America Magazine - The Good Word

Hebrews 9:24-28

Author: John W. Martens;

I am not privy to the ways of the lectionary, either ancient or modern, and sometimes I see the connections clearly between the readings and sometimes I do not. I had a hard time making sense of how Hebrews 9:24-28 fits with the other readings for the Thirty Second Sunday and the responsorial Psalm, each of which focuses on those who are faithful and generous in their poverty and God’s compassion for the poor, the outcast and marginalized. I thought I might avoid posting altogether, until I read, and reread, Barbara Green's post. She has dealt beautifully with these readings in In All Things blog, has drawn readers’ attention to the "Conservative Bible Project" (CBP). The project is perhaps worse than he suggests. The CBP first came to my attention through an e-mail sent by my colleague David Landry to the theology department at the University of St. Thomas a few weeks ago. I went to check out the CBP and sat, mouth gaping, as I su

Sunday, Oct 25

Author: John Kilgallen, S.J.;

Mark has us at the end of Jesus' journey, fateful journey, to Jerusalem. The last story Mark chooses to tell is a story about the cure of a blind man. In itself, the cure is one more testimony to the immense power of Jesus, a power which Peter had earlier claimed could only be that of the Messiah. It is also a story that emphasizes the value of faith - faith, the quality that unites one to Jesus in such fashion that his response to faith is healing. It is also a story which has a rather unusual ending; the man cured not only saw, but he followed Jesus on the way. This last phrase suggests that, together

"What do you want me to do for you?"

Author: John W. Martens;

The Gospel reading for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mark 10:46-52, gains much of its strength from its location in the Gospel of Mark. In the central portion of Mark, Jesus three times predicts his passion, with similar responses from his Apostles. In 8:31-33, after identifying Jesus as the Messiah, Peter rebukes Jesus for his claim that the Messiah must suffer and die. In 9:30-37, following Jesus’ second passion prediction, the Apostles argue about who is the greatest Apostle. Finally, in 10:32-45, immediately after Jesus predicts his passion for the third time, James and John say that "we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you" (10:35). There is a kind of stunning