Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent – Jn 10:31-42 Today’s Gospel stands in stark contrast to the first reading. In the midst of his sufferings, Jeremiah asks God: “Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause.” The prophet has suffered a great deal, but, remaining […]
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent – Jn 8:51-59 Today’s Gospel continues the series of complex passages from John. In particular, there are three things that call our attention: first, the fact that the Jews misquote Jesus, second, Jesus’ beautiful phrase “Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent – Jn 8:31-42 Today’s Gospel is a complicated one, in part because the passage is filled difficult phrases of Johannine irony, references to the culture of Biblical times, and difficult dialogue. We can point out at least four examples. The first is the irony that begins the first
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent – Jn 8:21-30 Today’s Gospel, taken from the eighth chapter of John, is a difficult passage. Indeed, one of the verses is considered the hardest verse to translate in the entire New Testament,[1] and we can see how Christ and the Pharisees are really talking past each other:
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent – Years A and B – Jn 8:1-11 Today’s readings present us with two women who are accused of adultery who are about to be put to death. In the first reading, from the Book of Daniel, Susanna is unjustly accused of that crime and, although her
Fifth Sunday of Lent – Year A Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rm 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 Dear brothers and sisters: today, on the fifth Sunday of Lent, the Church offers us the opportunity to meditate on the resurrection of Lazarus. There are many things that can be said about the gospel but I just want to
The Annunciation – March 25th Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Annunciation, the day when the Word became Flesh. There is a lot to be said about the mystery of the Annunciation, but we could summarize by saying it is a mystery of humility, a mystery of freedom, and a mystery of love. The
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent – Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Today’s Gospel is a rather mysterious one: in fact, there are a number of mysteries that warrant some closer attention. First, there a number of references to Jewish thought and tradition that need clarification, and, second, we can consider the mysteries of Christ’s
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent – Jn 5:31-47 Today’s Gospel continues the discourse with Jews that began after the healing of the sick man (Tuesday’s Gospel), and we see the tension building between Christ and those who will seek to put Him to death. Jesus’ words today are filled with harsh rebukes for
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – Option 1 – Jn 5:17-30 In today’s readings, we’re stuck by God’s love for His people. In the first reading, Isaiah tells us that “the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.” Even if it seems that God has forgotten us, He simply
