Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is the benevolent and forgiving mercy of God for sinners and the response of repentance and conversion expected from us. Scripture lessons: The first reading reminds us that God’s Almighty Power includes His strength to be merciful. That is why God, Who created the universe mercifully, waits for sinners… Continue reading »
Introduction: The main theme of today’s Gospel is that true humility must be the hallmark of our prayers. However, the central focus of today’s parable is not on prayer itself, but rather on pride, humility and the role of grace in our salvation. Scripture lessons: The first reading, from Sirach, is a perfect companion piece to the Gospel parable. … Continue reading »
Introduction: Today’s readings are mainly about prayer — perseverance in prayer, constancy in prayer and trust in God as we pray. They are also about the Trustworthiness and Justice of God, the type of Justice that reaches out to the poor and the weak, enabling them to fight against injustice. Scripture lessons: In the first reading, Moses,… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT [C] XXVIII – Homily Lk 17:11-19 Introduction: The central theme of today’s readings is gratitude – in particular, the expression of gratitude God expects from us. Today’s Gospel presents a God Who desires gratitude from us for the many blessings we receive from Him, and Who feels pain at our ingratitude. Scripture lessons: Naaman, the… Continue reading »
Synopsis: OT XXVII [C]–Homily on Lk 17:5-10 (L-16) Introduction: All three readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time speak a lot about “Faith” and how it works in our lives. They give us three dimensions of Faith. The theological virtue of Faith enables us to believe something to be true and therefore worthy of… Continue reading »
Introduction: The main theme of this Sunday’s readings is the warning that the selfish and extravagant use of God’s blessings, like wealth, without sharing them with the poor and the needy is a serious sin deserving eternal punishment. Today’s readings stress the Covenant responsibility of the rich for the poor, reminding us of the truth… Continue reading »
Introduction: Today’s readings remind us that we are God’s stewards and that God expects faithful and prudent stewardship from us. They challenge us to use our God-given talents and blessings wisely to attain Heavenly bliss. Scripture lessons: Condemning the crooked business practices of the 8th century BC Jewish merchants of Judea, today’s lesson from the… Continue reading »
One-page synopsis of OT XXIV (Sept 11) Sunday on Lk 15:1-32 L/16 Introduction: Today’s readings invite us to believe in a loving, patient, merciful, and forgiving God. The Good News Jesus preached was that God is our loving and forgiving Heavenly Father Who wants to save everyone through His Son, not a cruel, judging and… Continue reading »
Introduction: Today’s readings challenge us to the true Christian discipleship of total commitment to the will of God, putting God first in our lives. Scripture lessons: The first reading, taken from the Book of Wisdom, instructs us to ask for the gifts of discernment and strength from the Holy Spirit so that we may do… Continue reading »
Homily Lk 14:1, 7-14 Introduction: The common theme of today’s readings is the need for true humility which leads to a generous blessed sharing with the needy. The readings also warn us against all forms of pride and self-glorification. They present humility not only as a virtue but also as a means of opening our… Continue reading »