Sunday Gospel Reflections

“Be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) Just yesterday, I let myself get all worked up over something that didn’t really matter and over which I had no control. I almost…

“‘Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’” (Matthew 18:33) I spent several days recently raging about someone else’s faults. An acquaintance had been inconsiderate. I saw her as vain and with a sense of…

 “My father, if the prophet told you to do something extraordinary, would you not do it? All the more since he told you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” (2 Kings 5:13) For many years, my reaction to fasting was a lot like the indignation of Naaman…

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) As I write this, I am finishing my last week of chemotherapy for the treatment of a rare blood disease. At least I…

Shepherd your people with your staff. (Micah 7:14) Even in this age when shepherds aren’t part of my immediate environment, I find the image of being affectionately watched over endearing. To be counted as part of the flock of God’s…

“Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’” (Matthew 21:37) Our decision about what to sacrifice for Lent can rest on any number of factors. I try to discern something in my life that I’m treating as a savior.…

He loves justice and right. (Psalm 33:5) Parents generally know how to mete out all kinds of just decisions on a daily basis. My sister gave me the tip on how to end disputes on who gets the biggest slice of pie: “OK, child No. 1, you will…

A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. (Psalm 51:12) As this Lenten season begins and spring is almost upon us, I’m reflecting on ants. Each morning, signs of their industrious work appear as little anthills…

When someone strikes you on right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. (Matthew 5:39) A Scripture scholar’s insight transformed this line for me. In first-century Palestine, left-handedness was seen as evil. People never used their…

Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19) Passing on the faith has so many different facets. You want to be able to share an important part of your life with your children.…