REFLECTIONS TODAY The Beatitudes are among the most popular teachings of Jesus. They open what we call Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. By this time, Jesus’ popularity has already been spreading. People come to him from diverse areas: Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Jn 6:51-58 Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The gospel describes the contrasting dispositions of the scribes and the poor widow which do not escape Jesus’ notice. Because of their prestige in society, the scribes are offered the best seats in synagogues and places of honor at banquets. They also say long prayers. Yet,...
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,...
