FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT The account of the Visitation, unique to Luke, illustrates Mary as the first Christian. She receives the Word and acts on it. The recognition of John the Baptist in the womb precedes that of Elizabeth who … Continue reading →
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Luke’s account of the preaching of John spells out the justice with which each group must prepare not so much for his baptism but for the Messiah who is to come (Luke 3:10-18). Zephaniah looks towards … Continue reading →
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Luke is very concerned to place his Gospel in its wider context – that of the Roman Empire and the ‘political’ and ‘religious’ background of the Holy Land. It is upon this scene that the ministry … Continue reading →
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Luke’s account of the eschatological discourse is similar to the other Synoptics as the Lord emphasises the apocalyptic drama and the need to be alert for its arrival (Luke 21:25-28.34-36). In the midst of the disaster … Continue reading →
THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING The Sunday Scriptures In John’s Gospel, in direct contrast to Mark, Jesus is portrayed as in control of his destiny, no more so than in the discourse with Pilate. In a masterful dialogue with … Continue reading →
THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR The Sunday Scriptures Sitting on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, opposite the Temple, Jesus uses traditional apocalyptic language to describe the end of time and the Parusia, the Second Coming, known only … Continue reading →
THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR The Sunday Scriptures The Lord contrasts the hypocrisy of the religious leaders with the generosity of the poor widow. She, not the former, is the sign to the disciples of the generosity demanded of … Continue reading →
THIRTY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR The Sunday Scriptures Jesus has now made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and we are now in the denouement with his teaching in the Temple. The Lord draws together the traditional 613 misvoth (the … Continue reading →
THIRTIETH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR The Sunday Scriptures Bartimaeus in Jericho cries out a prayer of faith ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me’ which is a powerful prayer for each one of us. But the physical healing of … Continue reading →
TWENTY NINTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR The Sunday Scriptures Despite Jesus’ persistent teaching, the disciples still misunderstand that discipleship involves suffering and humble service. There is no short cut as James and John envisage (Mk 10:35-45). The end of the … Continue reading →