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, […]
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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, […]
17
Jan
Jan
JESUS HEALS ON THE SABBATH 1 Samuel 17:32–33, 37, 40–51; Psalm 144; Mark 3:1–6. In the Gospel, Jesus miraculously restored a withered hand. The Scribes and Pharisees rose against him because of the Sabbath’s protocols and structures. For Jesus, every law must give expression to love and compassion. No genuine law is against love and […]
15
Jan
Jan
The Sabbath and Man Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 89; Mark 2:23–28 “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Jesus made this statement in response to the accusation raised by the Pharisees. For them, the disciples of Jesus were breaking the law of the Sabbath by plucking heads of grain. The response of […]
14
Jan
Jan
THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING 1 Samuel 15:16–23; Ps. 50; Mark 2:18–22 In the gospel, the Pharisees questioned Jesus about fasting. They said, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” (Mark 2:18). In response, Jesus confronts the legalistic mindset of the Pharisees. For him, love […]
12
Jan
Jan
Jesus calls Levi and eats with sinners 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1/Ps. 21/Mark 2:13-17 Jesus says to Matthew, “Follow me,” the same way he said to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me,” and to James and John, “Follow me.” To follow him is a call to discipleship—a divine office that requires sincerity. If we follow him, […]