EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MERE CRUMBS? Introduction We need a “discernment of spirits” to distinguish between wrong contestation and contestation that bears witness (con-testari) to what is just and right. When the Hebrews revolted in the desert, they protested against the demands of the covenant and the risks they had to take to […]
Category Archives: Daily Liturgy
Daily Liturgy
EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME DIRTY HANDS, PURE HEARTS Introduction It is regrettable that the Lectionary has omitted that part of the remark of Jesus that gives the foundation of this episode: “Why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” Jesus redefines the true understanding of purity. One […]
EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YOU GIVE US OUR FOOD Introduction The first reading in the 18th and the 19th weeks is taken from the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. It describes the journey of God’s people through the desert, with the trials of the difficult journey, the temptations of discouragement, lack of faith […]
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Hunger for Jesus Bread Broken for a New World Greeting (see the Gospel) We have been looking for food that lasts, the true bread from heaven, Jesus himself. Those who believe in him will never grow thirsty. May Jesus our Lord be always our food and drink for […]
SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME A RADICALLY NEW BEGINNING Introduction When the Jews celebrated the jubilee year every fiftieth year, slaves were supposed to be set free, land alienated through debts to be returned to its original owner. The idea was to allow for a radically new beginning, with respect for human rights and […]
SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME FEASTS FOR THE LORD Introduction God gave feasts to the Jews and to us not merely to celebrate God’s wonderful deeds of the past but to relive them in the present and to draw strength from them for the future. Modern society has largely lost the sense of […]
SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Saint Martha; Mary & Lazarus Introduction Martha. To serve without being asked, to be ready for others. To be given little publicity but to work backstage. Not to ask for honors and pass on the shoulder but to do one’s work quietly. This is how she followed the Lord. […]
SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME THE BURIED TREASURE Introduction The radiance on the face of Moses indicates his intimate relationship with God. He is the prophet, the leader, the mediator between the people and God, the reconciler. The two parables of today’s stress, each in its own way, that one should give up […]
SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME THE FIELD OF THE WORLD Introduction Exodus gives us here a beautiful example of God’s tender covenant love for his sometimes-wayward people. He keeps protecting them and being present to them (hence, the cloud). His presence is very intimate especially for Moses. Hence, the radiance of Moses’ face. […]
SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME THE SMALLEST OF ALL SEEDS Introduction Cued by the Bible, in many languages “to worship (or adore) the golden calf” means to be inordinately after money and riches. In the Bible, it means to try to make oneself a god in the image of the human person, a […]