Our reading from chapter 5 of Isaiah and our gospel from chapter 21 of Matthew is almost identical, using the image of a vineyard as the house of Israel.
The Vinyard of the Lord
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Who is Doing the Father’s Will?
Today in Matthew’s Gospel, we hear another parable – ‘the Parable of the Two Sons’ – the second of three consecutive parables about vineyards.
To Forgive or Not Forgive
This week, the message changes from Calling attention to sin and evil in our midst to reaching out in mercy to those who have offended us and will accept our forgiveness.
Who do you say that I am?
To put this question from Jesus into perspective, I suggest we start with the second reading for this Sunday. Here we see Paul bursting out in jubilant excitement and exaltation over the wisdom of God.
Encourage Deeper Understanding of Scripture
Isn’t it a bit weird that Catholics call the Pope “papa,” father? This Sunday provides us with essential Scriptural background on the papacy, the petrine office.
He is Calling
A man at my parish was struggling to overcome a habitual sin. He said to me, “Father, I know the chance that I will commit sin again is really high. Why should I keep confessing my sins? Isn’t that dishonest?”
Feast of the Transfiguration
The Book of Daniel may appear to be prophetic in nature, but it is actually an example of a literary genre known as “Apocalyptic,” which was popular during the period from about 200 B.C. to 100 A.D. This was a time of stress and persecution for Jews and, later, for Christians.
If I Asked God for Something
In today’s first reading, God appears to Solomon in a dream, saying He will give him anything Solomon asks for. Solomon answers God in a fascinating way.
Are We Little Enough?
The very beginning and the very end of our Gospel today, that being the Gospel Acclamation: “Blessed are you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom” and the very end of Matthews Gospel: “Whoever has ears ought to hear,” both should leave us wondering if we are little enough and do we hear what Jesus is trying to tell us.
Far Greater Can Await Us
Our first reading from 2nd Kings is an interesting story about the prophet Elisha and a Shunammite woman who showed him hospitality. On the surface, it would appear that the golden thread this week is hospitality, but it goes deeper than that.
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