Sep 30, 2020

(Job 19:21-27;   Ps.27:7-9,13-14;   Lk.10:1-12)

“I know that my Vindicator lives,

and that He will at last stand forth upon the dust.”

“The hand of God has struck me!” Job exclaims as he begs pity from his friends who “hound [him] as though [they] were divine,” reminding him unendingly of the...

Sep 26, 2020

 (Ez.18:25-28;   Ps.25:4-9;   Phil.2:1-11;   Mt.21:28-32)

“Tax collectors and prostitutes

are entering the kingdom of God before you.”

Why?  How can it be that such sinners gain such privilege, such grace?  Is it for their sins?  Shall we all become as they?  We should be like them, but not in sin –...

Sep 22, 2020

(Prv.30:5-9;   Ps.119:29,72,89,101,104-105,163;   Lk.9:1-6)

“Take nothing for the journey.”

How can he who takes nothing with him for his journey be provided for?  Does not such action contradict the wisdom of the king who asks in his book of Proverbs – “Give me neither poverty nor riches”?  Is it not...

Sep 19, 2020

 (Is.55:6-9;   Ps.145:2-3,8-9,17-18;   Phil.1:20-24,27;   Mt.20:1-16)

“You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.”

Our readings today reveal that the Lord is near, merciful, and just, and that these three qualities are one in God.  For the Lord’s justice is shown in His mercy, and His mercy...

Sep 12, 2020

 (Sir.27:30-28:9;   Ps.103:1-4,8-12;   Rom.14:7-9;   Mt.18:21-35)

“Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,

as I had pity on you?”

How like the Lord’s own wisdom is that of Sirach; how like His teaching.  For have we not heard the Master say, “Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you...