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Our Readings for this Sunday combine two major themes: awe and apostolate. Both Isaiah and Peter are awed and ashamed to find themselves in the presence of God; but both are subsequently sent out (in Greek, apostello) on mission for the Almighty. We, too, feel our unworthiness and need of mercy in God’s presence, and also our responsibility to spread the Good News of mercy to all people. 1. Our First Reading is Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8: In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling...

The Readings for today's Feast Day focus on the theme of the priesthood of Christ, seeing a kind of sacerdotal significance to this first entrance of the Messiah into the Temple. These Readings prompt us to meditate firstly on how Jesus has served and continues to serve as our great High Priest, but also how his priesthood is lived out in our own lives, since we share in his priesthood by virtue of our Baptism. 1. The First Reading is Mal 3:1-4:Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly...

Why Do People Hate the "Good Person"? The 4th Sunday in OT The Readings for this Sunday show both Jesus and Jeremiah facing opposition for speaking God’s truth to their contemporaries. They raise interesting questions about why it is that the “good person” so often suffers at the hands of others, and offer encouragement to those who experience this suffering. 1. Our First Reading is Jer 1:4-5, 17-19: The word of the LORD came to me, saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I...