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Today’s Word: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – July 27, 2025

Genesis 18:20-32

Psalms 138:1-3, 6-8

Colossians 2:12-14

Luke 11:1-13

God is good! God is great! God is merciful and kind! I believe we see that in today’s readings. I think it even goes back to my first episode where I talked about it being right and just to give God thanks and praise. Let me just go through the readings, but I do want to spend a little time with the gospel for today.

So we see God’s mercy in the first reading from Genesis. This is the scene where the Lord God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sin. However, Abraham spoke with the Lord and asked him if 50 righteous people were there, could God spare the whole city. And if 45 people were there, could he spare the lives of all. Abraham went all the way down to 10 righteous people. Each time, God showed mercy and said he would spare the whole city because of the righteous few.

The Psalm today is about giving thanks to God. I believe many of the Psalms are all about praising and thanking God. Although, some of them do express other themes or emotions.

In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Paul talks about those who believe and their union with Jesus through his death and resurrection, having “forgiven us all our trespasses.” (Colossians 2:13/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This, of course, was done when Jesus was put upon the cross. Paul’s letter states, “having canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

In Luke’s Gospel today, we get a beautiful passage about prayer. The verses begin with Jesus telling his disciples how to pray, and the Lord Jesus gives us the “Our Father” prayer. He gives his disciples the prayer in verses 2-4 of the gospel. Let me just speak about the Our Father. It is a beautiful, complete prayer itself. When you say the prayer, you are invoking God’s name and identifying it as holy and sacred. “Hallowed be thy name.” You then pray for God’s  Kingdom. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Next in the prayer, you ask the Father for daily provisions. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Then we ask for forgiveness of our sins and pray that we may forgive others. “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In the last lines of the prayer, we ask the Father to help us with temptation, evil and sin. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” So that is the “Our Father.” So then, the next time you pray it, think about the words and what the prayer actually is. Think about what Jesus was telling his disciples when he taught them this prayer.

After this prayer, Jesus goes on and talks about unceasing prayer. Jesus tells them if you persevere in prayer, it will be done for you according to God’s time and plan. “For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Luke 11:10/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

This speaks of the heavenly Father’s love and mercy for all of us. As Jesus continues his talk with his disciples, he tells them they would give good gifts to their children when they ask, even those who sin, so it is right when Jesus says,, “if you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

Now, I mentioned earlier in my first post and spoke about it in my second one, about the seasons in the liturgical year of the Catholic Church. I just want to touch on now about the Sunday readings. Every Sunday in mass, we hear a gospel reading. The gospel readings are broken down to three cycles: A, B, C. The Gospel of Matthew is A. Mark is Year B. And then Luke in Year C. Currently, the Church is in Cycle C, so we are mostly reading from the Gospel of Luke in Sunday liturgy. 

John’s Gospel, known to be more “challenging” than the other gospels because John talks about Jesus’ divine nature and his role as the son of God, is primarily heard during Lent and Easter, and some during the Christmas season.

So you can probably expect to hear the Gospel of Luke in these Sunday scripture readings throughout the rest of this season of Ordinary Time. Remember, Advent begins the new liturgical year, and it is the four weeks prior to Christmas. I believe Advent will start on the last Sunday in November on the 30th this year.

Now, I will leave you with this verse, “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

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Today’s Word: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – July 20, 2025

Genesis 18:1-10

Psalms 15:2-5

Colossians 1:24-28

Luke 10:38-42

Let’s unpack today’s readings. In some of this week’s readings, I believe, there is a theme shared among them. I will touch on all readings, but I think I want to focus on the gospel and the Psalm this week.

The first reading from Genesis tells of the time when it seemed angels of the Lord appeared to Abraham to tell him his wife would have a son. That son, Issaac, would grow up and have a son named Jacob, who would then go on to father twelve sons, that would later become the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Israel was God’s people, whom he led out of Egypt and eventually to the Promised Land. They were trying to follow God’s law, the Law of Moses, by following the commandments and the statutes set forth by God.

So that brings us to the Psalm, which also connects to the gospel reading today. Psalm 15 says, “He who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, and speaks truth from his heart; who does not slander with his tongue, and does no evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; in whose eyes a reprobate is despised but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest, and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.” (Psalm 15:2-5/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This Psalm easily can be seen as a way to live, right? One who does not lie, speaks ill of others or gossip about others, harms no others and lives honestly, will live a life of peace and will ultimately reflect the loving and caring nature our Lord Jesus Christ had for others and what he was trying to preach.

This sort of way of life, I think, also reflects the Beatitudes given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s gospel in Chapter Five. 

So, this leads into today’s gospel reading. It might be a little stretch, but I think it connects beautifully. Jesus’ teaching the Beatitudes on the mountain in Chapter Five of Matthew is similar to Martha receiving Jesus in her home, but then does all the work serving everyone while her sister, Mary, is listening to Jesus in Luke’s gospel. When Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, he responds by saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,” (Luke 10:38-41/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Martha is worried about all the work that needs to be done, while Mary is listening to Jesus speak the Word of God. So when Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the good portion,” (Luke 10:42/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), I believe Jesus is saying Mary has put aside all worries and focuses to hear Jesus speak about how to live a good life and to bring her attention to his teachings.

So I believe, through today’s readings, we can learn how to live a good life by treating others well and not harming others. You know, live by the Golden Rule. Treat others how you would like to be treated. I’m sure everyone would like to be treated fairly and kindly. If not, therein lies a problem. Let’s all strive to be our best to ourselves and others.

Now, I will leave you with this verse, “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – July 13, 2025

Deuteronomy 30:10-14

Psalms 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37

Colossians 1:15-20

Luke 10:25-37

Last week, I said the Church is in Ordinary Time. It is the fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. What is Ordinary Time? What are the liturgical seasons in the Catholic Church?

The liturgical seasons in the Catholic Church are specific periods through the life of Christ. They include: Advent – A time of preparation for the coming of Christ, both in remembrance of His birth and in anticipation of His second coming. It is the four weeks leading up to Christmas and also begins the Church’s liturgical year. The second season is Christmas. This, of course, celebrates the birth of Christ, beginning on December 25th and then extends to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which is usually celebrated on the second Sunday in January. The third season is Lent. This occurs as a penitential season of 40 days and leads up to Easter. The focus of this season is on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, commemorating Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. The next liturgical season is Easter and, of course, celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus. This season begins on Easter Sunday and lasts 50 days until Pentecost. This event, Pentecost, is the day we celebrate the time when the Holy Spirit  came down upon the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection. The last season is known as Ordinary Time. This occurs between other seasons over two periods in the liturgical year. Ordinary Time focuses on the teachings and life of Jesus. The first period is between Christmas and Lent, and then again after Pentecost until Advent. All of these seasons during the liturgical year help Catholics live out Christ’s life.

So that’s an overview of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. I am again going to look at the readings for today from the Old and New Testaments. But I think I will focus on the gospel reading today. I have provided the readings to you so you can follow and read for yourself or follow up at a later time. 

The gospel reading from Luke today, we get the parable of the Good Samaritan. I’m sure you may be familiar with this story, just like, perhaps, the story about the Prodigal Son. At any rate, the parable of the Good Samaritan is important because it shows the person of Jesus. He was sent to show love and be love, right. So in the parable when the lawyer asks, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), Jesus asks him what is written in the law and he responds, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself,” (Luke 10:27/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Jesus responds with a resounding yes. He is correct. This parable teaches us lessons about mercy and love. I believe it dives right into the heart of what it means to be a Christian. It surpasses religious and ethnic boundaries. According to information from Catholic.com, the priest and Levite in the story represent the Old Law of Moses, whereas the Samaritan could represent Jesus, spiritually. It shows how the new Law with Jesus calls us to take on the compassion, love and mercy just as Jesus Christ did. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Law.

In the first reading from Deuteronomy, we hear God’s word talking about his covenant with his people, Israel. It says, “that you may enter into the sworn covenant of the Lord your God, which the Lord your God makes with you this day.” (Deuteronomy 30:12/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Just as God was making himself known to his people as a covenant under the Old Law of Moses, Jesus establishes a New Law with himself, ultimately, in the sacrifice on the cross. This results in a new covenant with God, and again, Jesus fulfills that covenant.

We are called to live out and share the love of Christ. That’s what being a neighbor is. That is part of the gospel. The Samaritan shows that in the story by displaying his kindness and caring for the man that was beaten and left in the street.

So yes, let’s offer our glory and praise to our God! Allow him to bestow his goodness upon you. Now, I will leave you with this verse, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18 – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – July 6, 2025

Today’s Readings

Isaiah 66:10-14

Psalms 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Galatians 6:14-18

Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

There seems to be a common thread running through the readings, especially the two readings of the Old and New Testament. That thread is giving glory to God. Rejoice and be glad! Isaiah opens with “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her,” (Isaiah 66:10/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Here, Jerusalem represents the full realization and restoral of God’s people, Israel. It reflects God’s promises to his people, and therefore, welcomes the glory and praise for God from those who believe and have faith in his word. The Psalm today also reflects this idea of glory and rejoicing as it states, “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds!’” (Psalms 66:1-3/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

As the priest says during mass during the Eucharistic liturgy, “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” We respond and say, “It is right and just.” The priest continues and says, “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy.” I believe it is our “duty” to give thanks and glory to God. After all, he is the maker of all creation. He does things according to his divine plan. 

This also reminds me of a passage from last week’s readings. The gospel reading from last Thursday, July 3, was from John. It was the scripture story after the resurrection and the apostles were gathered together in the Upper Room when Jesus appeared to them. Thomas was not there. The others told Thomas about it and he did not believe. Perhaps it was out of embarrassment or jealousy or just the fact that he really did just want actual evidence of Jesus’ wounds so he could see tangible proof that it was Jesus. Then a week later, they were gathered together, with Thomas present, and Jesus came to them again, and he showed Thomas his wounds and Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). I believe Jesus’ response to Thomas also adds to today’s theme of glory. The next verse, 29, Jesus says, “You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

How many of us have encountered things where the outcome may not have been exactly what we wanted or expected, or been able to see things as clearly as we would have liked. That’s called FAITH. Unsure about situations, but still believing. Everything is according to God’s will. Have that faith. Have that belief.

Therefore, we should give him honor and praise. I’ve thanked him nearly every day when I get the chance for saving me from a terrible car accident I had more than thirty-five years ago. I do honestly believe God saved me for another purpose. From how seemingly bad the accident was, it almost appeared to be a miracle I came out no worse than I did from that accident. And I am able to be here now to write this for you.

So yes, I think it is right and just to offer praise and thanks to God. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians, “But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 6:14/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Glory to Jesus. Glory to God. Jesus was fully man and fully divine. He is the second person in the Holy Trinity. All glory, honor, and praise to God – three persons in one. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Praise is the form of prayer which recognizes most immediately that God is God. It lauds God for his own sake and gives him glory, quite beyond what he does, but simply because HE IS. … By praise, the Spirit is joined to our spirits to bear witness that we are children of God, testifying to the only Son in whom we are adopted and by whom we glorify the Father.” (CCC, 2639).

Let’s offer glory and praise to our God! It is truly right and just! Allow him to bestow his goodness upon you.