Synopsis of OT VI [B] Homily on Mark 1: 40-45 Introduction: All three readings today teach us that we are called to become pure and holy. But we don’t become holy by some ritual observances. We become holy by confessing our sins to God and offering our lives for God’s glory and by sharing God’s love with… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF O.T. V [B] (Feb 4) HOMILY on Mk 1: 29-39 Introduction: Today’s readings challenge us to avoid Job’s pessimistic and cynical view of life as a chain of pain and sufferings and to accept life with hope and optimism as a precious gift from God, using it to do good for others and spending… Continue reading »
Synopsis of OT IV Sunday Homily on Mark 1:21-28 introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is Divine authority as exercised in this world by the prophets of the Old Testament in their messages, by the apostles (including St. Paul), in their writings and teaching in the New Testament, and by Jesus in his teaching and healing… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF O.T. III SUNDAY HOMILY : MK 1:14-20 Introduction: The three readings today underline the absolute necessity for us of repentance and a prompt response to God’s call. Scripture lessons: The first reading tells us how God had to deal with the disobedient, fleeing prophet Jonah to turn him around (convert him), so that, repenting, he would… Continue reading »
Ordinary Time: Second Sunday Ready! At your Service! A “call narrative” is the appropriate term to speak of our readings today. In the Old Testament passage we hear of God’s call to the young boy Samuel; the Gospel describes the invitation of Jesus to Andrew and Simon. All three individuals respond with generosity, following an… Continue reading »
Lent: Second Sunday : Called to Live by Faith Abraham is a fascinating character. He receives a call from God to leave his native home; the call demands that he respond with deep faith. He is promised many descendants, land, a lasting relationship with God, and that he will be a blessing for all the families… Continue reading »
SYNOPSIS OF OT II SUNDAY [B] Homily Jn 1:35-42 (L/18) Introduction: The main theme of today’s Scripture readings is Divine vocation – that everyone is called by God to be a witness for Christ by doing something for others with his or her life, using his or her unique gifts and blessings. Hence, today’s readings remind us of our… Continue reading »
ADVENT IV HOMILY ON LUKE 1:26-38 (L-17) Introduction: Today’s readings focus on the circumstances leading up to the first coming of Jesus, the event which sets the pattern for his coming to us now and at the end of time. The Gospel stresses the key role of Mary in the work of our salvation. In… Continue reading »
Synopsis of Advent III Gaudete Sunday John 1:6-8, 19-28 Introduction: The third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday” because the Mass for today (in its original Latin text), begins with the opening antiphon: “Gaudete in Domino semper” –“Rejoice in the Lord always.” To remind ourselves that we are preparing for the very joyful occasion of the… Continue reading »
One-page synopsis of Advent II Homily on Introduction: Homecoming is the central theme of the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Advent. All three readings focus on the absolute necessity of our getting ready for Christ’s “Homecoming” into our hearts and lives by true repentance, reparation, prayer and the renewal of our lives. They also remind us… Continue reading »