Year II. This short excerpt from the Third Letter of John gratefully acknowledges that the community leader Gaius showed hospitality and helped itinerant preachers of the gospel. Gospel. Luke must have had in mind those who pray and think that God does not act when they beg him. Jesus also speaks with an eschatological tone:
Year II. The short letters of John (2 and 3) seem to precede I John. As in the longer letter, they aim to urge the young Church to stand firm in the faith and be animated by love. Gospel. Jesus reprimands those who fail to see the signs of his coming in judgment. His coming
Year II. The warm, charming letter of St Paul to Philemon makes us almost forget that Paul has no outright condemnation of slavery as it existed in his time. Yet he states the principles that will gradually eradicate that kind of slavery from most of the world. Love and brotherhood in Christ cannot tolerate slavery;
How tragic it is that “Christ is divided” in many denominations and sects… The Polish bishop Josaphat dedicated much of his life in the 17th century to the reunion of the Orthodox Church with Rome. This task cost him his life. The work of Church unity is far from ended. There are still many obstacles
Year II. The first part of the text from the letter to Titus sounds like prayer intentions for the Christian community and may therefore reflect the liturgical life of the young Church. Then the letter says that the Spirit has been poured out abundantly on us at baptism. Gospel. In the account of the cure
During a military campaign, Martin cut his mantle into two to save a poor beggar from freezing to death. This gesture became a symbol of Christian sharing. Ordained a priest by S. Hilary of Tours, he introduced the monastic life in France. Later, as bishop of Tours, he created and organised many rural parishes and
Year II. Paul writes to Titus that Christ has given himself for the Church. The community should bear witness to this by the kind of life people lead, each according to one’s state in life. Gospel. The words of Jesus in today’s gospel seem directed more to the Pharisees and scribes, who claimed to be
At the occasion of the feast of a Pope who understood his time and who is therefore one of the two popes called “the great,” we reflect for a moment on the task and service of leadership in the Church. Serving, witnessing, collegiality among the leaders and with priests and the laity, seeking together to
Greeting Know that this place is holy because the Lord is here among us. Know that we ourselves are called to be holy for we are God’s temple. May the Lord Jesus always stay with you. R/ And also with you. Introduction by the Celebrant Christians build churches to worship God. But churches have no
Greeting (See Second Reading) We believe that Jesus died and rose again and that those who have died in Jesus will be brought to life with their Lord. May Jesus, the Lord of life, be always with you all. R/ And also with you. Introduction by the Celebrant When they hear that they have to
