As a response to the rising secular tide denying God’s absolute and perfect sovereignty over all, the Feast of Christ the King has been celebrated in the universal Church since 1925. Non-Christian dictators in Europe and elsewhere were seeking to assert ultimate authority over peoples, including members of the Church of Christ. This feast especially...
Gospel Reading / Mark 4:26-34 In the Gospel Reading, Jesus tells two parables about the growth of the Kingdom of God. Each story has a different purpose. The first parable emphasizes the seed’s own growth. The farmer can neither give the seed the power to grow nor make its gradual growth happen. The second parable...
GOSPEL READING / John 20:19-31 The Gospel portrays two appearances of the Risen Lord Jesus. First, the Resurrected Christ appears to the disciples on Easter evening and, then, a week later. He does not wield vengeance for their shameful fleeing and lack of faith but instead extends to each and every one of them perfect peace....
GOSPEL READING / JOHN 2:12-25 The Gospel Reading of the dramatic story of Jesus’ cleansing of the temple give us cause to consider anew what constitutes true worship and what is a true house of God. The Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent recounts John’s version of Jesus cleansing the temple (John 2:13-25)....
GOSPEL READING / MARK 1:40-45 Jesus’ encounter with the leper in Sunday’s Gospel announces a completely new understanding as part of the establishment of God’s Kingdom (cf. Mark 1:14). Until then if a leper dare approach a healthy person the leper was to be stoned. Not only does Jesus permit the leper to approach but,...
GOSPEL READING / MARK 1:29-39 The Gospel Reading makes plain the overwhelming task of Jesus’ work. He is to reclaim the lost sheep of Israel. Given the spiritual and political state of the country Jesus’ mission seems to be an impossibility. Yet, Jesus withholds nothing back from us. There is no excuse to live half-hearted...
GOSPEL READING / MARK 1:21-28 In the Gospel Reading, Jesus drives out the devil described as an “unclean spirit.” Jesus’ teaching is recognized as being something “completely new” because He presents Himself with an unprecedented “authority”. By whose authority do we live our daily lives?
The Third Sunday of Advent also is called Gaudete Sunday. From the Latin imperative meaning “Rejoice!”, today draws our attention to the closeness of the Lord’s arrival. It is a splendid occasion for us all to recommit to preparing well with the time that remains before the Nativity of the Lord Jesus. That is, we...
Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus sends the disciples to the other side of the lake in a boat while he dismisses the crowds and, then, ascends the mountain alone to pray. Just as Jesus watches over the disciples and comes to their aid so, too, does Our Lord...
Matthew 10:26-33 In the Gospel Reading no less than three times we hear our Lord exhorting us to “be not be afraid.” Anything that takes place as part of Jesus’ mission is no cause for fear. Christians need not fear for the Father’s hand always protects them. LIVING FEARLESSLY Today’s Gospel places Jesus’ mission front...
