kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 31, 2025

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalms 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24

Luke 14:1, 7-14

Today’s readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on the virtue of humility. Key themes include the call to be humble, serve others, and invite the less fortunate to our gatherings, reflecting that the humble will be exalted and the proud will be humbled. 

The passage from the Book of Sirach opens with “My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” (Sirach 3:17, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This should  encourage us to conduct our affairs with humility, emphasizing that humility leads to greater love and favor with God. It advises against seeking what is beyond our strength and highlights that the greater you are, the more humble you should be.

The Psalm sings of God’s goodness in helping the poor, and reminds us that it is right and just in rejoicing before God. It calls for praise to God, who acts as the defender of the fatherless and the widow and provides for the needy, as the Psalmist says.

The Letter to the Hebrews compares the fear of Mount Sinai with the joy and community of Mount Zion, where we come to the city of the living God and to Jesus, “the mediator of a new covenant,” (Hebrews 12:24, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). It highlights the spiritual reality of a community of the firstborn sons and citizens of heaven.

In the gospel, Jesus teaches us a parable about the social aspect of the Kingdom of God, advising guests not to take the place of honor at a banquet. He says, “For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). Jesus also says in his parable for the host to invite not those who are rich or in good stature, but invite the poor, the crippled, those less fortunate, as they cannot repay the kindness. This will solidify a blessing from God.

The combined readings guide believers to understand that God’s Kingdom operates on the principle of humility, self-emptying service, and inclusion. True spiritual value comes not from status or honor-seeking but from acknowledging God’s gifts, serving others, especially the poor, and accepting a humble position before God and society.

kellym40 General

Today’s Word: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 24, 2025

Isaiah 66:18-21

Psalms 117:1, 2

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

Luke 13:22-30

The readings for this 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time appear to emphasize God’s salvation is open to everyone, but does require a committed, diligent response from each individual. I feel the readings challenge us as believers to take seriously the importance of seeking the Kingdom of God and not assume their place is guaranteed. There comes the idea “once saved, always saved,” held by some Protestants, which extends from the idea of “faith alone.”

In the first reading, Isaiah foretells the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem to witness God’s glory. This passage brings forth the idea of a great message where people of different languages will be brought before God. This reading refers to the “catholic,” or universal nature of the Church, which was the original intent for all people, even Jews and Gentiles alike.

In the dictionary, catholic means universal.

The idea of “faith alone” or “once saved, always saved,” according to Catholic Apologist Jimmy Aiken, is not accepted by the Catholic Church:

St. Paul explicitly warns Judaizing Christians, “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the Law; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). He also tells his audience of Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived,” and he goes on to list multiple sins, warning that those who commit them will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

In Catholicism, it is possible to regain salvation, if one “loses it.” One can only lose salvation if a person commits a mortal sin, like murder or adultery. To regain this gift of salvation is to confess your sins. Jesus gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation when he said, “‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:21-23, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

We confess our sins to be reconciled with God through the Church, thereby restoring the grace that has been given us with the whole body of Christ, the Church. This can be seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as Aiken notes:

This is the point of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). In this parable, the father of the family represents God, and one of his sons leaves the family and embarks on a life of sin. Yet he repents and is welcomed back by the father, who declares that the son “was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found” (v. 32). It thus is possible for us to be children of the Father, to leave him for sin and become spiritually dead, and to return and be restored to spiritual life.

Isaiah tells us today God knows “their works and their thoughts,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and he is going to gather “all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

Once God sent his son Jesus, Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses and became the redeemer of the sins of the world through his sacrifice on the cross. Thus, allowing us to repent and confess our sins to be forgiven and receive fully the sanctifying grace God bestowed upon us.

Before moving on to the second reading and the gospel, I just want to make a quick note about the Psalm for today. It is a short one. Yet, it is still a powerful one to offer up praise to God, everyone, as it says in the first verse, “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Psalm 117:1, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The second reading comes to us today from the Book of Hebrews. The passage encourages us believers to persevere through the trials of life by understanding them as loving discipline from God. The reading for today begins, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2 Catholic Edition).

Just as a father disciplines his child out of love, God uses trials to train us in righteousness. This divine discipline is a sign that we are truly acknowledged as his children. The reading goes on to suggest we must be disciplined to endure to the end. The focus is on steady, persistent effort, to continue through the righteous path through life.

If you remember from last week’s gospel, living the Christian life can be difficult. Jesus said he was bringing division to people. Living Jesus’ life was full of trials and tribulations, ultimately ending on the Cross. Others, even your own family at times, will not always believe you or want to hear what you have to say about the Kingdom of God, just as there were those in Jesus’ time who did not believe.

In today’s gospel, Jesus warns against complacency and challenges his listeners to strive for salvation, which, of course, is not a given as we learned earlier. Jesus talks about a narrow door in the gospel. What is he talking about? A narrow door? When someone asks him if only a few will be saved, Jesus says this, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This signifies that salvation is not a passive inheritance, but requires intentional effort by continuing good works to receive the sanctifying grace God wants to bestow on us.

And therefore, when Jesus says, “And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last,” (Luke 13:30, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), it refers to a continuation of the theme from Isaiah. Many who were once “first” in receiving God’s covenant (the Jews) may be surpassed by those considered “last” (the Gentiles) in entering the kingdom. This further illustrates that salvation is a matter of personal commitment, not ethnic or religious identity. 

So in all, God’s plan of salvation is intended to be universal for all people from all walks of life. We as believers must continue good works and strive with personal effort, discipline, and commitment to achieve grace and salvation. And, we cannot falter when times are tough. Persevere through trials and tribulations and have a strong relationship with God to make it through the narrow door.

es require a committed, diligent response from each individual. I feel the readings challenge us as believers to take seriously the importance of seeking the Kingdom of God and not assume their place is guaranteed. There comes the idea “once saved, always saved,” held by some Protestants, which extends from the idea of “faith alone.”

In the first reading, Isaiah foretells the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem to witness God’s glory. This passage brings forth the idea of a great message where people of different languages will be brought before God. This reading refers to the “catholic,” or universal nature of the Church, which was the original intent for all people, even Jews and Gentiles alike.

In the dictionary, catholic means universal.

The idea of “faith alone” or “once saved, always saved,” according to Catholic Apologist Jimmy Aiken, is not accepted by the Catholic Church:

St. Paul explicitly warns Judaizing Christians, “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the Law; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). He also tells his audience of Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived,” and he goes on to list multiple sins, warning that those who commit them will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

In Catholicism, it is possible to regain salvation, if one “loses it.” One can only lose salvation if a person commits a mortal sin, like murder or adultery. To regain this gift of salvation is to confess your sins. Jesus gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation when he said, “‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:21-23, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

We confess our sins to be reconciled with God through the Church, thereby restoring the grace that has been given us with the whole body of Christ, the Church. This can be seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as Aiken notes:

This is the point of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). In this parable, the father of the family represents God, and one of his sons leaves the family and embarks on a life of sin. Yet he repents and is welcomed back by the father, who declares that the son “was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found” (v. 32). It thus is possible for us to be children of the Father, to leave him for sin and become spiritually dead, and to return and be restored to spiritual life.

Isaiah tells us today God knows “their works and their thoughts,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and he is going to gather “all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory,” (Isaiah 66:18, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

Once God sent his son Jesus, Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses and became the redeemer of the sins of the world through his sacrifice on the cross. Thus, allowing us to repent and confess our sins to be forgiven and receive fully the sanctifying grace God bestowed upon us.

Before moving on to the second reading and the gospel, I just want to make a quick note about the Psalm for today. It is a short one. Yet, it is still a powerful one to offer up praise to God, everyone, as it says in the first verse, “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Psalm 117:1, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The second reading comes to us today from the Book of Hebrews. The passage encourages us believers to persevere through the trials of life by understanding them as loving discipline from God. The reading for today begins, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2 Catholic Edition).

Just as a father disciplines his child out of love, God uses trials to train us in righteousness. This divine discipline is a sign that we are truly acknowledged as his children. The reading goes on to suggest we must be disciplined to endure to the end. The focus is on steady, persistent effort, to continue through the righteous path through life.

If you remember from last week’s gospel, living the Christian life can be difficult. Jesus said he was bringing division to people. Living Jesus’ life was full of trials and tribulations, ultimately ending on the Cross. Others, even your own family at times, will not always believe you or want to hear what you have to say about the Kingdom of God, just as there were those in Jesus’ time who did not believe.

In today’s gospel, Jesus warns against complacency and challenges his listeners to strive for salvation, which, of course, is not a given as we learned earlier. Jesus talks about a narrow door in the gospel. What is he talking about? A narrow door? When someone asks him if only a few will be saved, Jesus says this, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This signifies that salvation is not a passive inheritance, but requires intentional effort by continuing good works to receive the sanctifying grace God wants to bestow on us.

And therefore, when Jesus says, “And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last,” (Luke 13:30, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), it refers to a continuation of the theme from Isaiah. Many who were once “first” in receiving God’s covenant (the Jews) may be surpassed by those considered “last” (the Gentiles) in entering the kingdom. This further illustrates that salvation is a matter of personal commitment, not ethnic or religious identity. 

So in all, God’s plan of salvation is intended to be universal for all people from all walks of life. We as believers must continue good works and strive with personal effort, discipline, and commitment to achieve grace and salvation. And, we cannot falter when times are tough. Persevere through trials and tribulations and have a strong relationship with God to make it through the narrow door.

kellym40 General

Today’s Word: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 17, 2025

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

Psalms 40:2, 3, 4, 18

Hebrews 12:1-4

Luke 12:49-53

I believe today’s readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time offer a powerful message about the inclusive nature of God’s love and the demanding call to follow Jesus, even when it leads to division. I think the readings show the themes of fatih, perseverance and the universal reach of God’s salvation.

In the first reading from Jeremiah, it tells of Jeremiah’s persecution for speaking about God’s unpopular truth, which is a warning about Jerusalem’s impending doom. They do not believe him and do not like what he has said about the king of Babylon coming to take Jerusalem. The people end up putting him into a cistern to die. This highlights the tension between speaking the truth and what is in the national interest.

However, Jeremiah is rescued by Ebed-Melech. He did not see justice in delivering Jeremiah to die in a cistern, and King Zedekiah told him to take some men and go get the prophet Jeremiah out of the cistern. I believe this is an example of how God can work through unexpected individuals, even those that might be considered outsiders.

I feel this reading encourages people to speak the truth and do what is right, even when facing resistance and persecution. Additionally, it reminds us that God’s salvation can extend to strangers.

The Psalm today, I believe, is an extension of the meaning from the first reading. It is a simple song of praise and reflects Jeremiah’s story as it says, “He drew me from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, he set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” (Psalm 40:2, Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition). Again, another song of praise.  

The second reading from Hebrews uses a metaphor of a race to, I believe, describe the Christian life, while emphasizing the need for perseverance and endurance. Hebrews is considered one of St. Paul’s letters. In it he tells the people to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1, Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition). He encourages us to look to Jesus as the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition).

So in all, Paul tells us through his letter to remain focused on Jesus throughout life’s challenges. We can also call on the strength of others, including the saints who are the “cloud of witnesses,” (Hebrews 12:1, Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition), and strive for the ultimate prize of heaven.

The gospel reading for this Sunday continues from last week’s gospel as Jesus spoke about the faithful and unfaithful servant. In today’s passage, Jesus speaks of setting the earth on fire, which demonstrates the spreading of God’s love through the world and purging it of sin. When he says he has a “baptism to be baptized with,” (Luke 12:30, Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition), I believe he is referring to his Passion and death on the cross, where he will be immersed in the sins of the world for salvation. 

Jesus also says something in this passage where it might be considered contradictory. He says, “Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you , but rather division;” (Luke 12:51, Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition). The peace Jesus is offering is not a worldly peace free from conflict, but it is an interior peace found in following him. This can lead to the division he spoke of, which refers to those who reject Jesus and his teachings. In following Christ, choosing God over oneself and others, can create division between families and social circles.

Living the Christian life is a difficult task, as I’m sure everyone knows. Choosing right, among fear of persecution and resentment is hard. But, as it is noted in today’s readings, we must stand strong and do what is right in what we believe to be true and good. The path we choose as Christians is a difficult one. It is one filled with trials and tribulations. We must make choices, often strenuous choices, in order to remain steadfast and achieve that ultimate goal – Heaven – and have eternal rest with God the father and God the son, Jesus.

kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 10, 2025

Wisdom 18:6-9

Psalms 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

Luke 12:32-48

The readings for this Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, call us, I believe, to reflect on the nature of faith, vigilance, and the true treasure we are called to seek. Seeking a true treasure (a treasure above), continues from last week’s readings. In the gospel last week, if you remember, was the parable of the rich fool. He had an abundance of crops and goods that he built larger barns to store everything. And he basically sat back and enjoyed his time because he had so much, while not bothering to share his abundance with others. Again, we are called to share and help. Those who do not, for selfish or other reasons, do not build themselves toward God, where true treasure is. As Jesus says in today’s gospel, which we will get to later, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Luke 12:34). As the preacher exclaimed last week in Ecclesiastes, “Vanity of vanities,” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). All life seems to be vanity. Work, money, power, earthly possessions are not what really matters. St. Paul wrote, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” (Colossians 3:2). This is a sentiment we read about last week. It carries over to this week. The theme that ties these readings together today is the steadfast trust we must place in God, even when the future is uncertain.

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom takes us back to the night of the first Passover. It speaks of the Israelites’ faith, as they waited in their homes, ready to move, while the angel of death passed over Egypt, “so that they might rejoice in sure knowledge of the oaths in which they trusted,” (Wisdom 18:6). Their hope was not in what they could see, but in the promise of God. This ancient story sets the stage for a profound understanding of faith – it is a confidence in what is unseen, a certainty that God will be faithful to his promises.

This idea is further developed in the second reading in the letter to the Hebrews. St. Paul writes, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1). This passage offers a beautiful and concise definition of faith. It then presents the patriarch Abraham as a prime example of faith. Abraham was called by God to go to a land he did not know. He left his home, his past, his security and all he knew before. He relied fully on the strength of God’s word. “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac andJacob, heirs with him of the same promise,” (Hebrews 11:9). Abraham’s journey reminds us that a life of faith is often a pilgrimage, requiring us to trust in God’s guidance even when the path ahead is unclear.

The passage from St. Luke today shifts the focus from faith to vigilance, though the two are deeply intertwined. Jesus begins with the comforting words, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom,” (Luke 12:32). I think this is a profound statement of God’s generosity and our inheritance. Then, Jesus immediately follows with a call to action, “Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys,” (Luke 12:33). This treasure is not earthly wealth, but the good works and faith that last forever.

Jesus then uses parables to stress the importance of being ready for the Master’s return. The ones who are readying themselves with good works and almsgiving are actively living their faith, prepared for whatever God calls them to do, at any time. 

The parable of the dishonest steward serves as a stark warning against laziness and presumption. Those who know God’s will but fail to act accordingly will be held to a higher standard. “And the servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating,” (Luke 12:47). This part of the gospel challenges us to ask ourselves: Am I actively living my faith, or am I just passively waiting? Remember, Jesus said, “You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect,” (Luke 12:40).

It seems the Responsorial Psalm ties everything together with a prayer of trust and hope, “Our soul waits for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. Yes, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you,” (Psalm 33:20-22). It expresses the longing of a people who have heard God’s promises and now plead for them to be fulfilled. It’s a perfect response to the other readings, as it expresses both the faithful waiting of the Israelites in the First Reading and the hope-filled conviction of Abraham in the Second Reading.

In all, these readings remind us that a life of faith is not static; it is dynamic and active. It is a journey of trust in the unseen, a constant state of readiness, and a commitment to seeking the eternal treasure that God has promised. So, our response must be to live with an Abraham-like faith and a watchful heart, always prepared to meet the Lord.

kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 3, 2025

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

Psalms 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Luke 12:13-21

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). The Preacher, or in some translations “Qoheleth,” is a character in this book that is traditionally associated with Solomon, son of David, and he cries out these verses in the first chapter in today’s readings. I believe there is a theme running through today’s scriptures that is a powerful one to dive into.

That theme is VANITY! The character Qoheleth derives from the Hebrew word for assembly, “qahal.” So this is linked to someone who traditionally would speak in front of an assembly of people. The passage today is only four verses, however it is summed up later in Chapter 2. We find in verse 26 of the second chapter, all of human thought and effort is futile, Vanity, pointing out that with God comes true wisdom and joy. “For all his days are full of pain, and his work is a vexation; even in the night his mind does not rest. This is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:23/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This emphasizes the point that with God comes true joy and happiness.

The Psalm reflects this idea of working and toiling away here on earth is vanity and true joy and wisdom comes from God, as it says in Verse 12, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The second reading today teaches us the same thing. Saint Paul’s letter to the Colossians opens in Chapter 3 with “If then you have been raised, with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). He further explains to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” and to “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:2, 5/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The gospel reading today reminds us to be vain or selfish. We are here to serve others, just as Jesus came to serve others. The scripture in Luke’s Gospel tells of the parable of the Rich Fool. It’s a story Jesus tells the people to be wary of covetousness, which is part of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shall not covet.” He tells one man, “Take heed and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). In the parable, a rich man has so many crops that he ends up tearing down his barns to make bigger ones in order to store all the crops. He tells himself that he has a luxurious life now and does not bother to share his abundance with others. So the Lord God says to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). God is saying those who set up riches on earth for themselves have no riches toward God. 

So I believe we need to share and care for others when we can. Love others. Do good unto others. That is what Jesus did.

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).