60 Second Reflections » 60 Reflections

    How to be a Friend

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    Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 9 has one of the best stories of faith ever. Only it is the faith of a man’s friends that saves him. Jesus is in a crowded house. Four men climb up on the roof with their paralyzed friend on his mat. They lower him through the roof to get to […]

    The Trust of Peter and Paul

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    Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. In the first reading from Acts 12, we see how the angel of the Lord led Peter out of a VERY secure prison so that he could continue his mission. Our second reading is from 2 Timothy 4. St. Paul says, “The Lord stood […]

    O Me of Little Faith

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    We know that God is a loving Father. Jesus came to show us that. But even loving fathers punish their children when punishment is merited. In today’s first reading from Amos 3 and 4, we read that the punishment for Israel would not be easy. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 8, Jesus is asleep […]

    The Cost of Following Jesus

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    The first reading today from Amos 2 has to do with crime and punishment. God lets it be known that acts of wickedness will not go unpunished. He issues a warning to those who profess to be part of the covenant and yet do evil in the sight of the Lord. The Gospel reading today […]

    Moving Ahead

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    In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 9:51-62, we hear what can be a rather disconcerting saying of Jesus. A guy says he will follow Jesus, but first he wants to go and bury his father. Jesus responds, “Let the dead bury their dead.” Another guy wants to follow Jesus, but first just wants to say […]

    I Am Not Worthy

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    Today’s first reading is from Lamentations. It is a sad, depressing read. After reading over the last few days about the diaspora and the Babylonian exile, this is a cry of anguish. In the Gospel today from Matthew 8, we see Jesus perform many healings, the first of which is on a centurion’s servant, done […]

    Pointing to Jesus

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    Today the Church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist. Jesus proclaimed that John was Elijah, come to prepare the way for the Messiah. There are so many traits of John the Baptist that we should imitate. I’ve always felt a very special connection with John. In fact, I chose him as my confirmation saint […]

    All Talk, No Action

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    In the first reading today from 2 Kings, we see a story of evil, sin, defeat and surrender. The Babylonians took over Jerusalem. It was yet another blow to God’s chosen people; defeat visited upon them because of their sinfulness. In our Gospel reading today from Matthew 7, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to […]

    Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

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    Today we have a very interesting first reading from 2 Kings. The book of the law had been lost, and was found. The king summoned all the people and the book of the law was read aloud to them all. The king then renews the covenant with the LORD. In the Gospel reading today from […]

    The Path of Least Resistance

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    Our God is a big God. He can handle anything, even things that we might think are too big for even God! We see an awesome example of this in today’s first reading. The king of Assyria, a guy with all the firepower in the world, was ready to take Jerusalem. But Hezekiah, the king […]

    Our Wooden Beam(s)

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    Today’s first reading shows us the beginning of the diaspora, where the tribes of Israel are scattered, leaving only the tribe of Judah. God allowed them to be tossed out of the land He had given them because of their continual turning away from Him. Once again…actions have consequences! In our Gospel reading from Matthew […]

    Who Do You Say…

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    Today’s Gospel reading is Luke’s version of Peter’s great profession of faith. Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replies, “The Christ of God.” It’s a legitimate question, even for us. Who do you say that Jesus is? Some would say a great teacher. Others would say a prophet. Some […]

    A Juggling Act

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    In the Gospel reading from Matthew 6, Jesus talks about how it is impossible to serve two masters. “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” We all have conflict in our lives. […]

    Our Heavenly Reward

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    Today’s first reading is one of those stories that they make movies from. A wicked queen kills off the royal family, but they secret away young Joash, the rightful heir to the throne. Years later they bring out the rightful king, and the wicked queen gets hers. Check it out! In today’s Gospel reading from […]

    The Perfect Prayer

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    Over the past few days we have been reading the story of Elijah and Elisha. Today’s first reading is from Sirach 48. It is something of a recap of the story in 1 and 2 Kings. Our Gospel reading is from Matthew 6, where Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. We know it as […]

    Ask Big

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    Today’s first reading is one that has stuck with me since the first time I ever heard it. Elijah is about to hand the office of prophet over to Elisha. Elijah says to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you.” So what does Elisha ask for? More in a moment. In the Gospel, Jesus tells […]

    Love and Enemies

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    Today’s first reading is an interesting conclusion to the story of Ahab and Jezebel. God sends Elijah to tell them of how He was going to punish them because of their deception and murder of Naboth. Things did not look pretty for this nasty pair. But after hearing of his fate, Ahab repents. God acknowledges […]

    On Retribution

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    Jezebel was one of the most wicked women in all of Scripture. She may well hold the top spot. Why? Read today’s first reading from 1 Kings 21 and you’ll find out. She was a master of deception; a real black-hearted beast of a human being. (Trivia nugget: she’s actually mentioned in a song by […]

    From Great Sinners Comes Great Love

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    In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 7, we see Jesus being invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee. A sinful woman finds out and goes there, weeping and bathing Jesus’ feet with her tears, drying them with her hair and anointing them with oil. Scandalous! So Jesus tells a story about two people […]

    Giving Freely

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    Today is the Feast of St. Barnabas. St. Barnabas was a companion of St. Paul, a well-traveled man and a great evangelist. In today’s first reading from Acts, we see the Holy Spirit say, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And in Matthew’s Gospel, we […]

    The Still, Small Voice

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    Our first reading from 1 Kings 19 is so poignant for us in today’s world. We read the story of Elijah hearing the voice of God…though not in the way one might think He would come. More on that in a moment. For the Gospel, back in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus continues […]

    Our Struggle with Anger

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    St. James said that “Elijah prayed and the sky gave rain.” (James 5:18) We see that story in today’s first reading from 1 Kings 18. The Sermon on the Mount is probably the most challenging teaching ever. Jesus raises the bar on our thinking and our behavior to ridiculous levels. It really starts today with […]

    Answer Me, LORD!

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    It is so important that we teach others the ways of the Lord. Jesus makes this very clear in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5. He says, “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” This is especially important with our children. Today’s first reading from 1 Kings […]

    City on a Hill

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    A city on a hill is pretty common imagery. But do you know where that comes from? It’s in the Bible, and part of today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5. In today’s first reading from 1 Kings 17, we read about how a widow provided for the prophet Elijah, and God provided for the widow […]

    Meditating on the Beatitudes

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    In our first reading today from 1 Kings 17, we see yet another example of God providing. God told Elijah to announce to the king that there would be a drought. God then sends the prophet off to a deserted place and commands ravens to bring him bread and meat every morning and evening. In […]

    A Left Field Miracle

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    The Bible is God’s word. In today’s second reading from Galatians 1, St. Paul says the gospel that he preached was not of human origin, that it came from a revelation of Jesus Christ. Then he (Paul) wrote it down. We see a very interesting story in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 7. Jesus comes […]

    The Heart of Our Mother

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    Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Yesterday was the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is appropriate that we celebrate the heart of His mother the following day. Our Gospel reading today is from Luke 2, the story of the finding of the child Jesus in the […]

    A Heart for the Lost

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    Today is the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the first reading from Ezekiel 34, God uses the imagery of a shepherd. “I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God.” We see this very same imagery in the Gospel reading from Luke 15. Jesus […]

    Truth Without Deviation

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    In 2 Timothy 2 today, St. Paul continues to exhort Timothy, reminding him to preach and teach in a way befitting the office he has accepted. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is asked which is the first of all the commandments. He answers with not one, but two…”Love the Lord, your God and love your neighbor […]

    God of the Living

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    In the first reading today from 2 Timothy 1, St. Paul says “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord…” It seems there is a movement afoot to get Christians to sit down and […]

    Opening Our Home to Jesus and Mary

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    Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We recall when Mary, who was pregnant with the Lord Jesus, went to stay with her cousin, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. There are two options for a first reading. I recommend that you read them both. You’ll be glad […]

    A Memorial Day Reflection

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    A bit of a deviation from our normal format today. I’ve still got the link for today’s readings at the bottom of this post. And, of course, I encourage you to read them. There is, as always, much richness. I want to take a moment to ruminate on the holiday that we celebrate in the […]

    Jesus Feeds Us

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    Today is the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. We actually celebrate this every time we go to Mass! The Gospel reading today is from Luke 9. It’s the story of Jesus feeding a […]

    Question or Accept?

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    We are in the Year of Mercy. In the first reading today from the Letter of Jude, St. Jude has a few things to say about mercy. Check it out. In the Gospel reading today from Mark 11, the chief priests, the scribes and the elders ask Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these […]

    My Life Verse

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    Many years ago, I heard a guy talking about his “Life Verse.” I wasn’t quite sure what that meant until he described it. It was a passage of Scripture that he claimed – he made his own and used it as a guiding star in his life. I thought that was a neat concept, so […]

    Jesus Calling!

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    In the Gospel reading today from Mark 10, Jesus has an encounter with Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who begins crying out, “Son of David, have pity on me!” The crowd kept trying to silence him, but he persisted. “Son of David, have pity on me!” Jesus stops and tells the disciples to “Call him.” The disciples go to Bartimaeus […]

    To Serve

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    Our time here on earth is short. In today’s first reading from 1 Peter 1, St. Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah – “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, and the flower wilts…” Since our time here is so short, how shall we best […]

    Return On Investment

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    If you’ve ever invested in anything, you’ve no doubt expected a return on investment (ROI). This doesn’t always have to do with money, by the way. We invest much time and energy into our jobs, career, relationships, hobbies, etc. And, generally speaking, we get something in return. Peter “asks” about this in today’s Gospel reading […]

    A Hard Truth

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    In the first reading today, we begin the first Letter of St. Peter. Did you ever wonder what the purpose is of our trials in life? St. Peter gives us the answer. “For a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith…may prove to be for […]

    Trinity Sunday

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    Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity; three Persons, one God. The readings today reflect that. in the first reading from Proverbs we see an inkling of the Trinity: “When the Lord established the heavens I was there…” And our Gospel reading is from John 16, where Jesus talks about the Father […]

    Sacraments

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    How about this…two sacramental reading days in a row! Yesterday we talked about the sacrament of marriage and today we read about the sacrament of the anointing of the sick AND Confession! James 5 teaches this very clearly. More on that in a moment. In today’s Gospel from Mark 10, we hear Jesus say, “Let […]

    God and Marriage

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    Whew! What a week it has been in the Scriptures! Our first reading today from James 5 has so many lessons for us, about perseverance, judging and the compassion and mercy of the Lord. James also tells us, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ ” Very important words about Christian integrity. […]

    Drastic Measures

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    Scathing words to the rich today from James 5. Funny thing about wealth, isn’t it? We work so hard to accumulate it here on earth, to the point where it imperils our souls. Yet we can’t take it with us. Harsh words for the richest people in the world. (And I ain’t talking about Bill […]

    Tomorrow

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    In today’s first reading, St. James talks about tomorrow. Something we need to think about today. So we will. In the Gospel from Mark 9, Jesus says, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” These words of Jesus always remind me of the unity that we have with other Christians. After all, no […]

    Lover of the World

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    The battle of pride vs. humility is a recurring theme in the Scriptures. We see it in today’s readings from James 4 and Mark 9. St. James reminds us that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” And Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of […]

    Belief and Unbelief

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    Welcome back to Ordinary Time! Wisdom comes in two forms: heavenly wisdom and earthly wisdom. St. James speaks of the two in today’s first reading from James 3. Which type of wisdom are we working on most? In our Gospel reading today from Mark 9, Jesus’ disciples try to remove an unclean spirit from a […]

    Veni, Sancte Spiritus

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    Today is Pentecost Sunday. We celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the birthday of the Church. We see this event in the first reading from Acts 2. At Mass today, you’ll hear the Veni, Sancte Spiritus- sometimes called the Golden Sequence. I thought is appropriate to share today. Come, Holy Spirit, come! And […]

    Apostolic Succession

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    Today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Matthias. The two readings are ones that we have already had during the Easter season. The Gospel is from John 15, where Jesus says, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…” […]

    Do You Love Me?

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    In the first reading today from Acts 25, Paul is in Caesarea awaiting trial. He is asked if he wants to go to Jerusalem to have his case heard. Paul declines, knowing that God is sending him to Rome. So Paul appeals his case to the Emperor. Our Gospel reading is from John 21, one […]

    Take Courage

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    Did you know that at the Last Supper Jesus prayed for you? He did, indeed. We see that in today’s Gospel reading from John 17, He said, “I pray not only for these (His disciples), but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” That’s you, is it not? Do you know […]

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