In today’s first reading from Nehemiah, we have a solemn reading of the Word of God. It is the first day of the seventh month which is perhaps the day of the solemn renewal of the covenant. Ezra, the scribe, solemnly processes in front of the assembly. He opens the...
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches the cost of discipleship, the cost of following him. Three people come forward wanting to follow Jesus. The first one makes the bold claim: “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus accepts him but also warns him of the cost of...
Our readings today on this Feast of the Archangels, reflect on this figure called the Son of Man. In our first reading Daniel describes his heavenly vision. He sees God, called the “Ancient One”, with thousands of angels ministering to him. Then Daniel sees “One...
Jesus’ question in today’s Gospel is pointed and personal: “But who do you say that I am?” In yesterday’s Gospel Herod the tetrarch is curious: “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” (Luke 9:9). Today’s Gospel begins with Jesus in...
Herod’s question in today’s Gospel becomes the defining question for the rest of the Gospel: “Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” While Herod the tetrarch asked the question, he never allows Jesus to challenge him or his own self-understanding and...
