Last week we heard how Jesus was tempted, something in his life which brings out the reality of his humanity, and can make us feel closer to him, as another human being. Today we hear a story (Mk 9:2-10) which seems to take us in the opposite direction – how, on going up this mountain, […]
Second Sunday of Lent Read More »
After his baptism in the River Jordan, Jesus goes into the desert (Mk 1:12-15). Mark tells the story in two sentences; none of the elaborate discussion with Satan that we find in Matthew and Luke. But the sparseness of Mark’s account makes the central point much clearer. Jesus was tempted. The Son of God, identical
First Sunday of Lent Read More »
Our Gospel for Ash Wednesday emphasizes a very private form of penance (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18). This is something that we feel comfortable with. We are unlikely to be amongst those who want to make an exhibition of ourselves. The crazies who walk up and down with placards declaring the end is nigh – that’s definitely
Lepers are the classic example of social outcasts. Today’s first reading (Lv 13:1-2, 44-46) sets it out very clearly, in stern legal language. That approach, in a world where disease was a complete mystery, and disfigurement was an obvious sign of god’s displeasure, was universal. It continued for a very long time. Mother Teresa’s first
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Following on from last week’s reading, where we heard about Jesus in his public persona, teaching in the local synagogue, this week we move to a very domestic situation (Mk 1:29-39). Jesus is heading home with his new friends for dinner. I always find the reference here to Simon’s mother-in-law slightly jarring. It’s like –
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »