Category: Daily Reflections

“They seized him, dragged him outside the vineyard, and killed him.”–Matthew 21:39 In both Scripture readings today, we see advanced stages of evil. Jacob’s years of deception came back to haunt him when he was deceived by his sons, who almost murdered their brother Joseph and eventually sold him into slavery (Gn 37:28). In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus describes centuries of rebellion against God’s will. This rebellion culminated in murdering Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God. We see many strongholds of the evil one in our midst (see 2 Cor 10:4). We see advanced stages of evil which have...

“…they will not be convinced…” –Luke 16:31 During the 19th century, the rich in England were said to have not wanted to be Catholic because then they would have to “worship with the help,” that is, the servants, since the Catholic faith was open to all, both rich and poor. On this topic, St. Paul corrected the Corinthians, for in their very early Christian “meetings,” the rich ate plentifully while the poor went hungry (see 1 Cor 11:17ff). The early Church focused on being “mindful of the poor” (Gal 2:10). When the widows complained, the apostles prayed over and imposed...

“Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord: though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow.” –Isaiah 1:18 The Pharisees and Sadducees had hearts for their own honor. Before Jesus chastised them for their pride, He wept over them, lamenting that in their desire for honors, they had completely missed “the path to peace” (Lk 19:42). Moreover, their pride caused them to be badly misled and fail to understand the power of God (Mk 12:24). God’s plan is to touch the hearts of sinful men and women with self-sacrificing, humble love. Lent is the...

“I for My part declare to you, you are ‘Rock,’ and on this rock I will build My church.” –Matthew 16:18 Jesus made Peter the head of the apostles. Did Jesus intend for someone to succeed Peter as the head of the apostles? The early Church believed Jesus wanted Peter to have successors, and they were in a better position to know Jesus’ will than we are. Moreover, there is no Biblical data to deny the continuation of Peter’s ministry as the head of the apostles. Why did Jesus tell the Church to choose successors to Peter? Although the Church...