Synopsis: OT XXXII Sunday on Matthew 25:1-13 Introduction: This Sunday’s readings bring the usual warnings about preparation for the end of our own world, the end of our own time and our passage to another world.  They tell us that a searching, watching and evolving heart is essential for a lively, dynamic Faith in God.  They… Continue reading »

Synopsis: O T XXXI Sunday Homily on Matthew 23:1-12 Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is a strong invitation and challenge to render humble, selfless, diligent, committed and loving service to others in the community without expecting honor or rewards. Today’s Gospel is a warning against hypocrisy and status-seeking, given to the early Church… Continue reading »

Synopsis: OT XXX (A) Sunday Homily Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is the greatest commandment in the Bible, namely to love God and express that love in action by loving Him living in our neighbor. Scripture lessons:  The first reading from Exodus explains the second greatest commandment, namely, loving one’s neighbors, especially the underprivileged.  The chosen people of… Continue reading »

Synopsis of OT XXIX  Sunday Homily on Mt 22:15-21 Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is the nature of our obligations to God and to our country. The readings show us how, with God’s help, we can be ideal citizens of both earth and Heaven.  Scripture lessons summarized: In the first reading, Isaiah the prophet… Continue reading »

Synopsis: OT XXIV [A] Homily on Matthew 18: 21-35 (L-17) Introduction: Our readings for this Twenty-Fourth Sunday concern forgiving our offenders and getting reconciled with them. All three readings today remind us of the path to forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation and challenge us to walk this, the only Way to Life. Scripture lessons: Sirach, in… Continue reading »

Synopsis: OT XXIII [A]  Sunday Homily on Mt 18:15-20 (L/17) Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is God’s command concerning spiritual responsibility and our individual accountability for others in our families, parishes and community, which rises from our identity as God’s children and hence as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are, therefore, the “keepers” of our… Continue reading »

Synopsis: OT XXI [A] Sunday (Matthew 16: 13-20 (L-17) Introduction: We might call this Sunday “Power Sunday” because the main theme of all three readings is that God is the Source of all authority. God shares His authority with elected civil rulers to serve the people and with the Pope and the other Church leaders… Continue reading »

Synopsis: OT XX [A]  Sunday homily on Mt 15: 21-28 (L/17) Introduction: All three readings today speak of the expansive and universal nature of the “Kingdom of God,” in contrast with the theory that salvation was offered first to the Jews and only then to the rest of the world.  Although God set the Hebrew people apart… Continue reading »

Synopsis of OT XIX Sunday Homily on Mt 14: 22-33 (L-17) Introduction: The readings for this week speak of God’s saving presence among His people and the need for trusting Faith in our loving and providing God Who always keeps us company, and the need of prayer in storms of life. Scripture lessons:  The first reading tells us of how… Continue reading »

Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is the metamorphosis or transformation of Christ by the empowering of God the Father Who sent His Son as our Savior and Redeemer. Today’s Gospel describing Christ’s Transfiguration challenges us to revitalize our Faith as true disciples of Christ, just as the passages from Daniel and II Peter… Continue reading »