The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 78:1–2, 34–38; Philippians 2:6–11; John 3:13–17 The Symbol of the Cross Dear friends, today we mark the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Jesus, the Son of God, became man to save humanity from various forms of slavery. Yet He was rejected, condemned, … Continue reading Sunday Readings in Brief – The Exaltation of the Cross

Sirach 27:30–28:7; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7–9; Matthew 18:21–35 Why Must We Forgive? My dear friends, today is the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings remind us of one of the core Christian callings and practices: forgiveness. The Kingdom of God is built upon love that forgives. God Himself showed us this by sending His … Continue reading Sunday Readings in Brief: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Ezekiel 33:7–9; Psalm 94(95); Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20 “The Christian Way” Dear friends, today we celebrate the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. In our world, there are many different ways of doing things. The way we respond to situations is often influenced by many factors such as: our relationships, level of education, political affiliation, religious … Continue reading Sunday Readings in Brief: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Jeremiah 20:7–9; Psalm 63; Romans 12:1–2; Matthew 16:21–27 “Get Behind Me, Satan!” Dear friends, today we celebrate the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Perhaps the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel, “Get behind me, Satan!”, sound too harsh to our ears. We may even feel sorry for Peter. Only last Sunday, Peter made a beautiful … Continue reading Sunday Readings in Brief: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Isaiah 22:19–23; Psalm 138(137); Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20 “Who Do You Say That I Am?” Dear friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples two important questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and then, more personally, “But who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:13, 15). This is a … Continue reading Sunday Readings in Brief: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time year A