Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for Ordinary Time More information can be found here. Sirach 15:15-20 Book background The reading today comes from a section on Free Will and Responsibility covering 15:11 – 16:23. Because we have free will, we can’t blame our sin on God. That’s Sirach’s READ MORE
Tag: Sunday commentary
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for Ordinary Time More information can be found here. Isaiah 58:7-10 Book background The gospel reading this week will tell us to be salt for the world and to let our light shine before others. Because this is Ordinary Time, we interpret the READ MORE
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for Ordinary Time More information can be found here. Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 Book background We only hear from this minor prophet twice in the Sunday liturgy cycle, probably because he is one of those fire and brimstone sort of prophets. But there are READ MORE
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for Ordinary Time More information can be found here. Isaiah 8:23 – 9:3 Book background These verses are part of a hymn that would be sung on the accession of a new king. Later, they were applied to a long-awaited king that might READ MORE
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for Ordinary Time More information can be found here. Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 Book background Today’s reading is an excerpt from one of the suffering servant songs (Isaiah 42:1–4; Isaiah 49:1–6; Isaiah 50:4–7; and Isaiah 52:13–53:12). All these songs describe someone who brings hope READ MORE
The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Christmas More information can be found here. Today’s Readings and Feast January 6 is the Feast of the Epiphany, but most dioceses in the United States transfer it to the Sunday between January 2 and 8. The Baptism of the Lord is READ MORE
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Year A
The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Christmas More information can be found here. Today’s Readings and Feast The Feast of the Holy Family liturgically falls on the Sunday after Christmas, which is Sunday January 1. The Solemnity of Mary always falls on January 1 which is also the Sunday after Christmas this year. In this READ MORE
The Nativity of the Lord – Mass During the Day
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Christmas More information can be found here. Isaiah 52:7-10 Book background This reading comes from the “Book of Consolation” – written to a people in exile. The message: stay strong; God will ultimately prevail! This passage envisions that day when God prevails READ MORE
Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 7:10-14 Book background The story of Ahaz can be found in 2 Kings 16. Ahaz was actively preparing for a siege of Jerusalem by Damascus and Samaria. He chose to rely on the intervention READ MORE
Third Sunday of Advent Year A
Read the reflection and poem on Substack. The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Book background Chapter 35 is a reflection on deliverance from the enemy and what that will look like. It’s a beautiful picture full of unexpected images. Last week the Isaiah reading was READ MORE