kellym40 General

Today’s Word: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 26, 2025

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Psalms 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

Today we reflect on the readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Looking at the readings for today, it appears the three readings from Sirach, Second Timothy and Luke’s Gospel show us a clear, but challenging, message – true prayer is rooted in humility, not pride. So let’s look at Today’s Word.

First, I will look at the Psalm today. Again, it is a hymn of praise and rejoicing. It is rejoicing in God’s justice and responsiveness to those who approach him with humility and sincerity. It also echoes the message from the first reading that the Lord will hear those with a humble heart when they make their cries heard.

“The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord,” (Sirach 35:17, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This reading from the Book of Sirach establishes the core theme by emphasizing God’s justice and attentiveness to the humble. Sirach assures us that God is not swayed by outward status or wealth. He hears the prayers of those who cry out from a place of oppression or injustice and brings them mercy. 

In St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul is writing near the end of his life and reflects on his ministry with a posture of gratitude and faith, not pride. He tells Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). He persevered through hardships and is now in prison, and even then, did not give up his faith. Paul acknowledges that it was the Lord who stood by him and gave him the strength to persevere. His reliance on God, rather than his own abilities, serves as an example of humble faith. The reading continues with this line from the passage, which shows his enduring faith, “From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

This leads us to today’s Gospel, which is again from Luke. Again, in this passage Jesus speaks a parable. Last week we heard the parable of the widow and unrighteous judge. This teaching for the day teaches us, I believe, about the power of humility. The parable in today’s Gospel contrasts a proud Pharisee with a humble tax collector. The Pharisee, praying in the Temple, boasts of his righteousness and religious deeds, even congratulating himself for not being like other sinners, particularly the tax collector, who is just a little ways away from the Pharisee. The Pharisee’s prayer is self-congratulatory rather than a humble appeal to God, while the tax collector, not even attempting to look up to heaven, simply prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).  His prayer is short, from the heart, and humble.

As we know from other Gospel passages, the Pharisees liked to be seen while praying. They took seats of honor in the synagogue and such. They believed they needed to be seen by others to justify their own self-righteousness so they could be pleasing to God. That, of course, is simply not the case, as evidenced by the tax collector who is humbly praying to God for mercy because he is a sinner and knows it.  Jesus concludes the parable by saying, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The readings challenge us to examine our hearts and the posture of our prayer. Do we approach God with a list of our accomplishments and a comparison of ourselves to others, like the Pharisee? Or do we come before God with honesty, recognizing our failings and our need for his mercy, like the tax collector? The message is that God values a contrite heart over religious posturing and self-righteousness. 

In the readings, humility is presented not as a weakness but, I believe,  as the key that unlocks God’s grace. The tax collector’s humble prayer was powerful precisely because it came from a place of honest self-awareness. And, as seen in the parable, it invites us to take a path of courageous humility and dependence on God. 

A concluding thought here is that readings seem to offer a reminder that our faith journey is not a race, (as Paul mentions in his letter) but is a continuous walk with God that requires reliance on his mercy. Like Paul, we can trust that in our weakness, God’s strength is sufficient.

I will leave you with the idea of persistence and remaining faithful and reliant on his mercy with this scripture from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians where he writes, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

kellym40 General

Today’s Word: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 19, 2025

Exodus 17:8-13

Psalms 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Luke 18:1-8

Greetings everyone. This week the Sunday readings consist of themes of persistent prayer and lasting faith. I am going to particularly focus on three of the readings in today’s post. I believe these three passages show that a persistent reliance on God is necessary for victory, righteousness, and eternal life. So let’s get into the readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The first reading from Exodus tells the story of the Israelites’ battle with Amalek. As Joshua and his troops fight, Moses stands on a hill holding the staff of God. As long as Moses holds his hands up, the Israelites take control and readily win the fighting However,  when Moses’ arms get tired and fall, Amalek and his army start to win. Moses must rely on Aaron and Hur to hold his arms up for him until the battle is won. 

I believe this shows how Moses’s persistent, intercessory prayer demonstrates that God is the true power behind any success, and not on the strength of the Israelite army. When Moses gets tired and requires assistance from Aaron and Hur to help him illustrates how prayer can be difficult and tiring. This, I feel, reflects the idea that we,  as a Christian community, should support one another in faith and intercession

In the New Testament, the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to remain faithful to the scriptures he learned in his youth, and to continue to preach the word diligently because “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). St. Paul tells Timothy to remain steadfast in preaching the Word because the task of spreading the Gospel is difficult at times and hardships can occur.

Today in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells another parable. This story is about the persistent widow who goes to a judge repeatedly in order to render a just sentence. As many times throughout the gospels, Jesus teaches through the stories in order to teach his disciples lessons. In this particular story, the lesson is “they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). The parable states a widow continually asks a corrupt and unjust judge for a just ruling against her opponent. The judge, who “neither feared God nor regard for man;” (Luke 18:2, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition), eventually gives in just to basically get her off his back and stop bothering him. He didn’t believe in God or did not care about anyone else. So, in this, it feels like Jesus contrasts the unrighteous judge with a just and loving God. This means, if a corrupt official will act because of persistence, how much more then will a righteous God offer and give justice and good things to those who cry out to him?

The parable also seems to reassure believers that God hears their prayers and will act on behalf of his people. And remember, as I have talked about this before, God works in his own time. So the answer may not present itself right away or when you would like. And it may not be the exact answer you were looking for. This process requires confident and persistent faith, even when God’s response seems delayed.

Jesus concludes this parable ends with a touching question. Jesus asks his disciples, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This, I believe, seems to challenge listeners to consider whether they will remain faithful and persistent in prayer and trust in God’s timing and will. 

The theme of persistence and remaining faithful reminds me of this scripture from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians where he writes, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

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 General

Believe in the Gospel

Today’s readings on this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, are all about reflecting and repenting. Jesus talks about repenting our sins and believing in the gospel and gathering followers (apostles). We saw this last week when Jesus picked up some followers in Andrew and Simon Peter.

However, the gospel today is more than just gathering followers. As I mentioned, it is about repenting and believing in the gospel. Believing in the kingdom. It may even sound like St. Paul and Mark’s gospel are at odds with each other as each passage today appears to contradict each other. I will get to that more a little later.

I would like to start with the first reading today from the prophet Jonah in Chapter 3. In the scripture, God tells him to warn the people of Nineveh about pending destruction God had planned for them because of their wicked ways. Jonah proclaims the news to Nineveh and the people believed and “proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.” (Jonah 3:5) God then saw how the people repented and withdrew his promise of causing evil and repented from harming them. So in this, I believe holding on to faith and having a full prayer life is important to maintain a fulfilling existence. This in turn can help with having a perpetual belief and faith in the gospel.

In Psalm 25 today, the psalmist is repenting and asking God for guidance and security through life:

“Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths; guide me by your fidelity and teach me, for you are God my savior, for you I wait all the day long. Remember no more those sins of my youth, remember me according to your mercy, because of your goodness, Lord.” (Psalm 25: 4-5, 7)

St. Paul tells the Corinthians “time is running out,” (1 Corinthians 7:29) whereas, in Mark’s gospel, Jesus says, ‘”This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.“‘ (Mark 1:15) How can the kingdom of God be at hand if St. Paul says the time is coming for fulfillment? I believe what St. Paul is saying, we may always have temptations and forget about the urgency of the gospel message and feel “the world in its present form is passing away,” (1 Corinthians 7:31) and that time may be running short. This, I believe, only perpetuates the need to believe in the gospel and to turn away from one’s sins to bring the gospel message to fulfillment.

In Mark’s gospel today, Jesus is referring to John the Baptist being arrested when he talks about the kingdom of God being here. For Jesus, John’s arrest meant the final moment when the old covenant was rejected, which now made room for the new covenant with Jesus. It is the good news Jesus brings in with the new covenant to bring about the new order of things. This of course comes to fulfillment with Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection.

Do not worry about present worldly things. Think about the good things, such as sharing the gospel and making “fishers of men,” (Mark 1:17) and living the spiritual life within the glory of God through Jesus in God’s kingdom.

kellym40 General

Listen to the Call

This Sunday marks the second Sunday in Ordinary Time in the Catholic Church. Ordinary Time marks the period between the other holy seasons within the Church. Those seasons include Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas. So there are two periods of Ordinary Time, the longest of which lasts from the end of Easter to Advent, and thus starts a whole new year in the Church.

Ordinary Time reflects on the life of Jesus and what it means to be a good disciple. Today’s readings reflect listening and responding to God’s call as a disciple and follower of Christ. How do we listen and respond to God? I believe the number one way is through prayer. After all, prayer is essentially a conversation with God. I have mentioned before in a series of posts about the importance of prayer and what a powerful tool it is, not only to intercede for others, but also just to listen and commune with God. The following is a link to my first in a series of posts about prayer. https://wordpress.com/post/kellymelies.com/818

Part of the faith is evangelizing. The gospel today illustrates this with John the Baptist, who is standing with a couple of his disciples. Jesus walks by and John says, “…Behold, the Lamb of God.” ( John 1:36, NAB) What did those two immediately do? They followed Jesus. Andrew, one of the two and brother of Simon Peter, found Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus.

This is how we evangelize, by introducing one person to another. In this case, it was Andrew introducing Simon Peter to Jesus. The disciples asked Jesus where he was staying and Jesus replied, “Come, and you will see.” (John 1: 39, NAB) This continued as Jesus gathered more followers as it is shown in the rest of Chapter 1.

The first reading today is from the First Book of Samuel, Chapter 3, where Samuel is sleeping in the temple where the ark of God was. Unknown to Samuel, God began to speak to Samuel and call out his name. Samuel, thinking it was Eli, went to him. Eli sent him back to bed. And then the Lord called a second and third time. At the third time when Samuel went to Eli, he told Samuel the next time to answer the voice, “…Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9, NAB)

When I read the first reading here, it reminds me of a couple of hymns that were chosen for mass today in my local church. “Here I Am, Lord” by Dan Schutte. The hymn opens up with the Lord speaking:

“I, the Lord of seas and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save. I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?“

The servant replies:

“Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.“

I feel that should be our response. Listen for the Lord and answer the call to follow and do what is asked of you. This is one of my favorite hymns. I remember in college at my time at The Newman Center on the campus of the University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State University – more on that at another time perhaps), this was one of the hyms we played frequently at our student masses, where I helped accompany the choir on guitar. The other hymn I was reminded of was by John D. Becker called “Lead Me, Lord.” It was another frequent hymn we played. The refrain of the hymn appeared to ask the Lord for guidance and to lead the servant on all paths:

“Lead me, Lord, lead me, Lord, by the light of truth to seek and to find the narrow way. Be my way; by my truth; by my life, my Lord, and lead me, Lord today.“

Both of these hymns remind me of good times filled with laughter, fellowship and faith. But I digress.

The Psalm today is another beautiful hymn of praise to honor and worship the Lord. The psalmist cries out, “…See, I come with an inscribed scroll written upon me. I delight to do your will , my God; your law is in my inner being.” (Psalm 40:8-9, NAB)

The second reading from the New Testament, I believe, brings the message home. Saint Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians that God loves us. We are called to love and be loved as God’s children. Father Mike Schmitz, of Ascension and The Bible in a Year podcast, says the God has a claim on your life. Paul’s first letter illustrates this as he writes:

“…The body, however, is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.” (1 Corinthians 6:13b, NAB)

The Church is the body of Christ. We all make up the parts of the body of Christ. When one member suffers, then we all suffer. Saint Paul talks about this later in Chapter 12:

“As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. … If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 26, NAB)

Paul states we have all been “purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20, NAB) God calls us to be with him in heaven. What we do here on earth should be in preparation for our spiritual lives in heaven for eternity with God. Therefore, it should be good practice to evangelize (as spoken in today’s gospel) to whomever you can reach for the glory of God.

Here I am, Lord, your servant is listening, waiting for you to lead me with truth and light through the narrow way.

Today’s Readings:
1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-10
1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
John 1:35-42

kellym40 faith, General

God Reveals, Manifests Himself to the Nations

Today, January 7, 2024, is the observance of Epiphany in the Catholic Church. This day is recognized as falling on January 6. Epiphany comes from Greek origin, meaning “revelation from above.” In 567, the Council of Tours set Christmas and Epiphany as special days in the Church on the dates of December 25 and January 6, respectively, and the 12 days in between became the Christmas season. In the Church, Christmas is celebrated more than one day. As mentioned, it is a season lasting nearly two weeks.

So, all the readings today have an interconnected theme or idea running through them. The day is a time when Jesus is revealed to the world to be the Son of God, who will become the savior of the world. At this time, Jesus is being revealed to Israel and the nations as referenced in the first reading. Through these readings, we discover the Gentiles will come to know the God of Israel.

Today we recognize Jesus is the Son of God and how that revelation came about on the day of his birth. This revelation came to the magi on their visit to the baby Jesus. The day also recognizes this epiphany at Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River as well as the miracle at the wedding in Cana (turning water into wine).

First I will dive in to the gospel reading for today. The idea of the revelation about Jesus is reflected in the other readings today. The gospel is the account of the magi visiting the Christ child. It is from Matthew, Chapter 2. The magi first go to King Herod and inquire about the newborn Jesus. The magi recite, more of paraphrase a passage from the prophet Micah, because Matthew’s passage also references another passage from Samuel:

“And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler, who it to shepherd my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6, NAB)

This passage also goes back to King David, since Jesus was born from the line of David. 2 Samuel says, “…you shall shepherd my people Israel…” (2 Samuel 5:2, NAB)

Upon arriving, the magi offer gifts for the baby Jesus. The gifts of the magi – gold, because Jesus will be King; frankincense, because he will be a high priest; and myrrh is for the prophetic nature of Jesus being the Lamb of God – says they realized he was a newborn king and were prepared with the gifts they offered. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb for the redemption of the world. Jesus (God) not only reveals himself but he manifests himself to the nations. This is represented by the magi that come to visit. They made the choice to follow the star, bring gifts and pay the new king homage.

In the first reading from the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah proclaims that a light will come to Zion to bless the people. Darkness has come over the people through paganism, idolatry and such. Jesus will be the light. This should give us faith and hope in what God is doing for the chosen people, and for us now. Verse six states, “Caravans of camels shall cover you, dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and heralding the praises of the lord.” (Isaiah 60:6, NAB) This is in reference to the magi.

The psalm is from Psalm 72, and is a beautiful hymn of praise to the king of Israel, asking for the king to rule with justice and fairness. During this time, people were known to intercede for the king, offering prayers and praises because the king is human, giving only what he has received from God. The people realize God is worthy to be praised and offers the same for the king of Israel to rule with goodness on its people.

“O God, give your judgement to the king; your justice to the king’s son; that he may govern your people with justice, your oppressed with right judgment. … May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute, the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. May all kings bow before him, all nations serve him.” (Psalm 72:2, 10-11, NAB)

The second reading from the New Testament today illustrates further God revealing himself to the Gentiles (the world). In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he writes the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to his apostles is written in the gospel. Paul states even the Gentiles are “coheirs, members of the same body…” (Ephesians 3:6, NAB) It is Paul’s point, at the beginning of the letter, everyone who believes and follows the gospel is a son or daughter of God:

“…if, as I suppose, you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, (namely, that) the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier. … which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6, NAB)

How has God manifested himself to you? How do you respond with such a revelation? Take time today to reflect on this epiphany of Jesus as the Son of God, and always take time for God to give him his rightful honor and praise.

kellym40 General

A Reflection For The New Year

Wow! It’s been nearly three and a half years since I’ve last posted. I’ve had a few periods where I have gone without posting anything. I think that has to change.

I always mean to get back to writing after one of these seemingly long breaks, and sometimes I do get back after a while but then it only lasts for an apparent predetermined amount of time, and them before I know it, I’m not writing and then a few days become a week, then a week turns into a month, and then in this case a month turns into almost three and a half years!

The last time I posted was in August of 2020. As near as I can recollect, that was when some things were returning after the big shutdown from COVID. At the time, I was working at the local newspaper as the sports editor. Everything was shut down in March and through the summer. Word came out schools were going to open and sports, among some other things, were going to resume. So just like that I had to get back to my busy routine, with the intention of continuing my posts. That obviously didn’t happen.

Many things occurred during that time I returned to the sports desk writing about the many great sports accomplishments from the area high school and junior high athletic activities. Fall came and went, and then another new year rushed in – 2021. By May of that year, I began the transition into a new venture at the newspaper – SALES. I did that for about the last two and a half years.

Currently, I am what you might call “in-between” jobs. So now I am taking this time to think, pray and reflect. I’ve been busy and life has gone so fast. I really believe it is time to stop and slow down. That’s exactly what I am trying to do with this time.

Before my hiatus, I was posting bible verses and commenting on scripture. I was trying to share some positive, good insight into the world, since it seemed the world was in a “dark place” during the pandemic. It would appear the world still needs some light to be shed. Hopefully soon there will be some more “light” shared through this space on a somewhat regular basis.

Starting Off In A New Year

This post is intended to be the ball to get things rolling. I just want to say over the last month and a half or so, not only a new calendar year came, but also a new liturgical calendar year began within the Catholic Church with the coming of Advent and Christmas. By the way, I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and celebrated the coming of 2024 safely. Let’s all try to put those New Year’s resolutions to the test and actually fulfill them this year! I personally didn’t really make any resolutions this time, I mean none verbally or none that I really committed myself too. I did have some thoughts and one of those was just to be a better man – spiritually, mentally – for myself and to those around me.

This, I believe, everyone could do. If everyone would smile, greet others with humility and kindness, and treat others as one would like to be treated as it says in the Gospel of Matthew:

“For I was hungry and you gave me good, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me … Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine you did for me.” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40 NAB)

We do unto others what we would like to have done to us. When the Magi arrived to see the baby Jesus and told Mary and Joseph all that had been spoken to them by the angel, Mary took those things and reflected on them in her heart. We should all be like Mary and think with our hearts before we act on something in a negative way. Because as John writes in his first letter, “No one who denies the Son has the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.” (1 John 2:23 NAB)

Let us all strive to do good, to be good and to have and keep the Holy Father within us.

Happy New Year!

kellym40 General

Ordinary Sunday

I have been sharing bible verses for the past several weeks. I even shared a series on prayer last month.

This week is a short message, reminding you to trust in God. He comforts you and loves you unconditionally. There is no impossible with Him.

In Joshua 24:15 it says, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Follow and trust God. Know that He is there to lift you up. And remember, you may not understand some things now, but God does have a plan. He says in Joshua 1:7, “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”

Joshua finished the journey that Moses started and led God’s people to the Promised Land. So hear God’s word and you may be blessed with the everlasting love and compassion and comfort of the Heavenly Father.

kellym40 General

There is No Barrier Between God and His People

This week I want to talk about God’s everlasting love. And more so, His all-powerful, unconditional love. I have said before about the almighty power and glory of God. He is available at any time, so as I said before in my prayer series just open up a conversation with Him.

So now I return to God’s love. I am taking today’s verse(s) from Romans. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he talks about Jesus and the power of the Gospel. In Romans 8:38-39, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When we dissect theses verses, we see three pairs of thoughts: death/life, things present/things to come, and height/depth. There is nothing in this life and nothing in death that can separate God’s love from faithful believers. We have His love in our eternal life. This holds similarly with nothing in the present or future can keep us from His love. Nothing in all of time. The use of height and depth here represents a place. In other words, there is no place where we can be that could cause us to be away from God’s love.

Romans 8 is about love and life in the spirit. At the beginning of the chapter, Paul talks of those who set their minds on the flesh will live in the flesh, but to “set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Life in the Spirit helps us be closer to God and His love.

One of my favorite verses comes from Psalm 63, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” Again, we honor and praise our God because He is love. He created us so that we receive the never-ending, awesome love, and in turn we love and sing praises to our God. God’s love is also exemplified in this verse from Isaiah, “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

God loves you. Take that. Hold on to that knowledge, trust, and walk on the path on which you have been called, as Paul tells the Ephesians, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”

Everyone have a blessed day!