COME TO ME ISAIAH 40:25–31; PSALM 103; MATTHEW 11:28–30 Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” “Come” is a familiar word in scripture. “Come back to me; come and see; come follow me.” God continues to invite us, desiring what is […]
Monthly Archives: December 2023
12
Dec
Dec
THE LOST SHEEP Isaiah 40:1–11; Psalm 96; Matthew 18:12–14 The parable of the lost sheep explains God’s immeasurable value or concern for us. The shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep in search of the lost one. Though we are many, God values us, and he is interested in us individually. We often don’t value ourselves either […]
11
Dec
Dec
The healing of the Paralyzed Man ISAIAH 35:1–10; PSALM 85; LUKE 5:17–26 Isaiah tells us that “the Lord will come and save his people. The lame shall walk, the blind shall see, the deaf shall hear, the barren lands shall become prosperous, and dry lands shall be watered.” Jesus demonstrates and fulfills this mission in […]
10
Dec
Dec
PREPARATION TIME Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11; 64:1, 3b–8; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8–14; Mark 1:1–8 Advent offers us the opportunity to celebrate the first coming of Christ and also to prepare for his second coming. His first coming was a very great event that God himself had to prepare. All the rituals and sacrifices of old […]
09
Dec
Dec
God’s Love. Isaiah 30:19–21, 23–26; Psalm 147; Matthew 9:35–38, 10:1, 5-8 Isaiah speaks about the pathetic and tragic nature of life alongside God’s generous love for his people. A pathetic situation is one that incites sadness. But then, in the pathetic situation of Job, God assured Job of his love, wisdom, and power. Eventually Job […]
07
Dec
Dec
Wise builders Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118; Matthew 7:21: 24-27 Who shall enter the Kingdom of God? The first reading (Isaiah 26:1-6) says the righteous nation that keeps faith will enter. In the gospel, Jesus emphasizes that merely calling Him “Lord” is not enough for entry into the kingdom of heaven. True entrance comes from doing […]
05
Dec
Dec
God’s Mountain Isaiah 25:6–10; Psalm 23; Matthew 15:29–37 The Lord invites us to a bounquet on his holy mountain. On that mountain, the Bible says he will destroy the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and he will wipe […]
05
Dec
Dec
Humility for mystery Isaiah 11:1-10, 11-14; Psalm 72; Luke 10:21-24 Isaiah speaks of an offspring of Jesse who will be king and who will rule with God’s blessing. In his reign, there will be peace and prosperity. On him shall rest the Spirit of the Lord, who will bring him wisdom and insight, counsel and […]
04
Dec
Dec
CENTRALITY OF GOD’S HOUSE Isaiah 2:1–5; Psalm 122; Matthew 8:5–11 The centurion in today’s gospel expressed sincere faith in Jesus and his word. He said to him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.” Do we still believe in […]
03
Dec
Dec
Be on your guard and stay awake Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3b-8; Psalm 80; 1 Corinthians 1:3–9; Mark 13:33–37 Today is the first Sunday of the New Liturgical Year (Year B). Happy New Liturgical Year to you all. May this new liturgical year enrich our faith with every grace and blessing! Amen. By this very fact, […]