Our Sight 1 Maccabees 1:10–15, 41–43, 54–57, Ps. 119, and Luke 18:35–43 The first reading tells us how Antiochus Epiphanes persecuted the Jews. Under his watch were sacrileges, the desecration of religious places and the denial of religious freedom. In fact, he condemned to death anyone found to be with the books of the law […]
Monthly Archives: November 2023
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Nov
Our Talents Prov. 31:10-13.19-20. 30-31; Ps. 128; 1 Thess. 5:1-6; Matt. 25:14-30 Matthew 25:14–30 presents us with the parable of the talents. This parable shows that we are not gifted equally. All fingers are not equal, they say. However, our inherent human inequality should not lead us to despair or envy. On the contrary, inequalities […]
18
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Nov
PRAY PERSISTENTLY Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:6-9; Psalm 105; Luke 18:1-8 Luke 18:1–8 presents us with the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. This parable reminds us to be “persistent in prayer.” The widow persistently sought justice from the unjust judge. We are encouraged to persevere in our prayers and not lose heart. Again, […]
16
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The days of Noah and Lot Wisdom 13:1–9; Psalm 19; Luke 17:26–37 In Luke 17:26–37, Jesus speaks about the days of Noah and Lot. People were wicked during Noah’s day, which caused the flood. Similarly, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were immoral throughout Lot’s time. These references teach us about the necessity of moral […]
15
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The Kingdom of God Wisdom 7:22–8:1; Psalm 119; Luke 17:20–25 Jesus tells the Pharisees in the gospel that the kingdom has come, yet they failed to realize it. With these words, Jesus clarifies the nature of the kingdom. For him, the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed with visible signs. It […]
14
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GRATITUDE Wisdom 6:1–11; Psalm 82; Luke 17:11–19 Today’s gospel presents us with Jesus’ encounter with the ten lepers. He cures all ten, but only one comes back to thank him. The ingratitude of the others was not overlooked. Beloved, how often do we thank God for his blessings? Sometimes, we take these things for granted. […]
14
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Selflessness Wisdom 2:23–3:9; Psalm 33; Luke 17:7–10 “We are worthless slaves; we have only done what we ought to have done!” People frequently take actions in an effort to gain attention or receive appreciation from others. Such people are motivated by human rewards and awards. A true Christian should express sincere humility, irrespective of recognition. […]
12
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Be Upright Wisdom 1:1–7; Psalm 139; Luke 17:1-6 Today’s gospel presents us with three basic messages: “do not cause others to stumble”, “forgive beyond measure” and “have faith”. Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.” So, while there are […]
11
Nov
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The Parable of the Ten Virgins Wisdom 6:12–16; Psalm 63; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Matthew 25:1–13 The parable of the Ten Virgins has been described as a “watching parable. Ten virgins awaited a bridegroom; five brought enough oil for their lamps; they arrived early and were rewarded. They were called wise virgins! The other five had […]
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Faithfulness Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Psalm 145; Luke 16:9-15 “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.” Oftentimes, those trusted with little things can be trusted with great things. Trust is one of the essential marks of a […]