Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph. As we hear in today’s Gospel, Joseph was a son of David the great King of Israel. More importantly as we hear in the beginning of today’s Gospel, Joseph was “the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the...
In today’s Gospel Jesus calls us to be Godlike: “Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.” We hear of the great mercy of God in today’s first reading from the book of Daniel: “O Lord, we are ashamed, like our kings, our princes, and our ancestors, for...
In today’s first reading the Lord commands the Israelites: “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” This phrase is translated differently by Matthew and Luke in their respective Gospels: Matthew: “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (5:48)....
Today’s readings focus on fasting. What is the meaning and purpose of fasting? When should we fast? What is a fast acceptable to God? In the Gospel on Ash Wednesday Jesus taught us, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their...
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches his disciples the way of the cross. Jesus truly is the Son of God and the Son of Man and yet his way is one of humility, service, and sacrifice. “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and...
