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The sentiments for Ash Wednesday come from our need for renewal. But the motivation comes from this realization: "Gracious and merciful is God, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment" (Joel 2:13). Genuine conversion is not brought about by guilt but by love.
The sentiments for Ash Wednesday come from our need for renewal. But the motivation comes from this realization: "Gracious and merciful is God, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment" (Joel 2:13). Genuine conversion is not brought about by guilt but by love.
www.satishjoseph.com/post/lent-20...
www.satishjoseph.com/post/lent-20...
When Jesus said, "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" (Mk 8:15), he was referring to the evil disposition of the religious and political leaders toward him. Even religion can be leavened with evil politics and Jesus warns us to "Watch out!"
When Jesus said, "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" (Mk 8:15), he was referring to the evil disposition of the religious and political leaders toward him. Even religion can be leavened with evil politics and Jesus warns us to "Watch out!"
Mark says, "He [Jesus] sighed from the depth of his spirit"(Mk 8:12). Jesus' sigh emerged from a total exasperation with people's unwillingness to grasp the possibilities the reign of God offered. These days, so many of us sigh like Jesus. We know what the world could be, but alas!
Mark says, "He [Jesus] sighed from the depth of his spirit"(Mk 8:12). Jesus' sigh emerged from a total exasperation with people's unwillingness to grasp the possibilities the reign of God offered. These days, so many of us sigh like Jesus. We know what the world could be, but alas!
itemissaest.podbean.com/e/february-1...
itemissaest.podbean.com/e/february-1...
To follow the commandments is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to walk in the footsteps of Jesus is to fulfill all the commandments. www.itemissaest.org/resources/su...
To follow the commandments is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to walk in the footsteps of Jesus is to fulfill all the commandments. www.itemissaest.org/resources/su...
The 1st reading is a classic example of politicization of religion. Jeroboam established two shrines in Dan and Bethel so that folks of the Northern kingdom do not go to Jerusalem and enrich the Southern kingdom (1 Kgs 12-13). Politicization of religion and vice-versa lead to evil.
The 1st reading is a classic example of politicization of religion. Jeroboam established two shrines in Dan and Bethel so that folks of the Northern kingdom do not go to Jerusalem and enrich the Southern kingdom (1 Kgs 12-13). Politicization of religion and vice-versa lead to evil.
Jesus healed a deaf man with a speech impediment and then asked him to keep quiet (Mk 7:31-37). Really? Mark is using the "Messianic secret" strategy. If Jesus' identity is revealed too soon, it could jeopardize his ministry. But nothing should keep us quiet, right?
Jesus healed a deaf man with a speech impediment and then asked him to keep quiet (Mk 7:31-37). Really? Mark is using the "Messianic secret" strategy. If Jesus' identity is revealed too soon, it could jeopardize his ministry. But nothing should keep us quiet, right?
Solomon began extremely well but he lost God's favor (1 kgs 11:4-13) because of his infidelity to the Covenant. As a result, the kingdom was divided into two. Sin and evil are not merely private choices. Even our most private sins affect our families, our church, and our community.
Solomon began extremely well but he lost God's favor (1 kgs 11:4-13) because of his infidelity to the Covenant. As a result, the kingdom was divided into two. Sin and evil are not merely private choices. Even our most private sins affect our families, our church, and our community.
"Nothing that enters from outside can defile the person; the things that come from within are what defile” (Mk 7:15). With technology these days, though, it is a two-way street. Jesus' point is still not lost. The choice to engage evil is still made within. "Deliver us from evil!"
"Nothing that enters from outside can defile the person; the things that come from within are what defile” (Mk 7:15). With technology these days, though, it is a two-way street. Jesus' point is still not lost. The choice to engage evil is still made within. "Deliver us from evil!"
Solomon's words at the dedication of the Temple ring true: "If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you,
how much less this temple which I have built!" (1 Kgs 8:27). Sometimes we forget this and become legalistic and ritualistic. We think we own God (Mk 7:1-13).
Solomon's words at the dedication of the Temple ring true: "If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you,
how much less this temple which I have built!" (1 Kgs 8:27). Sometimes we forget this and become legalistic and ritualistic. We think we own God (Mk 7:1-13).
At the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the cloud filled the Temple. Solomon said, "The Lord intends to dwell in the dark cloud (2 Kgs 8:12). Yet, when the Son of God came, he was not found in the Temple, but in the streets among the people (Mk 6:53-56). All the world is God's Temple.
At the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the cloud filled the Temple. Solomon said, "The Lord intends to dwell in the dark cloud (2 Kgs 8:12). Yet, when the Son of God came, he was not found in the Temple, but in the streets among the people (Mk 6:53-56). All the world is God's Temple.
“Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light can break forth like the dawn (Is 58:7-8a).
itemissaest.podbean.com/e/february-8...
“Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light can break forth like the dawn (Is 58:7-8a).
itemissaest.podbean.com/e/february-8...
“Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light will break forth like the dawn" (Is 58:7)
www.itemissaest.org/resources/su...
“Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light will break forth like the dawn" (Is 58:7)
www.itemissaest.org/resources/su...
Solomon was given all the wisdom, riches, and glory anyone could ask (1 Kgs 3:4-13). But you also need a heart for the people. Jesus saw the vast crowd and his "heart" was moved with pity (Mk 6:34). Let's pray that rulers and shepherds in the world and church have the heart of Jesus.
Solomon was given all the wisdom, riches, and glory anyone could ask (1 Kgs 3:4-13). But you also need a heart for the people. Jesus saw the vast crowd and his "heart" was moved with pity (Mk 6:34). Let's pray that rulers and shepherds in the world and church have the heart of Jesus.
In total abuse of power, Herod beheaded John and put his twelve-year-old through a gruesome chain of events (Mk 6:14-29). It happens even now. Five-year-old Liam Ramos was traumatized by agents of terror as abuse of power continues. "Dear Jesus, we pray evil will end."
In total abuse of power, Herod beheaded John and put his twelve-year-old through a gruesome chain of events (Mk 6:14-29). It happens even now. Five-year-old Liam Ramos was traumatized by agents of terror as abuse of power continues. "Dear Jesus, we pray evil will end."
Jesus did not own a house or money, and did not have his own family. Yet, he changed the course of human history. In today's gospel he sent his disciples in twos with no attachments to possessions, money, and even food (Mk ^:7-13). Attachments become an obstacle in God's reign.
Jesus did not own a house or money, and did not have his own family. Yet, he changed the course of human history. In today's gospel he sent his disciples in twos with no attachments to possessions, money, and even food (Mk ^:7-13). Attachments become an obstacle in God's reign.
Jesus faced prejudice in his town (Mk 6:1-6). It prevented him to doing any might deeds. This was because prejudice prevented people from giving him a fair chance. He was amazed at their lack of faith. The antidote to prejudice is faith - faith that every person has inherent worth.
Jesus faced prejudice in his town (Mk 6:1-6). It prevented him to doing any might deeds. This was because prejudice prevented people from giving him a fair chance. He was amazed at their lack of faith. The antidote to prejudice is faith - faith that every person has inherent worth.
If there is anything Absalom's story (2 Sam 19:9-19:3) teaches us it is that pride and violent ambition only leads to one's own destruction. In contrast was Jesus, who, even though divine, moved among people in humility brining life and hope to people. Each day offers us a choice.
If there is anything Absalom's story (2 Sam 19:9-19:3) teaches us it is that pride and violent ambition only leads to one's own destruction. In contrast was Jesus, who, even though divine, moved among people in humility brining life and hope to people. Each day offers us a choice.
Jesus grew up like every other child. Yet, there were signs and prophecies (Lk 2:22-40). His parents raised him in simplicity yet with wonder and awe. This sense of closeness to Christ yet holding him in wonder and awe is a precious lesson.
Jesus grew up like every other child. Yet, there were signs and prophecies (Lk 2:22-40). His parents raised him in simplicity yet with wonder and awe. This sense of closeness to Christ yet holding him in wonder and awe is a precious lesson.
The nation is in turmoil. How do we return to respect, civility and trust? What can lead us to a just and peaceful society? Perhaps, today’s scripture readings have the answer.
itemissaest.podbean.com/e/february-1...
The nation is in turmoil. How do we return to respect, civility and trust? What can lead us to a just and peaceful society? Perhaps, today’s scripture readings have the answer.
itemissaest.podbean.com/e/february-1...
Jesus was forming “a remnant” for his time. To them he taught his new ethic, his new way for creating just and peaceful communities. It was based on simplicity, humility, meekness, mercy, righteousness, and peacemaking. www.itemissaest.org/resources/su...
Jesus was forming “a remnant” for his time. To them he taught his new ethic, his new way for creating just and peaceful communities. It was based on simplicity, humility, meekness, mercy, righteousness, and peacemaking. www.itemissaest.org/resources/su...
We simply cannot do both.
We simply cannot do both.
David's true contrition is admirable but I am drawn to the prophet Nathan. With skill, integrity, and courage he confronted David with his misdeeds (2 Sam 12:1-17. I pray for the heart to stand with victims of injustice and the skill, integrity, and courage to address wrongdoers.
David's true contrition is admirable but I am drawn to the prophet Nathan. With skill, integrity, and courage he confronted David with his misdeeds (2 Sam 12:1-17. I pray for the heart to stand with victims of injustice and the skill, integrity, and courage to address wrongdoers.
David sinned. Scripture says, "In the sight of the LORD what David had done was evil (1 Sam 11:27). God's beloved David had committed the starkest of evils. Power is heck of a drug. It clouds judgement, dulls conscience, and perpetrates evil. It is happening right before our eyes.
David sinned. Scripture says, "In the sight of the LORD what David had done was evil (1 Sam 11:27). God's beloved David had committed the starkest of evils. Power is heck of a drug. It clouds judgement, dulls conscience, and perpetrates evil. It is happening right before our eyes.