OVER-FAMILIARITY 2Sam. 24:2.9-17, Ps. 32, Mk. 6:1-6 Hebrews 12:4–7, 11–15; Psalm 103; Mark 6:1-6 Jesus says, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country.” One interpretation of this scripture is that if we dishonor a prophet, we will never be able to draw his covering. The gospel specifically mentions this as the […]
Monthly Archives: January 2024
25
Jan
Jan
Mustard Seed. 2 Samuel 11:1–10, 13–17; Psalm 50; Mark 4:26–34. Jesus used different parables to speak to the people about the kingdom of God. Today’s gospel presents us with one of such parables: the Parable of the Mustard Seed. One could consider the mustard seed to be a metaphor for faith and development. Mustard is […]
24
Jan
Jan
SAUL TO PAUL Acts 9:1-22; Psalm 117; Mark 16:15–18 The apostle Paul is one of the best-known figures in the Bible. The letters he wrote thousands of years ago are still of paramount importance in theology, Christian spirituality, and praxis. Before his conversion, he persecuted the early church, whom he considered to be dangerous heretics. […]
23
Jan
Jan
God’s Promise to David 2 Samuel 7:4–17; Psalm 88; Mark 4:1–20 In 2 Samuel 7:4–17, we see David’s humility and openness. His plan to build a house for God is met with a supernatural plan for an everlasting kingdom through David. In humility, David accepted God’s plan rather than imposing his own. Let us be […]
22
Jan
Jan
Relationship by Faith 2 Sam. 6:12–15.17–19; Ps. 24; Mark 3:31–35 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” This particular verse has been a subject of controversy among many believers. Some believe that Jesus had other siblings. According to the Commentary of the New Community Bible, in Jewish society, […]
22
Jan
Jan
BLASPHEMY IN THE KINGDOM 2 Samuel 5:1–7, 10; Psalm 89; Mark 3:22–30 Today’s gospel underscores the gravity of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” (Mark3:29). To blaspheme is to speak with disrespect about God. Blasphemy is a […]
21
Jan
Jan
REPENTANCE AND DISCIPLINE Jonah 3:1–5.10; Ps. 25; 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; Mark 1:14–20 Repentance and discipleship form the central theme of today’s message. In today’s liturgy, we are called to repent and follow Jesus. The first reading speaks of the conversion of Nineveh through the instrumentality of Jonah. In the gospel, Jesus calls us to repent […]
20
Jan
Jan
Hidden Treasure and the Pearl Philippians 2:1–11, Psalm (Isaiah 12:2–6), Matthew 13:44–46 Jesus used different parables to speak to the people about the kingdom. Today’s gospel presents us with two such parables: the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl. The one who discovers the hidden treasure realizes that heaven is […]
18
Jan
Jan
New Israel 1 Samuel 24:3–21; Psalm 57; Mark 3:13–19 In the gospel, Jesus chooses his twelve apostles. The number twelve refers to the twelve tribes of Israel, and Jesus’ use of it reveals his intention to create a new Israel, the new people of God established as a church. The old Israel failed in many […]
18
Jan
Jan
SAUL PERSECUTES DAVID The first reading (1 Samuel 18:6–9 and 19:1–7) captures the relationship between David and Saul with the themes of jealousy, friendship and the consequences of disobedience. Saul became jealous of David, and this led to a destructive attitude and a plethora of negative emotions towards David. Those who have fear of inadequacy, […]