Category: Daily Reflections

“Today, if you should hear His voice, harden not your hearts as at the revolt in the day of testing in the desert.” –Hebrews 3:7-8 Mass Readings: January 12 First: Hebrews 3:7-14; Resp: Psalm 95:6-11; Gospel: Mark 1:40-45 The Israelites in the desert revolted against the leadership of Moses, who represented God (Nm 14:20ff). Thus, they revolted against God. All they could see was a blazing hot sun, a limited diet (Ex 16:1-4), a desert landscape “parched, lifeless, and without water” (Ps 63:2), and a report of giants inhabiting the land God promised. All the while in plain sight of...

“[Jesus] had to become like His brothers in every way, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest before God on their behalf, to expiate the sins of the people.” –Hebrews 2:17 Mass Readings: January 11 First: Hebrews 2:14-18; Resp: Psalm 105:1-4,6-9; Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 A covenant is a handing over of one’s essence. It involves a complete and total self-giving, a pledge of one’s very self. A covenant requires faith, hope, and love. It’s not a business contract, although it is just as binding. The Lord remembers His covenant forever (Ps 105:8). May we help others to...

“Jesus was baptized…” –Matthew 3:16 Mass Readings: January 9 First: Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7; Resp: Psalm 29:1-4,3,9-10; Second: Acts 10:34-38; Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 Baptism forgives and erases our sins (Catechism, 403, 405). Jesus never sinned. So why did He submit to Baptism? “The baptism of Jesus is on His part the acceptance and inauguration of His mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allows Himself to be numbered among sinners” (Catechism, 536). In addition, the Father reaffirmed Jesus’ Sonship, which was important, since Satan was about to attack His status as God’s Son (Mt 4:3ff). In accepting Baptism, “already [Jesus] is anticipating the...