REFLECTIONS TODAY The tax collector Levi is identified with, and often referred to, as Matthew, the name given in the Gospel of Matthew (9:9). At the time Jesus calls him, Levi is at the customs post, his place of work. As tax collector, he is regarded as a public sinner, despised among the Jews as...
REFLECTIONS TODAY In predicting his passion, Jesus did not exactly say that he would be killed by crucifixion, but he referred to his would-be follower as carrying a cross. Was this invitation an afterthought on the part of Christians after Jesus had died on the cross? The mention of taking the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Following the story of the rich man who refused Jesus’ invitation to sell what he has and then to follow Jesus, Peter, in the name of his fellow disciples, asks Jesus what is in store for them. In contrast to the man, they have left everything and unquestioningly followed Jesus....
REFLECTIONS TODAY Scriptures show an ambivalent attitude toward wealth. At times it was praised and admired—as the fruit of wisdom (Prv 10:4), or the reward of humility and fear of God (Prv 10:22). More frequently, however, wealth was viewed unfavorably. The man who trusts in his wealth rather...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Lk 6:39-45 Jesus told his disciples a parable, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s...
REFLECTIONS TODAY From the question of divorce conceded because of Israel’s “hardness of heart,” attention is now focused on the children brought to Jesus. The children symbolize receptivity that marks those that enter the Kingdom of God. Still young to assume adult responsibility, they are...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Pharisees approach Jesus to ask if divorce should be allowed, but touching only on the rights of a man to divorce his wife. In a manner of rabbinic debate, Jesus asks them about the command of Moses (the Torah). They reply that according to Moses, it is lawful for a man to...
DANCING SCULPTURE The Idol at Personal Structures, by Jacques Jarrige, European Cultural Centre (Matteo Losurdo) Jacques Jarrige presents new kinetic sculpture at European Cultural Center for the Biennale Contemporary Art Exhibition in Venice. Artist Jacques Jarrige installs a new kinetic sculpture...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Jesus often uses the image of a child or “little one” for one who accepts the Kingdom of heaven. To welcome the “little ones” is to exercise service and receptivity to those who are close to Jesus. To “cause them to sin” (Greek skandalisē) is to commit a most grievous...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Reflections today In the Book of Numbers, Eldad and Medad are described as having prophesied among the Israelites despite the fact that they were not in the gathering of 70 elders when Moses bestowed the spirit on them. Joshua asked Moses to stop them, but Moses reminded his...
REFLECTIONS TODAY A man from the crowd brings to Jesus his son who is suffering from epilepsy, an illness attributed to the possession by a dumb spirit. His initial desire was to bring the sick boy to Jesus, but in Jesus’ absence he brought the boy to the disciples who were unable to heal him....
REFLECTIONS TODAY Lk 6:27-38 Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes...
