Sunday Reading Reflections:

August 29, 2010
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time



READING 1 Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Reading 1 Reflection:

This reading is from the Book of Sirach, a collection of teachings on how to live in a manner approved by God. The first two verses advise us to be humble, even when others praise us to the skies. Humble people do not deny their gifts and talents. Humble people recognize that their gifts and talents come from God. The last two verses encourage us to listen to those who are wise, and to be generous to those who are in need.

READING 2 Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Reading 2 Reflection:

Today's second reading describes a dramatic contrast between the old and new covenants. When God made the covenant with the Israelites on Mount Sinai, it was a majestic and even terrifying event. But our covenant with God in Jesus is characterized by its intimacy. The risen Christ draws all believers up to Mount Zion, a symbol of God's kingdom, or reign. There, all the angels and saints are gathered in a joyful celebration of love and friendship.

Gospel Luke 14:1, 7-14

Gospel Reflection:

Have you noticed how often Jesus talks about parties and dinners? He wants us to be prepared for that great feast that is the fullness of God's reign. In today's gospel, Jesus prepares us with some good advice about ways to be a guest and ways to be a host. As God's guests in this world, we should act humbly and remember that we are always in the presence of Someone greater than we are. As hosts of God's people, we should offer hospitality to those who cannot reward us.

In the custom of his time and place, Jesus exaggerates to make a point. We do not have to leave out our friends and families. But neither should we leave out the poor and disabled.

Sunday Reading Reflections:

August 22, 2010
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

The prophet stirs up God's people with a vision of how they will participate in revealing God's glory to the world. Scattered throughout the world, they will spread the knowledge of the one true God. They will attract all people to Jerusalem and its Temple. What a colorful procession! Pilgrims of every race and nation are traveling side by side on horses, mules, and camels. They have been gathered to worship the one true God.

Reading 2 Reflection:

At times we have to struggle to live the Christian life. But God prepares us for the difficulties we will encounter. Like a responsible parent, God must at times discipline us. That discipline may cause some grief. But through it, we learn God's ways of love, justice, and peace.

Gospel Reflection:

When someone asks Jesus how many will be saved, he answers by using the image of the narrow door. Those who do not remain faithful to him will be left outside. Jesus is warning people of faith not to take their salvation for granted. Just because we worship every weekend, we cannot assume that we can squeeze through the narrow door. We may be surprised to discover that some who seem less worthy will enter the kingdom before us.

Sunday Reading Reflections:

August 15, 2010
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity and Holy Day of Obligation)

Reading 1 Reflection:

In this vision from the Book of Revelation, we are presented with a woman dressed like a queen with a crown of twelve stars. The stars represent the twelve tribes of Israel, the nation that gave birth to the Messiah. A wild red dragon (evil) tries to destroy the woman's newborn son (the Messiah). But God dramatically saves the child by "snatching him up" to heaven. Today the Church honors Mary, the mother of the Messiah. She was assumed, or taken up bodily, into heaven at her death. Truly God has taken her into "the special place" he had prepared for her from all eternity. Her rising is a "preview" of our own rising, body and soul, into eternal happiness with Jesus.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Christ is risen! He was the first to experience the joy of resurrection. But he is not the last. All of us will also rise from the dead. At the second coming, Jesus will "hand over the kingdom to God" and we will share in his final victory.

Mary did not have to wait for the end of time to rise from the dead. Now she waits to welcome each of us to our eternal home.

Gospel Reflection:

Wouldn't it be frustrating to have good news, yet no one to share it with? In the telling, good news gets even better, because a friend is responding to it. Luke tells us the beautiful story of Mary sharing with Elizabeth the news of her pregnancy. Elizabeth immediately recognizes that Mary is "the mother of my Lord" and she praises Mary's complete faith in God's word. Bursting with joy, Mary sings her victory song, the Magnificat: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord."

Sunday Reading Reflections:

August 8, 2010
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

The most memorable event in the early history of the Israelites was their exodus from Egypt. God led them out of slavery and saved them from their enemies. Today's reading recalls God's special care and protection of the Israelites. The author sees God's people as "the holy children of the good" who have cooperated with God's plan for salvation.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Because the Israelites believed, God saved them. Today's second reading recalls how our early faith ancestors placed their trust in God. Abraham and Sarah left their comfortable home and went to an unknown land because God called them. When God promised that they would have a son (Isaac), they were old enough to be great-grandparents. But they believed. They had the virtue of faith, a lasting confidence that God's word would be fulfilled.

Gospel Reflection:

One way Christians can prove that they are a people of faith is to live every day as though they expect Jesus to return. Today's gospel urges us to be awake and on the watch like servants awaiting the master's return home. We should be "on guard" against anyone or anything that leads us astray from Christ. Since no one knows when the final judgment will happen, the wise person will always be prepared for it.