The Word

In these last two weeks of Lent the readings draw our eyes to the crucified one with a focus on what God has done for us The promise of the new covenant embodies the aging Jeremiah rsquo s spiritual testament to an exiled people that even though they have sinned in the past quot I will be thei

As Holy Week nears the central theme of the liturgy today is captured by the second reading quot God who is rich in mercy because of his great love for us brought us to life in Christ quot The first reading is the conclusion of the Chronicler rsquo s history written around 400 B C almost 20

Over 20 years ago I was giving a series of Scripture workshops in South Africa during the worst period of apartheid shortly after the murder of Steve Biko Yet the hope and joy of an oppressed people shone forth in every liturgy and during every occasion when we shared insights on Scripture On my

The readings present a compendium of themes that shape the Lenten season The first reading concludes the cycle of narratives about Abraham Gen 12-23 which unfold from his call with the promise that he and Sarah will be parents of many nations through the covenant and the birth of a son the b

From Lent to Pentecost the readings are determined by the seasonal feasts In all cycles the first two Sundays present the temptation and transfiguration of Jesus which form a virtual epitome of the Christology of the season Jesus taking on human form humbled himself even to death and was quot

As Lent approaches this Sunday concludes the continuous reading of Mark which will not resume until the first week of July The Gospel portrays two Sabbath controversies which end with the plot of Pharisees and Herodians quot to destroy quot Jesus an anticipation of the Passiona helpful lead-i

Ash Wednesday inaugurates not simply the 40 days preceding Easter but the whole 90-day paschal cycle which extends beyond Easter seven weeks until Pentecost The Lectionary cycle grew backward and forward from the central celebration of Easter There is one mysterythe death of Jesus his resurrecti

Late February with Lent around the corner is not a time when we ordinarily think of weddings yet nuptial imagery sets the tone for the liturgy In the first reading the eighth-century prophet Hosea enacts in his life God rsquo s enduring love for a people that has turned away to worship Canaanit

Very few topics occupy the American consciousness as much as health care and the onset of debilitating illness a concern of the readings for these Sundays The tone is set by Job rsquo s lament of endless suffering and sleepless nights The Gospels portray a Jesus who enters the world of the sick a

Until Ash Wednesday March 8 the Gospels of Lectionary cycle B follow Mark 1 14 to 3 6 Each of the four Gospels has distinctive literary characteristics a particular picture of Jesus and different understandings of discipleship Mark the shortest of the Gospels contains the most vivid and hu