Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“You too go into my vineyard!” Ever since the beginning of the mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ, this very invitation has never failed to resound in the course of history. It is addressed to every person who comes into this world. It is being addressed to each of us...

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last Sunday, Jesus’ instruction was about fraternal correction. This week, as we continue to read from Matthew 18, our focus shifts from correcting to forgiving. At the heart of the Gospel is the call to extend mercy to others because God has been so merciful to us....

Our Lady of Sorrows

Mothers often carry sorrow in their hearts; sorrow is an inescapable aspect of maternal love. Mary, who loves more, therefore also has more sorrow. With today’s feast, which goes naturally with yesterday’s celebration of the Exaltation of the Cross, we join our...

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The New Testament is full of references to the Cross. The first mention of it is in Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve, where he makes a negative statement: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38). A few chapters later,...

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Gospel focuses on the question of what to do “if your brother sins against you.” Sometimes, in addition to being merciful and patient, we must correct each other. Jesus teaches us the proper approach to fraternal correction. Part of being a Christian is the...

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

In his rebuke of Peter in today’s Gospel, Jesus points out for us a contrast between two views – that of God and that of human beings. Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ prediction of his Passion is the example of a human point of view. Just before this rebuke, Peter was on...