The Word

One of the most beloved parts of the Bible is the parable of the prodigal son In the context of Luke 15 it serves to explain why Jesus spent so much time and energy on ministering to such religiously marginal persons as tax collectors and sinners While the parable can be approached from many angle

Throughout the season of Lent the Scripture readings emphasize the themes of repentance conversion and forgiveness of sins They offer a consoling and hopeful message that we all need to hear at various times in our lives Today rsquo s passages develop those themes and challenge us to understand w

nbsp On the Second Sunday of Lent it is customary to read about the transfiguration of Jesus This episode emphasizes by way of anticipation the glorious aspects of the risen Jesus while noting that what awaits Jesus in Jerusalem is suffering and death I want to place today rsquo s readings in th

In the church rsquo s calendar Lent is a period of preparation for the solemn celebration of Jesus rsquo death and resurrection the paschal mystery at the end of Holy Week On the First Sunday of Lent it is customary to read the account of the testing or temptation of Jesus Since Jesus had been

Love of one rsquo s enemies is among Jesus rsquo most distinctive characteristic and difficult teachings Most of us have a hard enough time loving our family and friends or even loving ourselves But to do good to those who hate us bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us see

What is happiness Where is it to be found Who is happy These questions arise in every generation and in every culture In our early 21st-century American situation it seems that for most of us happiness consists in having money and other possessions ensuring that our material needs and desires

Christian spirituality is discipleship that is a positive response to the call of Jesus despite or even because of our personal unworthiness In answering this call we have the examples of Simon Peter and other biblical figures like Isaiah and Paul who are led by the Holy Spirit Today rsquo s

Today rsquo s selection from Luke rsquo s Gospel continues the narrative begun last Sunday The setting is the synagogue at Nazareth Jesus has read passages from the book of Isaiah concerning the anointed prophet of God and declared that ldquo today rdquo this passage was being fulfilled in him

nbsp The word Epiphany derives from a Greek term that means ldquo showing forth manifestation making public rdquo According to the account of the Epiphany in Matthew 2 magi or wise men from the East perhaps Persia or Babylonia came to Israel to pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews