Commentary on the Gospel for Saturday, January 4, 2025
Come and See Curiosity can take on different forms. It can be unhealthy, driven by the desire to uncover gossip or someone’s misfortune. But it can also be a motivation to seek goodness. For a faithful Jewish ear, hearing “This is the Lamb of God” could evoke not just curiosity but a living hope for […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Friday, January 3, 2025
He Is Given the Name Above Every Name In Semitic cultures, a person’s name holds great significance. It grants identity and serves as the means by which one is recognized. When we were children, our mothers would sometimes correct us if we referred to someone as “him” or “her” instead of using their name. “They […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Thursday, January 2, 2025
I Am Not Worthy It might seem curious that after repeatedly hearing that we are children of God, with the immense dignity that entails, we now join John in saying, as we do before every Communion: “I am not worthy.” But both statements are true: as children of God, we possess immense dignity. Yet, because […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Blessing In Hispanic cultures, as it once was throughout much of the Catholic Spanish and European world, there is a custom where parents bless their children before they leave the house, start a task, or at the end of the day. Some spouses also bless each other at the start of the day. A blessing […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Grace Upon Grace The Gospel of John, so theological and philosophical, might seem challenging to understand. However, on this last day of the year, there are several luminous insights in this passage. One is the proclamation of truth. In a world, a society, and a political landscape that often feel filled with lies and corruption, […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Monday, December 30, 2024
Some people desperately seek the fountain of youth. Others, in a way, “hate” old age. Nowadays, there’s a lot of talk about “ageism,” that semi-disdainful attitude toward those who are older. Not considering them, talking to them as if they were small children—or worse, as if they were fools. No matter how much affection caregivers […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Saturday, December 28, 2024
A Journey of Trust and Salvation The departure of the Magi marks a turning point in Matthew’s Gospel, connecting the birth of Jesus to both the history of Israel and the unfolding story of salvation. Like Joseph of the Old Testament, who journeyed to Egypt, St. Joseph is called to protect his family through […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Sunday, December 29, 2024
Dear brothers and sisters, peace and blessings. Today’s liturgy reminds us that we are family. This celebration invites us to embrace a family mindset. It’s Family Day. We are all called to renew our commitment to our own families while also recognizing that we are part of the family of the Church, the Christian community. […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Thursday, December 26, 2024
Trusting in God Amidst Challenges Some may consider it unusual that a martyr’s feast occurs right after the joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. The feast of St. Stephen’s martyrdom helps to put the meaning of Christmas into perspective for us. Jesus made himself vulnerable as was St. Stephen. He opened himself to the […]
Commentary on the Gospel for Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Everything arrives in its time. After the four weeks of Advent, today we celebrate Christmas and pull out all the stops. The Church is filled with white, with flowers, with joyful songs. Even our streets and homes are decorated in countless ways. The traditions of each country have been rich and varied. Even many who […]
