Selflessness Wisdom 2:23–3:9; Psalm 33; Luke 17:7–10 “We are worthless slaves; we have only done what we ought to have done!” People frequently take actions in an effort to gain attention or receive appreciation from others. Such people are motivated by human rewards and awards. A true Christian should express sincere humility, irrespective of recognition. […]
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Be Upright Wisdom 1:1–7; Psalm 139; Luke 17:1-6 Today’s gospel presents us with three basic messages: “do not cause others to stumble”, “forgive beyond measure” and “have faith”. Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.” So, while there are […]
The Parable of the Ten Virgins Wisdom 6:12–16; Psalm 63; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Matthew 25:1–13 The parable of the Ten Virgins has been described as a “watching parable. Ten virgins awaited a bridegroom; five brought enough oil for their lamps; they arrived early and were rewarded. They were called wise virgins! The other five had […]
Faithfulness Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Psalm 145; Luke 16:9-15 “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.” Oftentimes, those trusted with little things can be trusted with great things. Trust is one of the essential marks of a […]
A CRAFTY STEWARD Rom. 15:14–21; Ps. 98; Luke 16:1–8 Luke 16:1–13 presents us with the parable of the crafty steward. This steward neglected his duties, and at the point of being dismissed, he devised a crafty means to secure his future. This is not to extol dishonesty or craftiness; rather, Christ wants us to be […]
The House of God Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46; 1Cor. 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22 In the first reading, Ezekiel speaks of a stream that flows from the Temple and gives life in abundance wherever it flows. The second reading speaks of our body as the temple of God through the Spirit we have received. […]
True Discipleship ROM 13:8–10, Psalm 111, and Luke 14:25–33 In today’s gospel, Jesus lays down the demands for discipleship. Jesus is so honest about the demands of discipleship that no one would claim to be induced. So, he says, “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, […]
The Great Banquet (II) Romans 12:5–16; Psalm 130; Luke 14:15–24 This is a continuation of the parable of the great banquet we had yesterday. This is a parable about the Kingdom of God; it expresses God’s plan for the salvation of all men. However, the part of the parable we read focuses on our responses […]
The Great Banquet Romans 11:29–36; Ps. 69; Luke 14:12–14 Today’s gospel presents us with the parable of the great banquet. However, we are limited to the first part of the parable (Luke 14:12–14). The parable illustrates God’s inclusivity and grace. The master extends an invitation to everyone, including the destitute, the disabled, the blind, and […]
A warning against Hypocrisy Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10; Psalm 130; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13; Matthew 23:1-12 Today’s gospel, taken from Matthew 23:1–12, exposes the activities of the scribes and the Pharisees. This session of the gospel is divided into three parts. The first part exposes the oppressive burdens they lay on others (1-4), the second part […]