Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, January 28, 2025
This passage appears in all three synoptic Gospels (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35; Lk 8:19-21), indicating that the early Christian communities considered its message significant. Jesus came as the mediator to gather the sons and daughters of God, so that the Abba might truly be the Abba of all. Jesus does not recognize as His family […]
Gospel Reflection for Monday, January 27, 2025
The scribes and Pharisees were alarmed by Jesus’ actions. What was happening with this new prophet who had such a magnetic effect on the people? Their reaction of alarm intensified because of what Jesus was doing and saying. They were convinced they were the sole custodians of absolute truth, a truth that could never be […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Sunday, January 26, 2025
The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me Dear brothers and sisters, peace and blessings to you. Today we celebrate the “Sunday of the Word of God.” Pope Francis instituted this special day to be observed every year on the third Sunday of Ordinary Time in his apostolic letter, issued motu proprio, “Aperuit illis” (AI), […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Saturday, January 25, 2025
I’m not entirely sure why we all assume that Paul fell off a horse during his mysterious encounter with Jesus, where he was confronted for persecuting Christians. So much so that in our language, the expression “falling off the horse” (or the more humble “falling off the donkey”) has stuck. But the truth is, nowhere […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Friday, January 24, 2025
Today’s Gospel recounts the selection of those who would follow Jesus closely. From among His followers, He chose twelve—the twelve apostles—with three specific missions: to be with Him, to be sent out to preach, and to cast out demons. These twelve would be His closest collaborators, what we might call today the core team of […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Thursday, January 23, 2025
In recent days, we’ve seen the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities escalate. In fact, yesterday’s Gospel ended by saying that the Pharisees conspired with the Herodians to destroy Jesus. The conflict grew so intense that Jesus had to withdraw from the towns and villages He had been visiting, retreating to the shore of […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Once again, we encounter the same story: a sick man, the presence of Jesus, and the others—the Pharisees, the scribes, and all those who cared far more about the law than anything else—closely watching every step, gesture, and word of Jesus, hoping to catch Him making a mistake. Too many people were following Jesus, and […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Tuesday, January 21, 2025
If I had to give today’s Gospel text a title, it would be something like “The Eternal Pointing Finger.” There are the Pharisees, seemingly with nothing better to do than scrutinize the actions of Jesus and His disciples to find the flaws, the failures, the violations, the imperfections, and point them out. Some people seem […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Monday, January 20, 2025
Some people, including Christian believers, insist on making faith in Jesus something sad, difficult, and sacrificial. There are even believers who live as though they are constantly under threat from God. It’s as if eternal condemnation is always looming, ready to strike. It’s as if God, the Father-Abba of Jesus, is playing a game with […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Sunday, January 19, 2025
Do Whatever He Tells You Dear brothers and sisters, peace and blessings to you. After the Advent season and the Christmas celebrations, we return to Ordinary Time. But remember, «ordinary» doesn’t mean “boring”; it means “usual” or “customary.” Today’s readings help us start this time with strength, speaking about the gifts in the community and […]
