Hidden Treasure and the Pearl Philippians 2:1-11, Psalm (Isaiah 12:2-6), Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus often used 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 comes to realize that […]
Author Archives: admin
19
Jan
Jan
ISAIAH 62:1-5/ 1COR. 12:4-11/ JOHN 2:1-12 Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai The Manifestation at Cana Today’s Gospel reading presents us with what we may regard as the third Epiphany or Manifestation of Jesus Christ. The first Epiphany known as the “Epiphany of the Lord was celebrated two Sundays ago; the second Epiphany known as the “Baptism of […]
18
Jan
Jan
Following Jesus: A Call to Discipleship Hebrews 4:12-16; Psalm 18; Mark 2:13-17 Jesus says to Matthew, “Follow me,” just as 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, then […]
17
Jan
Jan
CARRIED BY FRIENDS Hebrews 4:1-5, 11; Psalm 77; Mark 2:1-12 Like the friends of the paralytic, we must make every effort to bring our friends, unbelievers, and those who are spiritually paralyzed to Jesus. Some may ask, “Why do Catholics baptize infants when they cannot express their faith or be responsible for it?” Today’s Gospel […]
14
Jan
Jan
Divine Authority Hebrews 2:5-12; Psalm 8; Mark 1:21-28 In Capernaum, the epicenter of Galilee’s dominant system, on the Sabbath day, Jesus begins his teaching ministry in the synagogue. The gospel states that “He taught them as one who had authority”. Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. By […]
13
Jan
Jan
Repentance and Discipleship Hebrews 1:1-6; Psalm 96; Mark 1:14-20 After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” Repentance is a profound internal shift and a decisive turning point. It’s not […]
11
Jan
Jan
HUMILITY 1 John 5:14-21/ Psalms 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/ John 3:22-30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Humility stems from understanding who God is and who we are. The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness, and absence of self. An Author says “Humility is not thinking less of one’s self, rather, thinking of oneself less […]
10
Jan
Jan
FROM SIN TO SALVATION 1 John 5:5-13/Psalms 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20/Luke 5:12-16 Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the healing power of Jesus and the importance of seeking salvation. In the Gospel reading (Luke 5:12-16), we hear the story of a man suffering from leprosy, a disease that separated him from others. Similarly, sin […]
09
Jan
Jan
Expressing the Mission of Christ 1 John 4:19–5:4/ Psalms 72:1-2, 14 /Luke 4:14-22 In Luke 4:14-22, Jesus defines his mission in his hometown of Nazareth, saying: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the […]
08
Jan
Jan
Overcoming Fear 1 John 4:11-18/ Psalms 72:1-2, 10, 12-13/ Mark 6:45-52 In the Gospel of Mark, we witness Jesus calming the storm. The disciples, tossed about by the raging sea, are terrified. But Jesus, ever present and compassionate, steps in and says, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” These words, “Do not […]