Daily Theology
Lectionary
Good Friday: Assigning Blame for Jesus’ Death
On this, the saddest of days in the Christian calendar, I will cut to the chase. There are two claims that I wish to dispel. One, the Jews killed Jesus. Two, our sins killed Jesus. The first is fairly simple. The Romans killed Jesus. Whatever Pilate may have done to “wash his hands” of the … Continue reading
Returning to the Camp
A reflection on the readings for the First Sunday of Lent “The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is … Continue reading
Nothing Will be Impossible for God
Reflection on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Only one more week until Christmas, and that of course means there’s only one more week to fret about Christmas shopping before the start of the after-Christmas sales. One more week to rack up credit card debt, to wrap the presents, to hide them from … Continue reading
Two Lonely Pregnant Women Rejoicing…A Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent
Joy, hope, spirit, and suspense are all themes of this Sunday’s readings. While any one pastor or reader may gather various meanings from a single set of scripture, I offer today my personal take on the readings for this Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday, the third of Advent. It is rare to find a week with such … Continue reading
Season’s Greetings?
Reflection on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent Last week’s readings for the First Sunday of Advent began the Catholic liturgical year with a jarring warning to stay awake and be vigilant, for we know neither the day nor the hour of our Lord’s return. One may see in the tenor of those … Continue reading
With Missionary Eyes We Will See: Mt 25
Without question, this week’s Gospel reading of Matthew 25: 31-46 is one of the most important Gospel readings for those Christians involved in work of charity and justice around the world. Countless websites, mission statements, and organizational brochures quote the teaching and millions of Christians around the world have found nourishment in these words of … Continue reading
Waiting in Hope
Reflection on the readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Therefore stay awake, For you know neither the day nor the hour. There are many things I find difficult in this parable. Jesus’ exhortation at the end is that we should stay awake and be vigilant, since the bridegroom is coming. Yet both the … Continue reading
The Exaltation of Humility
Reflection on the readings for the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. It’s amazing how quickly I identify myself with the crowds and disciples Jesus speaks to in this week’s gospel passage. I oblige willingly as he admonishes them not to follow the example set by the Pharisees, who preach but do not practice. I conjure … Continue reading
An Evolving Metaphor
Reflection on the readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In this Sunday’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah presents the story of his “friend,” in some translations his “beloved,” who planted a vineyard, prepared the land, and made ready for the first harvest. Rather than the expected crop, however, the friend finds only “wild … Continue reading
Our Work and Wages
Reflection on the readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time “’Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’” Imagine being hired by God to labor in his vineyard. Standing around all morning, maybe all day, kicking … Continue reading
