Introduction to the Liturgy – The Gratitude of Strangers – Gentiles had no real recognition within Israelite society.  While they were to be accorded decent treatments, they were always in a subordinate, even marginal position.  A leper was considered unclean and was barred from contact with the community.  To be...

Introduction to the Liturgy – The Power of Faith – Habakkuk reminds his contemporaries that Yahweh will render judgement and final deliverance in his own time.  He calls for a steadfast faith. Today’s gospel presents two consecutive pronouncements of Jesus, perhaps initially unconnected but joined in Luke to underscore the...

Introduction to the Liturgy – True Riches – The Christian paradox of where lasting wealth really resides is at the heart of today’s readings.  The sheepherder prophet Amos in the eighth century B.C. speaks forcefully against his contemporaries in the northern kingdom who amass riches with little concern for the...

Introduction to the Liturgy – The Use of Material Goods – Often called the prophet of social justice, Amos inveighs against the unjust practices of his time in which the disadvantaged were clearly being exploited.  The Lucan parable, combined with accompanying sayings of Jesus, speaks of the proper use of...

Introduction to the Liturgy – God’s Love for the Sinner – God relents of his plan to destroy his people, following Moses’ intercession on their behalf, in today’s reading from Exodus.  Persuasion tempers his anger and the people are spared.  As generous as this may be on Yahweh’s part, it...

Introduction to the Liturgy – The Cost of Discipleship – True wisdom comes from God and enables a person to be guided by the interests of the soul rather than those of the body.  This is the lesson from Wisdom in today’s liturgy.  In Luke’s gospel, wisdom is translated in...

Introduction to the Liturgy – Humility – No one can boast before God, says Paul, and if there is any boasting to be done at all, it can center only on our weaknesses.  Today’s liturgy stresses the importance of humility in our lives, a virtue not greatly esteemed in our...

Introduction to the Liturgy – Keeper of the Keys – In telling of the substitution of one royal official for another, Isaiah escribes him as the keeper of the keys, the one who admits or prohibits access to the king as he deems fit.  After his profession of faith at...

Introduction to the Liturgy – The Prophet’s Pain – Of all biblical vocations, the of the prophet ins the most difficult.  For his truthful but ominous oracles, Jeremiah is viewed by Judah’s leaders as a demoralizing force; he is thrown into a cistern and left to die.  Jesus today speaks...

Introduction to the Liturgy – The Vigilant Servant – Wisdom reflects on the Israelites in Egypt awaiting their salvation.  Their posture was on of alertness, courage, and prayer. Jesus in Luke’s gospel advised an alert spirit, also, on the part of servants expecting their master’s return, a spirit which expresses...