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Today’s Word: 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 22, 2026

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7

Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-13, 17

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

This is the First Sunday of Lent. The readings today focus on the origins of sin and the ultimate victory over it through Christ. This reflection explores the contrast between the first Adam’s fall and the second Adam’s triumph. Herein we use typology to compare the first man, Adam, with Jesus Christ the savior.

In Genesis today, we see the beginning of the human struggle. The serpent’s temptation isn’t just about fruit; it’s an invitation to be like gods – to be more than just human –  by deciding for ourselves what is good and evil. Adam and Eve weren’t lacking anything in the garden, yet they were convinced by the serpent they were missing out on divinity, something more. So as a consequence, instead of reaching godhood, they became aware of their own nakedness and shame, experiencing immediate alienation from God and each other. The serpent knew what he was doing in tempting Adam and Eve. Thus, came The Fall. Man is separated from God. We are born with Original Sin from Adam and Eve, which is washed away at our Baptism.

I will move on with the Gospel today. The passage from Matthew today shows Jesus, the new Adam, entering the desert to prepare for his ministry and face temptations. Unlike the first humans, Jesus relies entirely on the Word of God. Jesus is tempted three times before the tempter, the devil, flees from him. Jesus spends forty days and nights in the wilderness to fast and pray. The devil tempts Jesus by challenging him between his physical needs and spiritual life. The devil tells Jesus to make stones into bread to feed his hunger. Jesus replies simply by saying men do not live on bread alone, but by the Word of God. When the devil tempts Jesus a second time, it is between humble trust and testing with demands. Jesus tells the devil that it is not good to put God to the test, but hold on and trust God. When the devil tempts Jesus a third time, he does so by offering Jesus worldly power in exchange for worshiping the evil one. Jesus, of course, chooses loyalty to God the Father and serves the Father. Jesus rejects the devil’s temptation for worldly dominion and power because he knows true power lies in serving the Father alone.

The Second Reading today seems to bridge these two stories. St. Paul explains that while one man’s disobedience brought death, one man’s obedience – Jesus Christ – brings justification and life for all. This season is not about our own willpower to better ourselves. It is about acknowledging our pride, sinful nature, and self-reliance and turning toward the grace of Christ to be made righteous.

As we continue this Lenten journey on this First Sunday of Lent and beyond, the Responsorial Psalm today should become our prayer. In it, we are recognizing our sins and asking for mercy and forgiveness. We are invited to enter our own desert to quietly fast and pray in order to identify the areas where we have tried to be our own gods and to return to the joy of God’s salvation.

I will leave you with this verse today: “O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” (Psalm 63:1ab, 4 – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 8, 2026

Isaiah 58:7-10

Psalm 112:4-9

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Matthew 5:13-16

As we move into the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) of this liturgical year, we have readings today that seem to center on the transformative power of a lived faith. The scriptures today, especially the Gospel, talk about the light within us. That we are a light for all. The scriptures move us from abstract belief to visible action, challenging us to be a presence that can change the world. Or at least be a change for someone, who could go on and change someone else – and that someone changing someone, and so on and so on, which effectively, changes the world.

In the First Reading today, we hear from the Prophet Isaiah, who declares true worship is found in acts of mercy. Only then does our “light break forth like the dawn.” (Isaiah 58:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). The little acts of mercy and kindness that we all can do, true goodness and virtue is found. Isaiah writes, “to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Those are things we can do to transform people, transform the world. Isaiah continues and says to help feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, and clothe the naked. These are all kind acts we can follow. They also reflect a truth from the Beatitudes, which was the reading from Matthew last week.

Before the Second Reading, the Psalm carries this theme of light. In Verse 4, the Psalmist says, “Light rises in the darkness for the upright,” (Isaiah 58:4, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). For one who does good and shines for others has “distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever,” (Isaiah 58:9, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition).

St. Paul humbles himself, reminding us that faith does not rest on human wisdom or big words, but on the “power of God”  and the reality of Christ crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:5, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). True enlightenment comes from God and of the Holy Spirit. Humble yourself in His Glory and become a light for all to see.

The Gospel today continues from Matthew. As I mentioned, last week Jesus spoke to his disciples about the Beatitudes. These are simple actions you can take to conduct yourself in a blessed way for others, allowing yourself to be virtuous. Jesus tells his disciples directly, “You are the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13, 14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). He warns against salt losing its flavor and light being hidden. Jesus tells his disciples to not let their light fade or hide. Always be present so that people are able to see and continue what you have shown, as it is written, “Let your light so shine before men, that hey may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16. The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Give of yourselves to be the light to the world.

The following is from Father John Muir, a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Phoenix. He writes, “We know that giving bold witness to Jesus – through our words, values, or public choices – can make us targets for criticism, isolation, or judgment. That’s why Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are so challenging. … A city on a hill draws attention. It also draws fire. But that’s part of the cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t call us to be tribal or boastful. He calls us to stand in the open with humble confidence, so that people might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.”

So let’s strengthen our confidence. Let’s strive to be that city on a hill, to be that beacon of light for the world to see. It may be easier said than done, but it is something we should all strive for. God Bless!

I will leave you with this verse: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition).

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Today’s Word: Feast of the Holy Family – December 28, 2025

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Psalms 128:1-5

Colossians 2:12-21

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Christmas has come and passed. However, this is still the Christmas season within the Church. Today marks the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This day serves as a profound meditation on how God chose to enter human history through the ordinary, often messy, and vulnerable structure of a family.

The readings today reflect on the holiness in the ordinary. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were the holy family, not in the sense of being “perfect” but they used trust over control and relied on presence over perfection.

The Gospel reading today is from Matthew and depicts the Holy Family sort of as refugees. Following a dream, Joseph immediately flees to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod’s violence, illustrating that holiness is found in obedience and protection of the vulnerable. Joseph is portrayed here as a model of quiet, unwavering trust. He does not demand a detailed plan; he simply responds to God’s immediate call to protect his family, even when it means displacement and uncertainty. 

This feast today invites all families – including those that are broken, blended, or struggling – to reflect on the Holy Family in order to see themselves in the Holy Family’s story. God chose to dwell in a family that faced poverty, political violence, and exile, reminding us that He is present in our own struggles today.

This idea of a close, holy family is reflected in the other readings for today. The First Reading from Sirach highlights the sacred duty of children to honor their parents. It specifically calls for patience and kindness toward parents in their old age. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians to put ourselves in compassion, humility, gentleness, and love, which binds everything in perfect harmony within the family.

As we close the final Sunday of 2025, we are invited to ask: Is God at the center of my home? Holiness is not found by escaping our family life, but by entering more deeply into it with the same love and obedience shown by Mary and Joseph.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“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, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21, 2025

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalms 24:1-6

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

We are now on the fourth Sunday of Advent. These are the final days before Christmas. The readings today reflect on the quiet, internal “yes” of those who made the Incarnation possible. As a reminder, this fourth Sunday of Advent also brings peace. In Isaiah, Jesus is called the “‘Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Jesus came into the world to bring peace. This peace is the knowledge that we, as believers, have in the Lord that he is the Savior and Redeemer.

As we go through today and begin our week leading up to Christmas and reflect on the peace that Jesus gives, we are reminded to look at the “yes” spoken by those few who helped bring forth that peace into the world.

In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah confronts King Ahaz, who refuses to trust God during a national crisis. In response to this lack of faith, God offers a sign, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign, the birth of a child named Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us. ”Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu-el.” (Isaiah 7:14, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

This reading reminds us that God often works through the humble and vulnerable to overcome the haughty. Even when we, like Ahaz, try to rely on our own “allies” or schemes, God remains committed to being present with us.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul introduces himself as a servant set apart for the Gospel, which was promised long ago through the prophets. He highlights that Jesus is both a descendant of David “according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition) and the Son of God “in power according to the Spirit,” (Romans 1: 4, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

This passage bridges the gap between ancient prophecy and our present reality. We have received “grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,” (Romans 1:5, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and are “called to belong to Jesus Christ,” (Romans 1:6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition) not just as a far-off hope, but as a living testament of peace to ourselves and to the world.

As previously mentioned, this new year in the Church marks a new cycle of readings. Previously, the Church was in Cycle C. This year we have Cycle A. Most of the Sunday Gospel readings will be from Matthew. And while other years focus on Mary’s Visitation, the Gospel today focuses on St. Joseph. Faced with a bewildering situation – Mary’s pregnancy – Joseph chooses mercy over public shame. However, when an angel explains God’s plan to Joseph in a dream, he wakes up and immediately does as commanded.

Joseph’s holiness is found in his quiet obedience. He was willing to surrender his reputation and plans to collaborate with a mystery he didn’t fully understand. Like Joseph, we are invited to separate from anything that blocks our union with God.

So, as you light the final candle on your Advent wreath – often called the Angel Candle, representing Peace – consider the following points: God chooses closeness over distance and vulnerability over power, He is with us – Emmanuel. Like Joseph, we are called to trust in the dark, to trust God’s voice even in moments of deep confusion or fear. And remember, real preparation for Christmas isn’t about perfect decorations; it’s about offering our own lives, our selves, for God’s will.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18 – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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

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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!

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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!

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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: 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.