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Today’s Word: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 12, 2025

2 Kings 5:14-17

Psalms 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Luke 17:11-19

The readings for today, this 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, bring to us stories that emphasize the themes of faith, gratitude, and healing for all people. I believe we can really see these themes of gratitude and praise with the Psalm and Gospel readings today.

So today I will start with the Psalm. As I mentioned before, most of the psalms are hymns of praise. The Psalm begins with “O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!” (Psalm 98:1, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). This reminds us to sing joyfully to the Lord always – to give glory and all praise to him because it is the Lord Jesus who died and offered himself on the cross for everyone. It is through him we receive the glory of God, and therefore we should rightly honor and praise God through Jesus. The passage today ends with the encouragement of all people to come together to praise as it says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth, break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” (Psalm 98:4, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

In the first reading today, the story is about Naaman, a Syrian general with leprosy who is cleansed after washing seven times in the Jordan River, following the instructions of the prophet Elisha. Naaman is a Gentile, where his healing signifies how God’s saving power transcends Israel. As we see in the reading, when Naaman is cured of his leprosy it causes a conversion in him and proves, to him, there is no other god than the God of Israel, leading him to abandon his false gods and worship the true God. It is interesting to note, Naaman was cleansed in the Jordan River. The same river where Jesus received his baptism from John the Baptist. It seems it becomes the source of extraordinary grace through faith.

In a way, the psalm echoes the first reading in that God’s saving grace extends to all people and is for all people. Those who believe and have the faith and trust in God may be granted through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

The second reading today comes from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy. In this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, reminding him that the Word of God cannot be chained. Paul wrote this letter while in prison and uses the chains he is bound in as a metaphor for God’s Word. Paul suffers and wears chains “like a criminal.” (2 Timothy 2:9, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). Paul says the Word of God is not chained, meaning it is not contained by human suffering or persecution. Paul suffers for the sake of others, just as Jesus suffered for mankind. Paul wishes others the ability to “obtain the salvation which in Christ Jesus goes with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). Paul concludes this passage with “If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

I want to look at the last couple of verses. Paul writes in Verses 12-13, “if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.” If we last and pass the tests of life, then we will surely be with him in heaven.

Trent Horn, Catholic Apologist, gave an example of the Prodigal Son on this topic. The father was so happy to see his son return that he embraced him and held a party for him. That is what it is like with us and our heavenly Father. We must not only repent our sins and run to the Father, but also run away from that sin which was in our life. Then we can be with Jesus and our heavenly Father.

The final line in the passage today may be difficult or confusing to some. I know it was for me the first few times I’ve read that verse. It seems it can have many interpretations. But looking into it, I found that the verse means God’s faithfulness is more of a matter of God’s own character (or Jesus’ character) and promises and is not a reflection of our own. He cannot be unfaithful to himself as we may sometimes feel in our life – faithless. If he were unfaithful to himself, then he would not be able to bring grace and forgiveness to us because those are his promises to us.

In the Gospel today, we continue with Luke. This passage tells the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, with only the Samaritan returning to give thanks. The Samaritan, in this story, shows God’s concern for the poor and outcast. The lepers were already social outcasts, but the Samaritan returning to Jesus to offer praise and gratitude shows he received a greater gift. He was not only cleansed, but also grateful for that as well. Gratitude is a spiritual response that completes the healing process. The leper was cured physically, but also healed spiritually. Salvation is a holistic, transformative experience that restores one’s dignity and relationship with God. The other nine lepers, preoccupied with fulfilling the Law by showing themselves to the priests, fail to recognize Jesus as the source of their cure. Their lack of gratitude reveals a spiritual blindness that remains unhealed.  

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Today’s Word: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 5, 2025

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Luke 17:5-10

Good day! Welcome to the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It has been a couple of weeks since I have posted. I apologize. I have been going through a lot in the last few weeks. I will try to have a post here, but as I mentioned at the start when I began my podcast and these Sunday morning blog posts, there may be times where I may not be able to. Of course, I have discontinued my podcast for various reasons, but continued these posts, (with the exception of the last two weeks). Again, I apologize. 

I am working through the issues I have had and will resume this blog with this post. I may start up my podcast again or do something different with that. Anyhow, I will have this blog where you can continue to find reflections on the Sunday readings during the liturgical year of the Catholic Church.

Before going further, I would like to comment on the Gospel readings from the last two Sundays. On the 25th Sunday, Sept. 21, we had a reading from the Gospel of Luke. It was the story of the dishonest steward. This may have been a difficult passage to understand, but basically Jesus is saying in the parable to make friends in this life in case you need something later. Be prudent and charitable with our resources to others because, essentially, what we have is God’s and we shall be loving and giving to others in what God gave us. We must understand that this mortal life we have on Earth is temporary, and we must prepare for eternity by providing an account, if you will,  to God for how we have used what has been delegated to us.

Last Sunday’s Gospel was from Luke once again. In it, another parable from Jesus. This one was about two people. There was a rich man and a poor man, Lazarus. The poor man was out in front of the rich man’s house. He was covered with sores and begged for scraps. The rich man paid no attention to him. Finally, both men died. Lazarus was carried up to heaven and rested in the arms of Abraham, while the rich man was sent to Hades and suffered. It is important to note here that the rich man did not have a name. That is because the reader is expected to put his or her name in there because it could be anyone.. He ignored Lazarus all that time and now wanted Lazarus to do things for him because he didn’t think of Lazarus any more than a poor servant or beggar. This reminds us to act kindly and generously to others, as in the previous reading, what God has given us and take account of what we give and do to others. It will be repaid many times over in the glory of heaven.

So now that brings us to today, the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings today, I believe, call for steadfast faith and trust in God’s promises, even amidst hardship and waiting. The readings encourage cultivating hope, living by faithfulness, and acting on our faith through generous service, reminding us that even small acts of faith, when combined with God’s will, can accomplish great things. 

In the first reading, the prophet Habakkuk essentially cries out to God for all the evil and suffering he sees and asks God why hasn’t he done anything about it. God answers, “For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie, if it seem slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). This reminds us God works in his time. We must be patient and trust in the Lord God and live in faith. Habakkuk was called to write down God’s vision for a future fulfillment. This helps us maintain the hope for God’s kingdom even in difficult times.

The second reading, I believe, reflects the idea to take courage and faith in God’s word and to use that to help spread the message of the gospel, as it says in the Second Book of Timothy, “… rekindle the gift of God that is within you …, for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition). By having faith and believing in the word of God, this should give us all the strength and courage to carry out God’s message even when the going gets tough.

Luke’s gospel today strengthens this idea of putting faith into action. It reminds us and teaches us that faith must be put into action through humble service. It emphasizes that even having faith the size of a “grain of mustard seed,” (Luke 17:6, The Great Adventure Bible – 2nd Catholic Edition), one can accomplish anything, which in turn encourages generosity and dedication to God’s will – leading to an abundant service to God.

So, keep the faith. Trust in God’s word and plan. In response to what things have transpired in my life in the last couple of weeks, I believe everything happens for a reason. Again, God has a plan. We must be patient and quiet in order to hear and discern what that plan is. In order to do that, we must have great faith. Even faith the size of a mustard seed.

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Today’s Word: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 14, 2025

Numbers 21:4-9

Psalms 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38

Philippians 2:6-11

John 3:13-17

Today begins the 24th week in Ordinary Time within the Catholic Church. Today happens to be a feast day, which are other days celebrated in the Church. Feast days are days recognized to reflect on the life of Jesus and the saints. Today’s feast day is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Today highlights the Cross as, not only Jesus’ death but his victory over death and sin on the Cross as he rose on Easter Sunday. 

Every Sunday, as Catholics, are encouraged to remember the resurrection and Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. So today’s Feast day to recognize the Cross is seen to symbolize God’s great love and as a source of salvation and new life through Christ’s sacrifice. And I believe the readings emphasize that idea. 

So in the first reading today from the Book of Numbers takes us back to the time in the wilderness while Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt on their way to the Promised Land. We see the effects of complaining against God, but we also see the mercy and love God has for his people. The people were tired and hungry and began grumbling against God. He then sent forth “fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people,” (Numbers 21: 6, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Many died because of that and the people then repented and asked Moses to speak to the Lord God to ask for forgiveness. He told Moses to put up a bronze staff with a serpent head as a sign for anyone who was bitten may live.

This shows God’s mercy he had for his people, and the mercy he has for us today. If you believe, repent for your sins and come back to him, he forgives and welcomes you. He brings you into his arms again. Therefore, just as Moses lifted up the serpent to help save his people, Jesus was “lifted up” to bring eternal life to all who believe in him.

This Feast day also serves as a reminder that God’s glory is found in humility, with the Cross representing Christ’s willingness to suffer for humanity, ultimately leading to his resurrection and triumph over sin and death. The readings connect with each other on this Sunday beautifully. It all goes back to the Cross, as we see in St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians as Paul talks about Jesus’ sacrifice and says Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This again reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice and the everlasting life we can obtain by believing and following him to the heavenly Father.

The Gospel today is from John, and from it is the verse where he says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). When Jesus was lifted up on the Cross, he was just not lifted up for his disciples, but for the whole world. Jesus is the source of eternal healing and life just as the bronze serpent was for the Israelites in the Old Testament.

As an instrument of suffering, the Cross, is the promise of eternal life, and that is the central message today in the readings. We must humble ourselves, as Christ did during his Passion and ultimate resurrection, to find the promise of eternal life.

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Today’s Word: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 7, 2025

Wisdom 9:13-18

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

Philemon 9-10,12-17

Luke 14:25-33

This Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, is the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. The scripture readings for today offer another insight into the hard life as a Christian. I have talked about this a little in previous posts, but I will say it again here. Being a Christian is difficult. It’s not easy to follow Jesus. The life of a believer, requires total commitment for true discipleship, and, as it says in the day’s readings, wisdom in order to follow Christ.

I’m sure we have heard at some point or another, or perhaps said it ourselves. We should “Follow God’s plan” or “God has a plan for you.” These are nice thoughts, but what do they mean? How do we know if we are following God’s plan? There comes Wisdom. It says in the first reading, “For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail.” (Wisdom 9:14, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition) Here, the author of this book is looking at the limits of human understanding and the need to look beyond ourselves. Look for divine wisdom to try to understand God’s plan with the help of the Holy Spirit to hopefully guide us on the correct path.

In the second reading, St. Paul appeals to his friend Philemon to accept back his runaway slave, Onesimus, but this time as a brother in Christ. Paul stresses the importance that the Gospel has transformed their relationship, elevating it beyond normal social conventions.

It appears this passage provides a concrete example of the transformative power of Christian discipleship. The call to follow Christ requires a radical change in perspective that can shatter social norms. It calls followers to see others, regardless of their status, as equals and family in the Lord. 

The first reading sets the stage for the Gospel. We cannot follow Christ and understand the challenging demands of discipleship with our limited human minds alone. We must humbly rely on God’s grace and the Holy Spirit for true understanding and guidance – wisdom. In the gospel reading from Luke, Jesus delivers a challenging message to the large crowds following him, warning them about the high cost of discipleship. Jesus uses a startling word to the crowds who were following him. He says, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). It is a strong word, but he uses it to emphasize that loyalty to him must take priority over all earthly relationships and attachments, which still may sound harsh – but again – the life of a Christian is not easy.

In his speech to his followers, he also asks them to essentially carry their own cross. I believe this means we must be willing to endure hardship and make sacrifices for the Gospel. Additionally, Jesus uses parables here as well, as Jesus spoke a lot in parables. The parables he tells are about building a tower and a king going to war to illustrate that commitment to the Christian life must be calculated and total. It is foolish to begin something so demanding without a full commitment to finishing it.

It seems the main idea, or central message, for today is that it is a reality check for anyone who would follow Jesus. It makes it clear that discipleship is not a casual or easy path but one that requires prioritizing Christ above all else, renouncing worldly possessions and comforts, and willingly embracing the burdens that come with a life devoted to God. 

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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)