Category: Bible Reading & Meditation

“There was an inscription over His head: ‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’ ” –Luke 23:38 Mass Readings: November 20 First: 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Resp: Psalm 122:1-5 ; Second: Colossians 1:12-20; Gospel: Luke 23:35-43 In 1926, between the two world wars, Pope Pius XI instituted this feast of Christ the King. In so doing, the Church was making a statement that its members were to give their absolute allegiance to no government or person but only to Christ, the King of kings. Thus, we can see why this feast and Jesus’ claim to be the King of kings may...

Jesus “entered the temple and began ejecting the traders saying: ‘Scripture has it, “My house is meant for a house of prayer” but you have made it “a den of thieves.” ‘ He was teaching in the temple area from day to day.” –Luke 19:45-47 Mass Readings: November 18 First: Acts 28:11-16,30-31; Resp: Psalm 98:1-6; Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus ejected the traders from the temple not only by turning over their tables but also by proclaiming a prophecy from Jeremiah and by teaching every day. The Holy Spirit uses the prophetic word like a “two-edged sword” to judge and purify...

“I wept bitterly because no one could be found worthy to open or examine the scroll.” –Revelation 5:4 Mass Readings: November 17 First: Sirach 26:1-3,15-18,24;Resp: Psalm 31:4-5,8-9,20,24-25;Gospel: Matthew 25:31-40 What is God’s plan for the world and for your life? If you don’t know God’s plan, perhaps Jesus has wept over you and said: “If only you had known the path to peace this day; but you have completely lost it from view!” (Lk 19:41-42) You too should weep bitterly. However, we don’t have to be ignorant of God’s plan, for Jesus “has won the right by His victory” to...

“Holy, holy, holy…” –Revelation 4:8 Mass Readings: November 16 First: Revelation 4:1-11; Resp: Psalm 150:1-6; Gospel: Luke 19:11-28 The book of Revelation gives us a vision that lifts our minds and our spirits from an earthly to a heavenly perspective. St. John’s vision helps us to set our hearts on heaven rather than earth (Col 3:1-2). More than anything else on earth, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass enables us to have not only a heavenly perspective, but even a heavenly experience. In the Mass, Jesus is present in the Eucharist. Jesus Himself said: “I Myself am the Living Bread...