Monthly Archives: September 2015

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Psalm 138:1-5 John 1:47-51 Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels (Feast) Myriads upon myriads attended him. (Daniel 7:10) Who says angels aren’t real? Consider the following true story. While on pilgrimage in Europe, a young man feeling … Continue reading →

Numbers 11:25-29 Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-14 James 5:16 Whoever is not against us is for us. (Mark 9:40) In the first reading, we see how Eldad and Medad created a mess. According to tradition, prophets had to go to the … Continue reading →

Haggai 2:1-9 Psalm 43:1-4 Luke 9:18-22 Work! For I am with you. (Haggai 2:4) Think for a moment about all the different ways a parent talks to a child in the course of a day. In the morning, she may … Continue reading →

Haggai 1:1-8 Psalm 149:1-6, 9 Luke 9:7-9 On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius … (Haggai 1:1) What a curious way to start a book! Wouldn’t it be better to hear “Once … Continue reading →

Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20 Psalm 122:1-5 Luke 8:19-21 The children of Israel … celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. (Ezra 6:16) This wasn’t a typical housewarming party, mainly because it wasn’t a typical home! After decades … Continue reading →

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Psalm 19:2-5 Matthew 9:9-13 Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Feast) Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? (Matthew 9:11) Jesus had a knack for doing exactly the opposite of what everyone expected. If he … Continue reading →

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 Psalm 54:3-6, 8 James 3:16–4:3 Mark 9:30-37 Where do the conflicts among you come from? (James 4:1) Our minds have the capacity to do amazing things. They can imagine, memorize, reason, and choose. We use them to … Continue reading →

1 Timothy 4:12-16 Psalm 111:7-10 Luke 7:36-50 Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial) Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and … Continue reading →

1 Timothy 3:1-13 Psalm 101:1-3, 5-6 John 19:25-27 From that hour the disciple took her into his home. (John 19:27) We may have many symbolic reminders of Mary in our homes: icons, statues, and rosaries. But think what it must … Continue reading →

1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14 Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11 Luke 6:39-42 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:42) People … Continue reading →