REFLECTIONS TODAY The unclean spirits are afraid of Jesus, who has just returned from Nazareth. Like Jesus’ town mates, they expect him to be confined only to his hometown, and not to meddle with them in Capernaum. Jesus will prove that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him. He is there not only to...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Why the sudden change in Jesus’ town mates? What triggers them to become violent? Because Jesus disappoints them. He does not do what they expect of him as their son, to stay with them and work many miracles for them, like what he does in Capernaum. Jesus will do God’s...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Matthew 16:21-27 Peter receives a rebuke from Jesus when he tries to block him from going to Jerusalem after Jesus announces that he will suffer and die there. Previously, Peter is commended in Caesaria Philippi by Jesus himself when he shows his correct understanding of who Jesus...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The parable of the Talents clearly shows that Jesus is against laziness. Like the previous parable (Ten Virgins), this parable is addressed to Jesus’ disciples to teach what the Kingdom of heaven (of God) is all about. In the Kingdom of God, there is no place for...
REFLECTIONS TODAY It is hurting to hear such words from a friend or a teacher to whom you want to get close. Yet, these are the words of the bridegroom to the foolish virgins (bridesmaids) who are assigned to welcome him but fail to prepare sufficient oil for the night. They did not give allowance...
REFLECTIONS TODAY With the last two of the seven woes, today’s Gospel ends the narrative part in Matthew where the scribes and the Pharisees are denounced by Jesus. While there is an established tradition of a deep opposition between Jesus and the Pharisees, the narrative reflects the bitter...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Besides Jesus and Mary, John the Baptist is the only other person whose birthday and day of death are liturgically marked by the Church. Today we read the account of his martyrdom in Mark’s Gospel. Along with the other evangelists, the first-century Jewish historian Josephus...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The “woe” phrases in the Bible are often uttered in prophetic and apocalyptic literature. They denounce sin and caution those who commit it of future punishment. Jesus’ woe pronouncements criticize the Pharisees for hypocrisy and falsehood. He describes their piety as...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Mt 16:13-20 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Jesus warns the people and his followers about the scribes and the Pharisees who are guilty of insincerity. The Jewish religious leaders advertise their righteous deeds and dress themselves in clothes and ornaments to look spiritual. They love public recognition and aim for the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Gospels often refer to the Sadducees and the Pharisees having conflict with and testing Jesus. Both were religious sects within Judaism during Jesus’ time. Both groups honored Moses and the Law. Both had a measure of political power. The importance of the commandments...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Can we allow God to be so good to everyone? The parable of the Workers in the Vineyard highlights that we do not earn God’s graciousness and generosity. It is a pure act of benevolence on God’s part. God’s love is unconditional; it depends on him, not on our good works. When...
