REFLECTIONS TODAY Gospel • John 2:13-25 Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY This parable jolts us from our expectations. The father, filled with compassion, becomes prodigal — profuse in his love and kindness. All the logic that could have led to anger, grievance, and hatred has disappeared. What follows is human tenderness: a gratuitous...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Father is the landowner who sent prophets to Israel, and its leaders maltreated these servants. Then he sends his Son who suffers the same fate as the prophets. The parable’s narration is timely: at the time Jesus was in Jerusalem, a few days before his passion and...
REFLECTIONS TODAY This is the response of Jesus to the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, when she asks a favor on their behalf. Jesus has just predicted for the third time what will happen to him in Jerusalem. What registers in her mind is his happy ending. As a mother, she...
REFLECTIONS TODAY After denouncing the scribes and the Pharisees in Jerusalem for their inconsistencies, like not practicing what they preach, but requiring others to do without extending a helping hand, and having penchant for undue recognition wherever they go—they just want to be acknowledged...
REFLECTIONS TODAY After teaching love of enemies to the great multitudes on his Sermon on the Plain, Jesus proceeds to exhort them on treating others with kindness. They should not withhold their love to them. Jesus gives them an incentive. The favors given to others will be given back in return....
REFLECTIONS TODAY Gospel • Mark 9:2-10 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Jesus is aware that many of his listeners have enemies. Enemies are those who discredit them, violate their rights, and threaten them. They are inconsiderate and have nothing good to say about them. Jesus is consistent on his previous teaching about non-retaliation....
REFLECTIONS TODAY On the Mount of Beatitudes, Jesus wants his listeners to be reconciled with their brothers. He is aware that in one way or another they have hurt their loved ones by their thoughtlessness and careless speech. Now before they offer gifts to the Lord at the altar and remembering...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Time and again, Jesus reminds his listeners to observe what they hear him say. He is here to bring the word of God. Each listener must then treasure whatever comes out of his mouth and put them into action. If we do these, blessed are we! Yet as soon as he has driven his point,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY After teaching about almsgiving on the Mountain of Beatitudes, Jesus exhorts his listeners to pray the Our Father or The Lord’s Prayer. It is the prayer of Jesus to his Father in heaven. The early Church has adopted this version of Matthew in its liturgical celebrations. We are...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Gospel is about the Last Judgment. Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, will come in glory and reward us according to what we have done to the needy. But the passage is shortened. It focuses only on giving reward to the good. The liturgists want to end the reading with a more...
