Readings of the day: RB 13:12-14Mass: Romans 1:16-25; Resp. Psalm 19; Luke 11:37-41
The Pharisees are exasperated with Jesus’ breach of etiquette. How dare he have such poor table manners! I picture Jesus rolling his eyes while exclaiming, “Oh, you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools!”
Lest I be too quick to judge, I reflect on how often I am as foolish the Pharisees—when am I more concerned with how I

Readings of the day: RB 13:1-11Mass: Romans 1:1-7; Resp. Psalm 98; Luke 11:29-32
For weeks we have been hearing about Jesus teaching, driving out demons, healing, and responding to those who test him and try to justify themselves. Nevertheless, the crowd still seeks a sign. Jesus doesn’t mince words: “This generation is an evil generation.” It seems an age-old problem—we are always looking for something bigger and better, something a little bit more convincing. The Ninevites took to Jonah. The

In other years: Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Readings of the day: RB 12Mass: Isaiah 25:6-10a; Resp. Psalm 23; Philippians 4:12-14,19-20; Matthew 22:1-14
The WORD proclaimed is a feast to behold!
In a recent conversation, two of us were talking about how we are always in the Divine Presence. Always. Still, we manage somehow to not even take notice. We go about our grumblings, bad moods, self-centeredness, preoccupations with trivial matters, being over-burdened, irritable, and bus

Readings of the day: RB 11Mass: Joel 4:12-21; Resp. Psalm 97; Luke 11:27-28
We are gifted with two profound verses in today’s Gospel; both point to the announcement of the birth of Jesus:
First, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.”
Second, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe.”
“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
“Let it be done to me according to your word.”
The greatness

Readings of the day: RB 10Mass: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Resp. Psalm 9; Luke 11:15-26
The gospel passage proclaimed at today’s Mass leaves out the whole of verse 14:
When Jesus had driven out a demon that was mute, the demon came out,the mute person spoke, and the crowds were amazed.
How do you suppose the previously mute person felt after being relieved of the demon?

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart;I will declare all you wondrous deeds.I will b