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  Saints Charles Lwanga and his Companions 2 Timothy 1:1-3,​6-12 · Psalm 122(123):1-2 Mark 12:18-27 Popular images of life after death and heaven tend to depict earthly, familiar scenes—pastures, clouds, choirs, and even harps playing. We often use these ‘homely’ images to describe what lies ahead. However, the life to come with God remains a mystery—simple at its core. We understand basic truths: we will live on, our existence will be eternal through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Still, detailed descriptions elude us. Faith is about trust, and though we live by faith, it's natural to seek some recognizable aspects of the life to come to help us hold on. Today, we read about the Sadducees devising a very fanciful scenario regarding marriage in heaven, not to gain wisdom but to trap Jesus and support their belief that there is no resurrection. Like Jesus, we shouldn’t get too caught up in these invented stories. Jesus doesn’t get sidetracked by the absurd scenario; instead, h...
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We are created in the image and likeness of God

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  Tuesday of week 9 in Ordinary Time  2 Peter 3:11-15,​17-18  Psalm 89(90):2-4,10,14,16 Mark 12:13-17 S t. Augustine once teaches that because we have a mind and a soul, our higher purpose is to seek to know, love intentionally, and belong to the One in whose image we were created. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is posed a political question meant to trap Him. The heated topic at the time was a census tax paid to the Roman emperor, Caesar. For many Jews, this tax constantly reminded them of their subjugation to Rome. However, the Pharisees were somewhat tolerant of collaboration with Rome and supported paying the tax. In contrast, the Herodians were more nationalistic and opposed paying it. These unlikely allies teamed up to catch Jesus: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?" — Mark 12:13–14 If Jesus answers "No," the Herodians could accuse Him of rebellion against Rome. If He answers "Yes," He could be seen as not ...
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  Saint Justin, Martyr  2 Peter 1:2-7  Psalm 90(91):1-2,14-16 Mark 12:1-12 Why did Jesus' story about the wicked tenants offend the scribes and Pharisees? This story carried both a prophetic message and a warning. Isaiah had referred to the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:7). Unfortunately, they neglected to realize that they were merely God’s tenants and stewards. We are not the owners; instead, we are the owned. “None of us lives as his own master... while we live, we are responsible to the Lord” (Romans 14:7-8). “You are not your own. You have been bought at a price!” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We truly belong to God.  Happy New Month 
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  The Most Holy Trinity (Year A)   Ex 34.4-6, 8-9;   Dan 3.52-36;   II Cor 13.11-13;   Jn 3.16-18   Today's solemnity of the Holy Trinity brings together the various teachings about God that we have heard through the gospel readings each Sunday since Easter. During the Easter season, we primarily focused on Christ Our Lord—His resurrection, His appearances to the apostles, and His Ascension. Last Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost, the sending of the Holy Spirit. In the period between His resurrection and His ascension, Christ's teachings were more directly about the reality of God's existence rather than how to live a good life. In other words, He was revealing God to us. When His disciples found these teachings difficult to grasp, our Lord promised they would understand much more after He sent the Holy Spirit to teach them. Each person of the Trinity reveals more and more of the one God, who is three persons but not three separate gods. Today’s Mass opening ...
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PREPARATION FOR THE END-TIME

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  Friday of week 8 in Ordinary Time  1 Peter 4:7-13 Psalm 95(96):10-13 Mark 11:11-26 The episode of the cursed fig tree and reprimanding in the temple by Jesus shows that God can do whatever He wills and we should avoid the wrath of God by becoming fruitful. If a tree without reason could be cursed then what will happen to humans who have reason- image and likeness of God.     May we not be judged according to our sins. Remember that distractions are the things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. So stay focus and be fruitful. Heaven is the prize.
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Against all odds, follow the way of the Lord

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Thursday of week 8 in Ordinary Time  1 Peter 2:2-5,​9-12 · Psalm 99(100):2-5 Mark 10:46-52 Nothing could deter Bartimaeus, the blind beggar seated by the roadside, from calling out to Jesus for mercy—even the disciples of Jesus, who tried to silence him. His persistent faith remained steadfast, guiding him toward the Light. God, who perceives the sincerity of his heart, responded to his earnest plea. Bartimaeus approached Jesus more closely and followed Him along the dusty road through Jericho. Like him, we may be hindered by our sins and selfish desires, but today we are encouraged to summon courage and remain steadfast in faith.   The all-knowing God, who understands the deepest reaches of our hearts, will extend His mercy and salvation to us. Let nothing or no one prevent you from reaching out and drawing closer to Jesus. He is asking today, “What do you want me to do for you?” As long as we stand firm in our faith, we are children of light, called to walk in His truth...
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JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY

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  Wednesday of week 8 in Ordinary Time  1 Peter 1:18-25 Psalm 147:12-15,19-20 Mark 10:32-45 The Gospel today emphasizes a key principle of Christian life. We are called to be present in the world, yet not of the world, with our hearts and eyes directed toward heavenly realities. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus and requested a favor: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory” (Mk 10:37). Their request was centered on notions of glory, honor, and status—they desired prominent positions in what they believed would be the forthcoming kingdom of the Lord. While it is true that the Lord will one day reign in glory, their understanding and perspective of this rule were incomplete. His kingdom is not one of power and status, but of mercy and compassion. Jesus responds to James and John by asking whether they are prepared to share in the rejection and suffering that lie ahead for Him. “Can you drink the cup that I must drink or b...
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