Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Mark 12:17) In the context of Rome’s suppression of Jewish hopes for religious and political autonomy in Jesus’ day, the payment of taxes to the empire was abhorrent to the children of Israel. Jesus’ enemies pose the […]

Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24) The Church honors today Saint Philip Neri, a sixteenth-century Italian priest often referred to as the “third apostle […]

Jesus said to his disciples: “Because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth; it is better for you that I go.” (John 16:6-7) We continue reading from Jesus’ discourse at table on the night before he died. Today’s passage is a beautiful preparation for the coming feast […]

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their […]

When Barnabas arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. (Acts 11:23-24) The martyrdom of Stephen was a turning point for the Jerusalem fellowship; the respect initially shown the followers […]

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” and when he said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60) People often tell me that they would like to be more […]

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. (Acts 4:32-33) Today’s passage from the […]

Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. (John 20:16) Imagine the range of emotions Mary of Magdala experienced on that first Easter morning. The sadness of the events of Good Friday still hung over her heart as she made her way in the darkness. When […]

I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength. (Isaiah 49:5) The first days of Holy Week bring us close to the most sacred time of the year, the Paschal Triduum; close to the heart of Jesus as he prepares for his passion and death. We hear […]