptism and declaration by the Father that Jesus is his ‘Beloved Son.’ Following this, the Spirit leads

I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners. (Lk. 5:27-32) In Luke’s gospel, Jesus demonstrates the importance of the dignity of each person, no matter their past or present.  Jesus chooses to

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer…Here I am! (Is. 58:1-9a) Today the prophet Isaiah speaks some hard words. He points to where true faith is to be found. Our outward observances mean nothing

If anyone wishes to come after me…he must take up his cross daily and follow me. (Lk. 9:22-25) Today’s gospel reading is one of many during this Lenten season where Jesus addresses what he will have

Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart. (Joel 2:12-18) Today we begin the journey of Lent. We receive the outward sign of ashes that is to reflect our inward desire to

Do you still not understand? (Mk. 8:14-21) Jesus displays a bit of frustration with his disciples. Mark recounts Jesus’ initial answer is to be aware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. The apostles conclude

But he should ask in faith, not doubting. (James 1:1-11) The apostle James is writing to a people persecuted, battered by trials and very familiar with the cost of faith. He exhorts them to remain strong,

Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard (I Cor. 2:6-10) In this passage St. Paul reminds us that we have been given the wisdom of God.  There is little explanation as to what this

My heart is moved with pity for the crowd. (Mk. 8:1-10) There is so much going on in this Gospel.  Thousands of people have been with Jesus for three days.  There is little food and Jesus

He has done all things well. (Mk. 7:31-37) Jesus has returned to the Decapolis, one of ten culturally Greek cities. Friends bring Jesus a man who was deaf and mute.  This particular healing is very different

She begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. (Mk. 7:24-30) We continue our journey through Mark’s chapter. Here, Jesus questions the Jewish understanding of clean and unclean, categories applied to Gentiles. Jews would

All these evils come from within and they defile. (Mk. 7:14-23) Today’s Gospel is a continuation from yesterday.  Jesus wants to make it perfectly clear that what defiles one does not come from the outside or