REFLECTIONS TODAY The Jews and the scribes who are learned in Scriptures have looked forward for the coming of the Messiah. The Christ or the Anointed One would come from the lineage of David, in line with the oracle of Nathan about the Lord raising an offspring after David, whose throne would be...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Sadducees (Hebrew Sĕdûqîm) did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, nor in heaven, nor in immortality, nor in angels or evil spirits, nor in unseen realities. By presenting the case of a woman married to seven brothers, they tried to demean the value of the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Gospel • Mark 12:13-17 Mark narrates the strategy of the Jewish authorities who send some Pharisees and Herodians to ensnare Jesus in his speech. They have become so insecure of the presence of Jesus who is gaining more followers. They question Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY This parable can also be retitled, “The Parable of the Generous Farmer.” The farmer symbolizes God the Father, sowing love in planting a vineyard, ensuring its growth by digging a pit for the winepress, monitoring safety and productivity by building a watchtower and a...
REFLECTIONS TODAY First Reading • Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9 Early in the next morning Moses went up Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, taking along the two stone tablets. Having come down in a cloud, the Lord stood with Moses there and proclaimed his name, “Lord.” Thus the Lord passed before...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Gospel reading shows Jesus’ steadfast qualities. First, it reveals his stamina for a busy schedule and his sensitivity to see meaning in events in the midst of his mobility. Second, it portrays Jesus’ compassion for people. Third, it shows his decisive character to teach...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Some Bible scholars will see in today’s Gospel episode an allusion to the Virgin Mary as the “Ark of the Covenant,” one of the many titles in her litany. Given Luke’s propensity for symbolism and allusion, this may not altogether be far-fetched. Can Luke be alluding to the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Gospel • Mark 10:28-31 For not responding to Jesus’ invitation, the rich young man went away sad (Mk 10:22). This is the result of his valuing his wealth more than the true “treasures” of the Kingdom. Now Peter, as the spokesman of the disciples, tells Jesus that they have...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Jn 20:19-23 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The...
REFLECTIONS TODAY After receiving his mandate from Jesus to feed the Lord’s flock, Peter asks Jesus about the Beloved Disciple. Given the context of Jesus’ prediction that Peter will die a martyr, Peter most probably asks about the fate of the Beloved Disciple. Jesus does not directly answer...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The human person is known in the first place by the name given him or her. The name does not just point out the person but stands for his personality, his character, and even his mission. A Latin saying goes, “Nomen est omen” — The name is power or luminous sign. In the...
