Lent marks the time of year the church seems most focused and intent on its identity and mission. Through renewed attention to prayer, repentance, and generosity, we seek once again to incorporate ourselves more closely into the ministry, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ.
When Jesus healed the paralytic, the scribes objected. They believed his paralysis must have been caused by sins of the past. But for Jesus the moment is always now
The readings this Sunday present two religious responses to people who suffered leprosy. One way assumes the outward blemish is a sign of inner moral failure. It prescribes banishment and separation.
When Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, she got up and waited on the group. The spiritual dynamic here is that when we are healed, saved, brought from disease to wellness, our desire to serve is naturally activated.
Jesus spoke a new teaching, and he spoke with authority.
In his book, And Now I See: A Theology of Transformation, Father Robert Barron says, “Jesus nowhere in the gospels urges his followers to worship him, though he insistently calls them to follow him.” The readings this Sunday issue urgent challenges to make God’s will primary in our lives.
A persistent calling awoke the young Samuel, and it was his mentor, Eli, who recognized it for what it was—a call from God. The Lord awoke Samuel and revealed his presence. Eli helped him know how to respond.
We all like to be told, “Good job.” It’s even better to be told, “You’re a really great person.” Deep in our hearts, we all long to hear the words that Jesus heard as he broke through the waters of the Jordan at his baptism: “You are my beloved child of whom I am well pleased.”
Today’s readings focus on epiphanies, occasions when the glories of the Lord are revealed. We can identify with Isaiah’s description that the earth is covered in darkness and thick clouds cover the peoples.
Often our perceptions of family go unexamined and yet exert powerful influences on our world view—including our view of faith and community.