60 Second Reflections » 60 Reflections
Sprinting to Jesus
Posted on
Today we celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. St. John was the beloved disciple, the author of the fourth Gospel, three letters in the New Testament and the Book of Revelation. Our first reading today is from the beginning of St. John’s first letter. “We proclaim now…our fellowship is with the Father and […]
The Witness of St. Stephen
Posted on
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr. In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, we see the story of Stephen’s martyrdom. And in the Gospel from Matthew 10, Jesus tells the disciples, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end […]
Christmas is Here!
Posted on
Christmas is here! Christmas is here! I can remember waking up VERY early on Christmas mornings when I was a kid and yelling that out to my brothers and sisters. We would go wake up Mom and Dad, probably much earlier than they would have liked, and attack the presents under the tree with reckless […]
Always Christmas Eve
Posted on
Isn’t it odd that Christmas Eve is one of the shortest days of the year? I know – there are 24 hours in every day. But the winter solstice was just a couple of days ago, and in North America, we have one of the shortest amounts of daylight today. I say that it’s odd […]
Before the Day of the Lord
Posted on
Today in the liturgy, the day before Christmas Eve, we concentrate on the birth of John the Baptist. In the first reading we see the prophecy from Malachi 3: “Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, to turn the hearts of the […]
My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
Posted on
In today’s first reading from 1 Samuel 1, we see Hannah giving up her only son to the service of the Lord. Eli, the priest, had prayed that Hannah might be granted the desire of her heart, a son. After Samuel was born, she gave him to Eli to be brought up to serve the […]
The Handmaid of the Lord
Posted on
During the last few weeks of December, we see a few readings multiple times. Today’s Gospel reading is a case in point. In fact, it is the exact same Gospel reading as yesterday. We also saw it on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is the story of Gabriel […]
God is With Us
Posted on
In today’s first reading from Isaiah 7, we see the prophecy that is at the heart of Christianity. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” The virgin birth. And the Gospel reading from Luke 1 shows the fulfillment of this […]
Miracle Babies
Posted on
Today’s readings tell the stories of two miracle babies – Samson and John the Baptist. The mothers of both of these boys were barren. Everyone assumed they would never have children. God had another plan. Each of these babies had a special mission in God’s plan. Samson was destined to deliver Israel from the power […]
Joseph’s Role in Salvation
Posted on
The Christmas story continues to unfold in today’s liturgy. Yesterday we read the genealogy of Jesus. In today’s first reading from Jeremiah 23 the LORD says, “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” In order to fulfill the prophesy, Jesus’ earthly father had to be a descendant of David. Today we concentrate on […]
The Lion of Judah
Posted on
Today is one week before Christmas Eve. In the liturgy, we begin to see the unfolding of the Christmas story. The Gospel reading for today is the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel. It is the genealogy of Jesus. If you’ve ever had a difficult time pronouncing some of the names in this list, click here for […]
Doing God’s Will
Posted on
The words that begin today’s first reading from Zephaniah 3 scare me. As a 21st century American, I can hear the prophet shouting these words at us. “Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city! She hears no voice, accepts no correction; in the Lord she has not trusted, to her God […]
The Authority of Jesus
Posted on
In the first reading today from Numbers 24, we read of a prophesy of Balaam. He prophesies about how a king would come from Jacob’s line. “His king shall rise higher, and his royalty shall be exalted.” He then goes on to speak this prophesy, “A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall […]
Rejoice!
Posted on
Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. Today we light the pink, or rose, candle on the Advent wreath. It is called Gaudete Sunday because of the opening antiphon of the Introit Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always). The opening words of the second reading from 1 Thessalonians are these, […]
Elijah’s Return
Posted on
Today’s first reading is from the Book of Sirach. The author talks of Elijah, “whose words were a flaming furnace.” Then in the Gospel reading from Matthew 17, the disciples ask Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answers and tells them that “Elijah has already come.” But the scribes […]
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Posted on
Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego on a hill in Tepeyac, Mexico, in December of 1531, she declared, “I am your most merciful Mother. I want to show my loving clemency and compassion to those who call upon me in their sorrows.” […]
Busted Expectations
Posted on
As humans, we all need water. We all thirst. But that thirst is not just physical; we have a spiritual thirst as well. God talks about that in today’s first reading from Isaiah 41. “The afflicted and needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD will answer them; I, […]
Renewed Strength
Posted on
Hope is such an important thing. When we lose hope, we really lose everything. That’s why the final verse in today’s first reading from Isaiah 40 gives us so much. “They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk […]
Like a Shepherd
Posted on
In today’s liturgy, we think about sheep and shepherds. At the end of today’s first reading from Isaiah 40 we read: “Like a shepherd he feeds his flock. In his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 18, Jesus tells […]
The Immaculate Conception
Posted on
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Remember that today is a Holy Day of obligation. I hope you will make it a point to attend Mass. Let’s talk briefly today about what the Immaculate Conception is, and isn’t. Probably the most common misconception (no pun intended) that people have is that the […]
Pointing the Way
Posted on
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. For the Gospel reading, we go to the beginning of the Gospel according to Mark. It all starts with John the Baptist. John knew that he had a job to do – to point the way to the Messiah. It would seem that John did not know that […]
The Teacher
Posted on
As you read today’s first reading from Isaiah 30, I hope your mind is immediately drawn to Jesus. We see these prophesies so perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. More on that in a moment. In the Gospel reading today, we see Jesus sending out the Twelve, with authority. He tells them, “Without cost you have received; […]
Blind But Now I See
Posted on
In the first reading today from Isaiah 29, the LORD GOD says, “On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.” In the Gospel reading from Matthew 9, Jesus gives sight to two blind men. Jesus gave sight to […]
Trust the Rock
Posted on
In our first reading today from Isaiah 26, we read this: Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock.” Rock is a theme that comes from Jesus in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 7. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise […]
He Feeds Us
Posted on
Life brings sorrows. With sorrows come tears. But it won’t always be that way. We see that in the first reading today from Isaiah 25. “The LORD GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Our sorrows are temporary. Our joy will be eternal. In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 15, we see […]
Childish or Childlike?
Posted on
The prophesies of Isaiah point so clearly to Jesus. Want proof? Take a look at today’s first reading. In the Gospel reading from Luke 10, Jesus says that the Father has “revealed (these things) to the childlike.” What does it mean to be childlike? Well, let me say this…there is a huge difference between being […]
Made Worthy
Posted on
I love the readings of Advent. We spend lots of time in Isaiah, and the Gospel passages always hit home. (Not that they don’t during the rest of the year!) Let’s pray that during this Advent season much fruit will be borne for the Kingdom in our lives. The first reading today is from Isaiah […]
Maranatha!
Posted on
Christmas is in the air! Can you feel it? Certainly all of the retailers hope you can. The world hammers us with Christmas. And there is certainly nothing wrong with getting into the “Christmas spirit.” But Holy Mother Church has a different idea about these weeks leading up to Christmas. That is why we celebrate […]
Beware the Rut
Posted on
Today is the last day of the Church year. Tomorrow begins a brand new liturgical year with the season of Advent. In the first reading from the end of the book of Revelation, we see this final beautiful view of heaven. “Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, […]
Jesus’ Words
Posted on
In Revelation 20, St. John gives us a glimpse of the final judgement. Hopefully, reading these words can give us a new perspective on the importance of how we live our lives. “All the dead were judged according to their deeds.” John also sees a “new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and […]
All About Thanksgiving
Posted on
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. Happy Thanksgiving! I have a link to today’s readings at the bottom of today’s post. These are optional readings for Thanksgiving Day. But rather than comment on the readings, I want to take a moment to reflect on Thanksgiving. Did you know that the word Eucharist translates to […]
Another Paradox
Posted on
Another heavenly vision from St. John in Revelation 15 for today’s first reading. St. John sees those who had won the victory over the beast singing “the song of Moses…the song of the Lamb.” It is a beautiful song. See for yourself! In today’s Gospel passage from Luke 21, Jesus talks about some of the […]
Harvest Signs
Posted on
We get a couple of very apocalyptic readings today. In Revelation 14, we see one “like a son of man” reaping his harvest on the earth. But it’s good news-bad news. The first harvest is good. The second harvest gets thrown into “the great wine press of God’s fury.” Which harvest will you be in? […]
A Widow’s Trust
Posted on
In today’s first reading from Revelation 14, we see once again the figure of the Lamb. He has with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who have his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. The Scripture says of them, “On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished.” It reminds […]
The Perfect King
Posted on
Today the Church celebrates the end of the liturgical year. Fittingly enough, it is the Feast of Christ the King. All of the readings today point to the kingship of Christ. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 25, Jesus talks about what it will be like when He comes in to His Kingdom, and how […]
Post-Resurrection Life
Posted on
The first reading today from Revelation 11 is filled with imagery of martyrs, prophets of old, Rome and more. I encourage you to read a bit of background on what John describes. In the Gospel from Luke 20, some Saducees, who don’t believe in the resurrection of the body, throw a trick question at Jesus […]
The Sweet and the Sour
Posted on
In the Gospel reading today from Luke 19, we see Jesus cleansing the temple area of those who are selling things. He says, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” We then read that “every day He was teaching in the temple […]
Know Jesus, Know Peace
Posted on
In the first reading today from Revelation 5, we see a striking figure in John’s vision of heaven. An angel asks the question, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And then we see Him. “A Lamb that seemed to have been slain.” The next time you’re at Mass and the […]
Fear and Love
Posted on
Some of the images we read about in the Book of Revelation can seem rather odd. That’s certainly the case in our first reading today from Revelation 4 – strange looking creatures covered with eyes and wings. The important thing is to get the message that God gives us through John’s visions. In the Gospel […]
The Danger of Being Lukewarm
Posted on
Our Gospel reading today is the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19. It is a great story of repentance and redemption. In the first reading today from Revelation 3, we hear Jesus addressing the Churches of Sardis and Laodicea. His words to the Church of Laodicea are a stark reminder to all. “I know your […]
The Desire of Your Heart
Posted on
In the first reading today, we begin a brief trip through the Book of Revelation. Today Jesus speaks to the church in Ephesus. He says, “Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Repent…” Sounds pretty harsh, huh? Another reason why He stressed perseverance in faith and love […]
Do Something!
Posted on
Today’s first reading from Proverbs talks about a worthy wife. I am blessed to have one myself. In the second reading, St. Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are “children of the light and children of the day.” And in the Gospel reading from Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. In the […]
Faith on Earth?
Posted on
Are you supporting those doing missionary work? You should be. St. John exhorts us to do that in our first reading today from 3 John:5-8. He says of those doing missionary work that “we ought to support such persons, so that we may be co-workers in the truth.” In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 18, […]
Losing for Gain
Posted on
Our first reading today is from 2 John. This is the shortest book in the Bible, just 13 verses. But what a power-packed 13 verses! St. John writes, “For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments.” He then talks about those who would lead people astray. “Anyone who is so ‘progressive’ as […]
The Kingdom, The Church
Posted on
Today’s first reading is taken from St. Paul’s letter to Philemon. Here Paul urges his old friend to welcome back his slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had been travelling with and assisting Paul, and Paul had become very fond of him. In fact, he refers to Onesimus as “my child, whose father I have become in my […]
The Other Good Samaritan
Posted on
Faith in Christ requires change. For many of us, that means a lot of change. St. Paul alludes to this in the first reading from Titus 3. “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.” Sounds a lot […]
Veteran’s Day
Posted on
Today is Veteran’s Day in the USA. How appropriate that in the Church today is the Feast of St. Martin of Tours. St. Martin was a military man. He had a radical conversion after having a vision of Jesus. In the Gospel reading today from Luke 17, Jesus talks about living up to our obligations. […]
An Increase in Faith
Posted on
In the first reading today, we begin St. Paul’s Letter to Titus. Here St. Paul talks about the qualifications for priests and bishops. In the Gospel reading today from Luke 17, the Apostles say to Jesus, “Increase our faith.” Interesting, isn’t it? I mean, here is a group of guys who have given up everything, […]
The Body – The Temple
Posted on
In today’s first reading from 1 Corinthians 3, St. Paul says, “You are God’s building. Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” And in the Gospel reading from John 2, Jesus talks about the people destroying the temple and in three days […]
Trustworthy
Posted on
St. Paul went through a lot in his life. Early on, he had it all. He was well off, well educated, well liked. But later he was beaten, thrown in prison and eventually martyred. In today’s first reading, he tells the secret of getting along in both situations. Read Philippians 4:13 for the answer. In […]