One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Our story ends a series of discussions between Jesus and various leaders residing in Jerusalem, which began in Mark 11:27. This discussion ends, as today’s gospel passage notes, with Mark telling us that after this encounter, “no […]

Who are we, and what are we about? These are important questions because they help us determine how we live our lives and relate to others. In my youth, I could not answer these questions very well, for I did not know my purpose nor understand how to live that fulfilling life I craved. I […]

Our readings today focus on the Law. Moses is very effusive in bringing the Law to the people of God. These people never had a homeland; they were pilgrims who had been saved from slavery in Egypt and were headed to their own land, a land “rich in milk and honey.” This community saw itself […]

Many things are happening in our world today that cause us concern – human-created situations that dominate the news. One of these is the ongoing war in Ukraine, and as I pray for its people, the Gospel passage for today becomes more challenging. In Jesus’ parable, he says a slave person owes the king ten […]

I’ve learned change is constant. In our readings today, we are offered the story of Naaman, from Aram, healed of leprosy, apparently the only person Elisha cured of leprosy because he believed.  In a synagogue, Jesus reminds his listeners when the gifts of God are shared with people outside of Israel doing his bidding.  They […]

3rd Sunday of Lent Give me a drink. The theme of water running through the readings today reminds us of how essential water is to us. The Israelites knew it. The people living in cities with compromised water systems know it all too well. We may only become aware when we are deprived of water […]

What a hopeful and reassuring message we are given today! Our Father will always forgive our sins, and his merciful heart embraces us. Concluding the second week of Lent, let’s ponder: have I examined my path, relationships, and response to God’s invitation to love others? Have I looked deeply into my conscience to find where […]

Today’s scripture readings focus on the challenge of love. “Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons . . .” The parable in Matthew tells of the landowner who sent his son to remedy a situation in his vineyard. The Alleluia verse is that iconic passage from John (3:16): “God so loved the world that […]

“Homeless found dead on the church doorstep.” In this fictional news story, we might assume the unfortunate man was in some way thinking he would be helped while on the doorstep of a church. He would have been correct if only someone had provided him with the help he needed. But, alas, the man was […]

As a grade-school girl, our Girl Scout troop would visit the local nursing homes to play games and do crafts with the residents. In the ’60s, these facilities were not the beautiful amenity-filled senior living residences we have today. These were the places “old people” went to die. At that young age, everything about those […]