1st Sunday of Advent

Posted by Dee Maahs on 12/04/17

“Jesus said to his disciples: Be watchful! Be alert!” (Mk 13:33)

In the Gospel of Mark on this First Sunday of Advent, Jesus calls us to wait in hope.

We need to be reminded that even in the most trying circumstances, our lives are in God’s hands. Jesus ... Read More »

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 11/20/17

“It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called on his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to their ability. Then he went away.” (Mt 25:14-15) 

The ... Read More »

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 11/06/17

The Gospel teaches us today that we need to witness to the Good News with both words and deeds. Words must always be accompanied by actions. In the Gospel, we see (or hear?) Jesus thoughts on this. He warns the disciples not to follow the example of the Pharisees. ... Read More »

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 10/30/17

In the Gospel today, Jesus speaks of the two great commandments; love the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, and strength; and to love our neighbor as yourself. Jesus unites these two commandments and proclaims that they form the foundation of religious faith. The love of God ... Read More »

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 10/23/17

The Gospel today shows the Pharisees trying to make trouble for Jesus by asking whether or not it was lawful to pay taxes to the emperor. They seemed to be setting a trap for him; the Pharisees opposed paying taxes to the Roman government. The Herodians, however, supported the ... Read More »

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 10/17/17

The Gospel today is about God’s invitation to His kingdom. God’s invitation to the banquet is universal. In the Gospel we hear about people who were invited but they rejected the invitation. The king then tells his servants to go out and invite everyone they see, good and bad alike.

God’s invitation requires a response. When all the guests arrive, there was one person without a wedding garment. This man was dismissed and cast out. The message in this situation has to do with preparedness. Being called but the Lord to come to the banquet requires more than just showing up. It involves a willingness and readiness to engage in continual conversion. The love of God transforms us. ... Read More »

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 10/02/17

In the Gospel today, a father instructs his two sons to go to work in the vineyard. The first son refuses to go but later has a change of heart and goes. The second son consents to work, but he never goes. The first son represents those who trust ... Read More »

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 9/25/17

The parable in the Gospel tells of the unimaginable generosity of God. All are invited to the Lord’s kingdom.

 The parable presents us with a landowner who goes out to hire workers for his vineyard. The landowner hires people at various times of the day, yet when it comes ... Read More »

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 9/19/17

“Then Peter approached and asked him, ‘Lord if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, “I say to you not seven times, but seventy seven times.” (Matt 18:21-22) Jesus is saying that a person must forgive all the time.

To emphasize the importance of mercy and forgiveness, Jesus gives the parable of the unforgiving servant. The king took pity on his servant and cancelled a debt that would be impossible to pay. The surprise comes when the same servant refuses to forgive a small debt from one of his own debtors. The problem is that the servant was never filled with gratitude for the mercy shown to him by the king. He thought he had out-smarted the king. The servant didn’t appreciate the mercy given to him, and so he wasn’t able to offer mercy to others. The point here is that God has already forgiven a debt we could never repay. Mercy is God’s gift, and we should share it gratefully. ... Read More »

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 9/11/17

“Amen I say to you, if two of you agree about anything for which they are to pray it shall be granted them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered in my name there I am in their midst.” (Matt 18:20-21) Jesus is emphasizing ... Read More »