In the first scene of today’s gospel, we are admitted into Simon Peter’s house. The narration of events in this private setting leads us to surmise that it is the description of an eye eyewitness. Scripture scholars tell us that in this scene there is probably more than meets the eye. For example, although our translation […]

In today’s gospel reading, John the Baptist identifies his mission as “the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord.’” And in these words of John we have what is the Christian’s lifetime program: making way for an always more-lively presence of Christ in one’s life and in […]

Through the archangel who appears to Zechariah, God intervenes in an exceptional way in the marriage of Zechariah and Elizabeth. But the message he brings has a much wider reference than to this couple alone. In fact, it has significance for the entire world. The child to be born of this couple will be the […]

The names of very few towns hold as much meaning for us as that of Bethlehem. That name for Christians quickly evokes images of the Infant Savior, of Mary, Joseph, shepherds and angels. Bethlehem calls to mind the unfathomable mystery of God giving himself humanly to our world. And so, the word “Bethlehem” evokes the […]

Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary  The tradition shared by the churches of East and West, that our Blessed Lady was presented as a child in the Temple in Jerusalem is not based on any specific Gospel text. The tradition originates from a late second century apocryphal work, the Protoevangelium of James. Today’s Memorial, nonetheless, […]

When Jesus spoke the words of today’s Gospel, he was on the road to Jerusalem ––    on a road that would lead to the Cross. In the clearest and most vivid way possible, Jesus told his would-be followers that anyone who intended truly to follow him must be ready for a loyalty which would require sacrificing […]

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” Today’s gospel begins with an observation by Jesus that a thief can take an unvigilant master by surprise, and that must not be the case with them. They must ever be prepared for […]

Like other charismatic teachers of his time, Jesus attracted disciples to himself; and it was important that Jesus let all would-be followers know exactly what they were in for, as we see exemplified in today’s gospel. To the first man Jesus says, equivalently, “Before you follow me, be sure that you count the cost.” Jesus […]