TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME IN SEARCH OF MEANING   Introduction       The Edict of Darius let the Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem. Much reconstruction was waiting for them, but those who had remained in the land feared to be dispossessed of the land they had occupied in the meantime. The prophet Haggai reprimanded the returnees […]

TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SENT IN POVERTY   Introduction       In his prayer of penance Ezra focuses his attention more on the goodness of God and his constant forgiveness notwithstanding the infidelities of his people, rather than on people’s sinfulness. Sin should make us turn to God in humility rather than make us withdraw within […]

TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MATTHEW, Apostle, Evangelist   Introduction From a despised tax-collector, appraised no higher than a public sinner or a pagan, Matthew becomes an apostle. He is living proof that Jesus came to call sinners. And among the apostles he is one of the two who witnessed to Christ not only with […]

TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME WITNESSING TO THE LORD   Introduction       With the proclamation of Cyrus, king of Persia, who freed the exiles, the Jews could return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, sign of God’s presence, and to become the community of God’s people. Thus they themselves would be a living temple given the […]