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 »

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dee Maahs on 8/29/17

“From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must suffer and die and on the third day be raised, “(Matt 16:16). Jesus is saying that his coming death and suffering will have purpose and significance. In Peter’s mind however, Jesus shouldn’t have to suffer ... Read More »

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time- Do not Fear

Posted by Dee Maahs on 8/14/17

Scripture Reflection

The Gospel today shows us another example of placing our faith and trust in Jesus. He had told the disciples to get in the boat and precede him to the other side of the lake. While in the boat, a storm came up causing wind and ... Read More »

Transfiguration Sunday

Posted by Dee Maahs on 8/09/17

Scripture Reflection

“Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them.” (Mt 17:1)

Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord. “Transfiguration” means to change in appearance. In the Gospels, there are a number of events which ... Read More »

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Michelle Covey on 9/26/16

Scripture Reflection 

In the Gospel today, Jesus emphasizes that faith is not about quantity. Faith is about more than teachings and beliefs. It also involves trust and commitment directed toward the Lord. The point Jesus is making is that faith is a powerful thing. It’s not a matter ... Read More »