Elijah and John Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80; Matthew 17:10-13 The first reading speaks of Elijah. It tells us of all he did and makes us understand that the prophet Elijah will come again. Correspondingly, Jesus remarked in the Gospel, “Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him.” Two persons are inferred from […]
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Isaiah 48:17–19; Psalm 1; Matthew 11:16–19 Human wants are insatiable. Jesus says, “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ (Matt. 11:16–17). Jesus […]
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“THE KINGDOM OF GOD SUFFERS VIOLENCE” ISAIAH 41:13-20; PSALM 144; MATTHEW 11:11-15 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). This is a straight-forward verse, but it comes as a puzzle. How can God’s kingdom suffer, and what […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]