One of the key themes in the Gospel of John is the theme of witness or testimony. So, in today’s Gospel we hear: “This is the testimony of John.” This theme was already announced in the Prologue of the Gospel: “A man named John was sent from God. He came for...
In today’s Gospel Luke continues the description of Jesus’ Presentation in the Jerusalem Temple. In the Infancy Narrative Luke pairs two holy and devout Jews who are full of the holy Spirit. So, we have Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of John the Baptist. When...
Today, the day after Christmas, we move quickly from the joy of the birth of Jesus to the story of the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen. Out 1st reading today from the Acts of the Apostles tells the story of Stephen’s witnessing and death. Luke describes him as...
In today’s Gospel we hear an Annunciation Story. It is not the Annunciation Story to Mary of the birth of Jesus but the Annunciation Story to the priest Zechariah of the birth of John the Baptist. Luke has purposely made these two Annunciation Stories as well as...
Who does he think he is? Some of the Jewish religious leaders, some chief priests and elders, irritated by Jesus put this question to him in today’s Gospel: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” What has Jesus done? He...
