Sunday Reading Reflections:

November 1, 2009
The Solemnity of All Saints

Reading 1 Reflection:

In this reading from the Book of Revelation, the author, who calls himself John, writes after the year A.D. 70. It was a time of terrible persecution of Christians. In his writing, he urged them to persevere in their faith. In a vision the author sees "a huge crowd which no one could count" from every nation on earth. They stand in triumph before the throne of God and the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white and holding palm branches, the sign of victory. John is told who they are: those who survived the great trial and washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. This is symbolic language. It means that these people, in their own lives, have participated in the suffering and death of Christ.

This washing makes their robes white, like the robes of those who have been baptized into Christ. We, too, are washed clean when we share in the death of Christ through the waters of Baptism. We may not be asked to die for our faith like so many of the early Christians. But we are called to be strong in our faith even when we are ridiculed by others.

Reading 2 Reflection:

In this reading we are reminded of the consoling hope we have as children of God. The world may not agree, John says, yet that is in fact who we are. One day we will see God face to face.

As children of God, we should live sinless lives. All children try to bring credit to their parents and their brothers and sisters. How much more should this be our aim as God's children.

Gospel Reflection:

This reading from the Gospel of Matthew contains the Beatitudes. These statements are a summary of the way to sainthood for all the thousands and thousands of people who have followed Jesus faithfully. They show how the followers of Jesus today are to live for God's kingdom. All the rewards promised here will have their fulfillment in God's kingdom in heaven. Jesus calls us all to holiness.

By following the teachings of Jesus and the Church, celebrating the sacraments, and trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the way to heaven lies open for us. Our journey of faith may not be an easy one. There will be many hardships and challenges along the way. But if we walk humbly with our God, we will one day reach the place of justice and peace where God reigns forever.

Sunday Reading Reflections:

October 18, 2009
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

One of the worst things a person can experience is to feel that they have suffered for nothing. When a soldier dies in battle for a good cause, others say that he or she did not die in vain. In today's first reading, Isaiah describes the Suffering Servant of God. This servant gives up his life "as an offering for sin." By doing so, he bears the guilt of others. God says of him, "My servant shall justify many." To justify others is to free them from blame or take away their guilt. We can easily understand why Christians see a portrait of Jesus Christ in this reading. He is the obedient servant who gave his life for our salvation. By his suffering, death, and rising, he leads us into fullness of days

Reading 2 Reflection:

Temptation is a familiar visitor for most of us. Sometimes we lock our doors and say "Keep out!" Other times we let temptation in and wind up acting against God's will. Jesus never said yes to temptation. He knows what it is like to be tempted. Therefore, he understands how hard it is for us to resist temptations to sins like dishonesty, greed, and violence. Jesus is a priest who intercedes for us always. Whenever temptation knocks on our doors, we have only to turn to Jesus. He will strengthen us to do what is right.

Gospel Reflection:

We can often recognize those who are considered great in the world by the number of people they have serving and protecting them. Jesus teaches his disciples that it cannot be like that with them. He has come not to be served but to serve others, especially the poor and those who need healing. His greatness is seen most clearly in his laying down his life for others. Through Baptism we share in the Church's ministry to serve all who are in need. We share Christ's mission of working for peace and justice in our homes, our parish, and our world.

Sunday Reading Reflections:

October 11, 2009
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

If one person prays to win the lottery and another person prays for wisdom, which do you think has offered the most meaningful prayer? The author of this reading sees clearly that wisdom is more desirable than riches. It is also to be valued above power, health, and beauty. Wisdom enables us to keep our priorities straight.

It helps us to see things from God's point of view. Sometimes we hesitate to seek the things of God because it might mean we have to lose the things of earth. But when we seek God and God's kingdom first, everything else of true value will follow.

Reading 2 Reflection:

A two-edged sword is a very powerful symbol. When we picture God's word as a sharp sword, we want to sit up and pay attention to the reading. The inspired author teaches us that this sword can cut right to the human heart. It judges our thoughts and decisions.

It saves those who listen to it and requires an accounting from those who ignore it. The symbol of the sword reminds us that God's word is alive and active. It is never a word that is lifeless or without meaning in our daily lives. It is always capable of changing us if we let it.

Gospel Reflection:

The rich young man in this story is like a mountain climber who has almost reached the summit. But the final stretch will be more difficult than the distance he has already come. He comes to seek wisdom from Jesus about how to achieve everlasting life.

He assures the Good Teacher that he has kept the commandments since he was a child. Jesus looks at him with love and challenges him to do one thing more. If he wants to reach the summit of treasure in heaven, the young man must sell his possessions and follow Jesus. This he cannot do. So he goes away sad. Jesus assures his disciples that entering the kingdom of God is no easy matter.

Those who are attached to their possessions will have a more difficult time. However, those who rely on God to achieve the impossible can do all good things.