Thursday | June 10, 2021
Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus’ teaching in this part of the sermon is more radical than that of the scribes. Though they might be seen as fulfilling the law, they do not really understand the depth and breadth of it. In the first of the six antitheses, Jesus tells his followers that they must set aside anger and any behavior that might potentially lead to murder. They must always be willing to reconcile.
Help me to name and claim not only my anger, but even the smallest irritation toward my sisters and brothers. And even if my efforts to reconcile are not acknowledged or reciprocated, help me to let go and love like you
Wednesday | June 9, 2021
Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus tells the disciples and the crowd that he will not abolish the law of the Old Testament but he will not continue to treat it as a static document held over the people. At the heart of the law is the commandment to love and he will make sure that every word is understood as map and compass to right relationship with God and neighbor.
You are good, right and just and your will is that the world understand what this means. May I find the courage to live in accordance with your will and influence others to do the same.
Tuesday | June 8, 2021
Matthew 5:13-16
Salt and light are the images Jesus uses to reflect the role of the disciples. Salt not only enhances, it preserves. They are to enhance and improve lives with the good news. The disciples are also commissioned to preserve the church from heresy and destruction. They are called to let the light of Christ shine through them.
May we who follow you continue to be “salt and light,” witnesses committed to influencing the whole world.
Monday | June 7, 2021
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus goes up the mountain like Moses before him. He sits and the crowd, including his disciples, gathers round. The Beatitudes are the “heart” of the commandments. It is a deeper level of understanding more than what to do or not do but how to be what God intends every person to be.
I pray to be all that you have created me to be and, relying less on myself and more on you, my God.
Sunday | June 6, 2021
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
Jesus has made his own preparations for the Last Supper and first Eucharistic meal. He sends the disciples out with instructions that will lead them to the proper place so that they can lay out the table for their meal. In their participation in the preparation Jesus is telling them that in going forward they must actively participate in his mission on earth.
How sad it is to know that many today see Mass as another extra-curricular activity. We pray that they discover this celebration, the “source and summit” of our Catholic faith.
Saturday | June 5, 2021
Mark 12:38-44
The humility and fidelity of the widow stands in sharp contrast to the hypocrisy of the scribes. Their religiosity is superficial, intended to draw attention to themselves. The widow willingly gives all that she has, a clear sign of her absolute dependence on God. Her action is what it means to be “poor in spirit”.
I pray for the courage to let go and give to others in the same way and in the same spirit as the widow.
Friday | June 4, 2021
Mark 12:35-37
The scribes have been asking Jesus the difficult questions up to this point in the Gospel. Now, Jesus poses a question to them not to trick them but to bring them to the truth about his relationship with God. Jesus is a descendant of David, no doubt, but he is the Son of God.
I praise you Lord God; for all that you have done throughout the ages. I praise and thank you for all you do for me.
Thursday | June 3, 2021
Mark 12:28-34
Jesus responds to the scribe in a way like that of a Jewish Scripture or Wisdom teacher of that time. In turn, the scribe uses the same method as Jesus, weaving parts of Hebrew Scripture together highlighting the meaning of the answer. The two are in agreement.
Jesus, your intent was never to abolish the law and the prophets. You were and are the fulfillment of God’s plan for our salvation.
Wednesday | June 2, 2021
Mark 12:18-27
The intent of the Jewish leaders is to trap Jesus with their question much like the question posed to him in yesterday’s Gospel about paying taxes to the emperor. Without hesitation, Jesus puts it right back on them. His wisdom shines a light on their ignorance of God’s law and eternal life. They are “greatly misled”.
I know that I cannot rely on myself or others for understanding your will and your ways. When I cannot hold fast to you, I pray you hold on to me.
Tuesday | June 1, 2021
Matthew 12:13-17
For the first few days of June the reading from the Old Testament is taken from the Book of Tobit. Though listed with the historical books, it is a beautiful religious story about the relationship between God and God’s people. God answers the prayers of his people in the most unexpected ways.
I am thankful for the stories, old and new. It is through them I come to know you, and to understand your will for me.
