Sunday Reflections
First Sunday of Lent
Mark’s account of Jesus’ time in the wilderness is very short. Perhaps this gives us an opportunity to imagine the scenery ourselves and enter into the story. Also, its brevity might reflect the…
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Book of Leviticus, in its present form, was probably completed in about the sixth century BC. It reflects the view that God wanted to live among his people and that they were to be set apart,…
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Theodicy, the question of why a good God permits suffering, is one of the themes explored today. In ancient Israel it was thought that the just were rewarded with prosperity and long life and the…
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Eli’s advice to Samuel was very wise. To the voice that spoke in the night he told him to say: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
Prayer consists of listening as well as talking.…
The Baptism of the Lord
Mark was the first to write a gospel and to use the this term meaning “Good News. ” He writes succinctly and states his purpose immediately: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the…
Second Sunday after Christmas
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2)
The picture of the sun rising in the dawn over the dark blue sea can be seen as an image of Christ, as he…
Feast of the Holy Family
The four gospels each have their own way of describing Jesus’ origins. Mark, the first of these to be written, begins his story at the Baptism of Jesus, with the voice from heaven proclaiming him…
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today we light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath. This is the angel candle or the candle of love. Our waiting is almost over as we reflect on Gabriel’s appearance to Mary. The Annunciation…
Third Sunday of Advent
Today we light the third candle on the Advent wreath, called the Shepherd Candle. In the past two weeks we have reflected on people waiting for the Lord’s coming: the prophets and Mary and Joseph…
Second Sunday of Advent
Today we light the second candle on the Advent wreath. This candle is called the Bethlehem candle, recalling the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, or sometimes the preparation candle. The…