Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Background: In contemporary America this Sunday’s set of readings is profoundly countercultural since only two decades ago we had a head of the Federal Reserve consistently assuring us that “Greed is good!” At this stage in his journey to Jerusalem, Jesus is once again calling our attention to the need to […]

You can reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here. Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Background: Jesus continues his ministry of proclaiming the kingdom/reign of God in Galilee. Today Luke insists that it is the liberating Word of God that draws people to Jesus, not the miracles that he works to support

You can reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here. Epiphany Background: Matthew’s predominantly Jewish audience would have been a bit startled by the three Gentile “wise men” who come to adore the newborn King of the Jews. Yet Second Temple Judaism through the writings of the prophets had inherited a universalist component—as

You can reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here. 2nd Sunday in Advent Background: We are a work in progress. Even including our catechumens, God’s good work has already been begun in us and is moving on to completion. Yet once again we have to do our part; we must face

You can reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here. 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Background: Having arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus once again finds himself arguing with the scribes, the teachers, and interpreters of the Torah. Like all the other Hebrew prophets who have preceded him, he calls to account those whose actions