Mark 1:12-15 No sooner is Jesus baptized by John, than the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness where Satan tempts Him. So, too, do we live in the world where temptations assail us. Daily living, even for Christians, is a struggle. Followers of Jesus are those who dare to live for God’s Kingdom – no...
Mark 1:21-28 Jesus drives out a demonic spirit. His teaching is recognized as being something “completely new” because He presents Himself with “authority”. By whose authority do we live our lives? https://little-flower-2minutes.s3.amazonaws.com/4th+Sunday+B.m4a GOD’S KINGDOM GROWS Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time [B] In the Gospel reading last Sunday we heard Jesus announce that God’s Kingdom...
Mark 1:14-20 Jesus declares that time is “fulfilled”. God’s Kingdom stands at the threshold of earthly time and it makes sense to devote ourselves to this reality. To do this, God gracious equips us with grace; that is, His very power. https://little-flower-2minutes.s3.amazonaws.com/3rd+Sunday+B.m4a DISCIPLES FOLLOW JESUS 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time [B] Beginning this Sunday, the...
John 1:35-42 The Gospel Reading scene immediately follows the story of Jesus’ baptism. Jesus’ public ministry now is underway. Notice carefully that Jesus does not issue a call for followers, but some purse Jesus because of the witness given by John the Baptist. If we are to become an intentional disciple, we must follow Jesus....
Although Advent soon gives way to the splendor of Christmas, how different would it be if we dared to live our lives as a continuous advent? That is, approaching each day as the day we will be with God forever. Our daily task remains the same: finding Jesus in this life and remaining beside Him...
The Third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. From the Latin meaning “rejoice”, Gaudete Sunday marks a midway point that celebrates the closeness of the Lord’s arrival. It is a splendid occasion for us all to recalibrate our preparation with the time that remains before the Nativity of the Lord Jesus to make...
Mark 1:1-8 The “wilderness” is code for the world. Humanity today scarcely can hear the prophetic cry to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Many tragically wait for nothing and accept mediocrity. Others ruin themselves by making ultimate ends of wealth, pleasure, power and honor. How am I preparing the way of the Lord in...
Advent is time we receive to prepare for the coming of our blessed Lord Jesus. Small sacrifices help heighten our longing for Jesus’ arrival. Hope fuels our waiting. Mark 13:33-37 Be alert! The new Church year begins with the Gospel call for vigilance since the time of the Lord’s coming is uncertain. Christmas as a...
Matthew 22:15-21 The question asked of Jesus in the Gospel is set as a political trap. By saying “yes” Jesus contradicts the people’s privileged relationship with God and disavows their striving for political freedom. By saying “no” Jesus places Himself on the side of the Zealots who aggressively are seeking liberation against Roman rule. For...
Matthew 22:1-14 In this parable, Jesus reveals how intensely God desires the salvation of all people. Despite the deepest longings of God for us to know, love and serve Him, some still obstinately reject His invitation. The intentional rejection of God is a choice so entirely selfish that it merits eternal punishment. https://little-flower-2minutes.s3.amazonaws.com/28th+Sunday+A.m4a ...
