Today’s gospel reading creates intrigue. Like a clever headline, the snippet entices the reader and begs further lines of questioning like, “Wait? Don’t Pharisees usually give Jesus a hard time? What’s with the offer to help him? Ooo. No he didn’t. Jesus just called Herod...
There are certain scripture passages I refuse to repeat. Why? Because they give false impressions that may lead to false conclusions. For example, on Ash Wednesday, the lectionary readings prescribed the responsorial reading of Psalm 51. I specifically cut out verse 11 which reads, “Cast...
Today’s gospel reading doesn’t begin like the next episode of a sequel should by stating, “Previously on “Jesus the Messiah”. Rather, it begins by making a statement that tells us nothing of what happened eight days prior. “After these sayings,” what sayings? Let me provide...
Before he spoke, Jesus said, “I say to you that listen.” That’s one thing I’ll say about you all. Every Sunday, you give me the impression that you’re listening. I hope you are. You’ve got me convinced that you are. If you’re not, perhaps you’ll...
Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Of course, none of us were, but how can we put ourselves at the scene? Perhaps by thinking, “Where could I imagine myself to be when they crucified my Lord?” As a young girl growing up in the...
If you’ve ever suffered the loss of a loved one or been near to death yourself, you were able to relate to today’s gospel narrative. You may have been like Lazarus, so ill and near to death, you lost track of what was happening, so...
Since Jesus is all about shedding light, I think it’s fair to warn you that I read and processed today’s gospel in light of this past week’s democratic debate and the news. My disclaimer is: Such things may have influenced the tone of this week’s...
Ah, the Samaritan Woman, a classic tale that clearly demonstrates God’s MO or mode of operation. God’s MO is worth studying. It has been consistent for thousands of years and demonstrates just how capable and infinitely resourceful God is. At the time our gospel story unfolds,...
We’re going to suppose that on the particular night we just read about Nicodemus couldn’t sleep because he was so moved by his thoughts. Anyone here ever lose sleep because of what you think? In many cases, when we have restless thoughts, it’s a call to...
I think it’s safe to say that Jesus himself found temptation unpleasant. After all, he authored and taught The Lord’s Prayer which clearly states, “Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil/ the evil one.” In Genesis, the first couple was tempted and failed....