Tag: Word of God

Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:10-17)

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. . . . Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Today’s Gospel takes place immediately after Jesus teaches the crowds by the sea. Afterward, the disciples approach him and ask why he speaks to the crowds in parables. The disciples who are close to Jesus are granted knowledge of the kingdom of heaven, but many in the crowd have not been given the same knowledge. The parables enrich those who know little of the kingdom but are open to hearing the words of Jesus. Of the disciples, Jesus says, “To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” To grow rich in the knowledge of the kingdom is to hear and receive the richness of Christ’s mercy through his word and in the sacraments.

God, help me comprehend the incomprehensible gift of Jesus your Son seen and heard on this earth and alive in his Church today. I am easily distracted by myriad thoughts even as I participate in the celebration of the Mass. Give me the grace of longing for your word so that I can grow rich in all that you offer me every day. Just as the Israelites prepared themselves to see and hear you in peals of lightning and thunder, let me be ready to listen out for your voice today; let me be open to conversion of heart to receive your unfathomable healing and mercy.

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.” Soul of Christ, sanctify me!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:1-9)

And [Jesus] spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

The responsorial psalm for today asks, “Can God spread a table in the desert?” In today’s Gospel, Jesus answers that question as he speaks in parables to the crowds gathered around him. Through the familiar parable of the sower and his seeds, Jesus shows us the different states of life in which God’s word, the seed, falls. Some fell on the path, some on rocky ground, and some among thorns. “But some seed fell on rich soil,” Jesus says, “and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” Just as God rained down daily bread in the desert for the Israelites, he rains down his word daily. Through participation in his word and in the sacraments, through God’s grace upon us, hearts soften into rich seedbeds and produce fruit “a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

God, help me understand what it means to produce fruit from seed spread by the sower. Your Son is the seed, the Word incarnate. How can I make my heart ready to receive the seed he sows? Throughout the day, the soil of my heart becomes parched, hardened to receiving the seed that you let fall over and over through your love and mercy. Give me the grace today to make my heart ready for you. Let my heart be a witness to the way, as the psalmist sings, you spread a table in the desert.

From the Gospel acclamation: “The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; All who come to him will live for ever.” Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Feast of Saint James, Apostle

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 20:20-28)

Jesus said in reply to James and John, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

The mother of James and John approaches Jesus, kneeling before him and asking a favor. She says, “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Revealing a glimpse of the mystery in the relationship of the Son and the Father, Jesus indicates that the brothers will drink the chalice of suffering that he will drink but that it is not his to give but the Father’s the seat that he has prepared for them. Jesus tells the indignant ten apostles who overhear that authority in his kingdom is not as it is in the world: “Rather,” Jesus says, “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.”

God, help me see what exercising authority in your service means. Keep me from aims of personal ambition and desire for power and instead help me follow Christ in his mission of self-giving love. Give me the grace to be ambitious for the things that endure to give you glory: humility, love, and selflessness. As Saint Paul says in the first reading: “We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.”

Lord, help me follow the example of Jesus today by doing your will and exercising authority through the humility of service to others. Saint James, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 12:38-42)

Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees: “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.”

Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees of his coming death, burial, and resurrection in response to their question, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He compares himself to Jonah as a way to show that God’s word has been spoken through them. But the prophets were ignored, and their hearers failed to repent. “At the judgment,” Jesus says, “the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah.” As he alludes to his saving death and resurrection, Jesus answers that this will serve as the ultimate sign of his authority and identity as the Son of God.

God, when I begin to demand signs from you, let me instead look back and see what you have done for me. In this life, I have been a witness to your manifold signs and miracles woven throughout the days and years, yet I still am slow to believe. Help my unbelief and hardness of heart. Be my strength and courage, Lord. Especially when I fail to know you are present, help me recognize and respond to the signs that you have already provided and will continue to provide.

From the responsorial psalm: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Lord, let me hear your voice throughout the moments of this day.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:24-43)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches important truths about the kingdom of heaven through his parables as he recognizes the coexistence of good and evil in the world. In the reality of the fallen world we live in, it is striking how Jesus depicts those who cause others to sin and their final judgment. Elsewhere in the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus says: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” These little ones— ones who are innocent or poor in spirit or waiting for the Lord’s mercy with contrite hearts—have understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom and are precious in his eyes.

God, thank you for your patience and mercy. Just as the owner of the field allows the wheat and the weeds to grow together until the harvest, you give me an opportunity to repent and turn to you time and time again through my contrition and the sacrament of reconciliation. That you allow the evil one to sow weeds and yet bring good out of it is a mystery. Almighty Father, although evil is contrary to your being and you do not eliminate it, you allow me to make a choice to return to you to receive your grace and repentance. And you do this for all who turn to you.

Lord, intercede for me today when my spirit is weak and I forget you. As Saint Paul says, “And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Jn 20:1-2, 11-18)

Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.

Today’s Gospel is profound and places us at the moment of Christ’s resurrection, highlighting its reality and the transformative power it holds. Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus demonstrates the personal and intimate nature of Jesus’ relationship with any of his followers. Despite Mary’s initial confusion, Jesus calls her by name, revealing his identity and establishing a deep connection with her. Mary recognizes Jesus not through physical appearance but by the sound of her name being spoken by him. That is the true recognition of the risen Christ, which comes through personal encounter and a deepening understanding of his presence.

Lord, you appeared to Mary Magdalene after your resurrection. She obeys and becomes the first witness to you, the risen Christ, proclaiming the news to the disciples. Help me learn from her and recognize you in your desire to draw me to you. Just as Jesus entrusts Mary with the task of being a witness to the resurrection, show me how to go and proclaim the Gospel.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way?
I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.” Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 12:1-8)

Jesus said to the Pharisees: I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to the Pharisees, who are critical of his disciples. As they were going through a field of grain on the Sabbath, they became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. The Pharisees accuse Jesus and the disciples of doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath. Jesus challenges the rigidity of the Pharisees in their imposing the Sabbath laws. As Lord of the Sabbath, Lord of all, Jesus emphasizes that the Sabbath was made not to burden or restrict man but to benefit him. “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” Jesus tells them, placing mercy and compassion over strict legalistic observance.

God, help me see and avoid imposing codes of conduct in the same way the Pharisees did and instead be a means to others of your mercy, compassion, and your work on earth. Help me understand that you made all things for our benefit and to accept that with love and reverence for your will. Give me greater understanding of the identity and mission of your Son. Help me recognize his divinity in the Eucharist so that in taking the body and blood of Christ, I become more and more like him.

Lord, help me receive and pass on the mercy you desire for me. From the Gospel acclamation: “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, I know them, and they follow me.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:28-30)

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Jesus’ words from today’s Gospel are familiar and comforting, and many people —even people of non-Christian faiths—know them. Jesus simply says, “Come to me.” He knows human labor and burdens. He knows that work tires the mind, body, and spirit. So he invites anyone who hears his words to join their burden to his. “Take my yoke,” Jesus says, “and learn from me.” The yoke that Jesus bears is easy, and the burden is light. How does that compare to a yoke and burden borne alone? Jesus is meek and humble, and in humbling ourselves we lighten the awful burden of prideful self-sufficiency.

God, help me today to take upon me the invitation and the yoke of your Son. I am inclined to be driven by accomplishing tasks I deem as important, using the abilities and gifts you have given me. Help me recognize when I am being stubborn and prideful in putting my aims above your will. Give me the grace to remember instead to put on the easy yoke of doing the will of your Son, whose will is in perfect accord with yours. Help me be meek and humble today in all I say and do.

Lord, stay with me today so that I remember to rest in you. Help me call to mind your name, “I am who am,” and that just as you sent Moses, you send me to do your will and be a witness to your love.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:25-27)

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives praise to the Father. The spontaneity of his thanksgiving expresses the joy Jesus feels in seeing that what the Father withholds from the wise and the learned what he reveals to the childlike. In acknowledging his Father’s will, Jesus reveals the unique and intimate relationship between himself and the Father. He says that he alone fully knows the Father, and the Father has entrusted all things to him. The Son, in turn, has the authority to reveal the Father to whomever he chooses. To remain childlike in faith is to be open to receiving what Jesus reveals.

God, help me today to exercise childlike faith in your will. The way of assuming I am wise and learned obscures what Jesus has to reveal to me. Give me the grace to stay open to you and supple in recognizing your word and receiving it. By Jesus’ action of opening the way to a relationship with you, I have the means to remain childlike in coming to you and trusting you with all of my needs. Help me also let go of worry that is useless and keeps me from experiencing childlike joy in the gift of this day.

Thank you, Lord, for revealing your presence today in the Eucharist. From the responsorial psalm: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:20-24)

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reproaches the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance. Despite witnessing his mighty works, they fail to believe in him. His response highlights the seriousness of rejecting his message and is a reminder of the consequences of unbelief. Today’s reading also makes clear the responsibility of people and communities to respond to the message of Jesus and to embrace the gift of salvation he offers. As the Cathechism of the Catholic Church says, “Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation.” 

God, the words from today’s Gospel were spoken long ago to people in a specific time and place in history. Yet, I want to resist the conclusion that the importance of Jesus’ judgment is relegated to the past. How clearly Jesus calls for repentance, not for the sake of punishment but to draw me to him. The mighty deeds Jesus had done were enough to wake them up and see his divinity. Even more is the burden on me to return to you with my whole heart, believing in his death and resurrection and partaking of his body and blood in the Eucharist. Help me take seriously the words of your Son.

From the Gospel acclamation: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Lord, give me the grace today to hear your voice, repentant and desiring to return to you with my whole heart.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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