Rejection

Rejection

In today’s Gospel Jesus both quotes a Scripture text from the Psalms and alludes to a passage in the prophet Isaiah.  Jesus quotes Psalm 118: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our...
Be Merciful

Be Merciful

In today’s Gospel Jesus calls us to act like or imitate God.  “Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.”  Jesus goes on to teach that we need to “stop judging…and stop condemning.”  We religious people can be self-righteous at times and even a bit...
The Sign of Jonah

The Sign of Jonah

Our readings today focus on the prophet Jonah and the Sign of Jonah.  In today’s first reading Jonah is called to announce God’s message to the great city of Nineveh.  So, we hear that “Jonah set out for Nineveh, in accord with the word of the Lord.”  This call seems...
The Last Judgement

The Last Judgement

In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the Last Judgment.  This judgment is described as a separation, like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  Matthew describes this judgement with these words: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels...
Repent

Repent

Today is Ash Wednesday the beginning of the Season of Lent. During this season we are called to repent.  When we receive ashes on our forehead the minister proclaims: “Repent and believe in the gospel.”  This phrase is taken from the Gospel of Mark and is Jesus first...