December 31, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
The beginning of John’s Gospel has a haunting context to it. The language and concepts are shrouded in mystery. The mystery of God’s being will give rise to the mystery of His love and then the mystery of His desire to forgive and the work of redemption. As we read through John’s Gospel, let us remain open to being drawn into that mystery and living it with the Holy Spirit. This is the deepest level of understanding we will get.
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ ” 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 17 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
THE PRAYER OF SIMEON
December 29, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
The Nunc Dimitus, the Prayer of Simeon, are his parting words to the world and a great comfort on which to reflect. They are the words of a man who trusted in the Lord throughout his life. He believed in the coming Messiah and wanted to witness His advent. God blessed him with seeing the child Jesus, and thus Simeon’s desire was fulfilled. Simeon is now happy to leave this world for the next.
Luke 2:22-35
22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Monday, December 27, 2010
THEY HAVE TAKEN THE LORD
December 27, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Peter’s leadership role among the apostles shows us that it is not necessarily learning and understanding that make a good leader; God looks to other qualities as well when developing leaders. We need to be aware of this as we disciple and form the leaders of tomorrow in the Church.
John 20:1a, 2-8
1 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene 2 ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; 5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. 6 When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, 7 and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. 8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
THE HOLY FAMILY
December 26, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
God knows that Jesus will need an earthly father and that is why He has chosen such a wonderful man as Joseph to be the husband of Mary and the father of His Son. Let us see in the priority God gives to providing parents for His Son an indication of the level of commitment and thought we need to give to our responsibility to be good parents to our children.
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 19 When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. 23 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
D A I L Y G O S P E L
God knows that Jesus will need an earthly father and that is why He has chosen such a wonderful man as Joseph to be the husband of Mary and the father of His Son. Let us see in the priority God gives to providing parents for His Son an indication of the level of commitment and thought we need to give to our responsibility to be good parents to our children.
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 19 When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. 23 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Saturday, December 25, 2010
AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH
December 25, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
The Johanine description of the birth of Jesus takes far more unraveling and explanation than we have room for here. Suffice it to say that John is speaking very deeply about the origin, or better, existence of Jesus and how and why He was sent to us. Let us recognize that there is a great deal more that we could say and leave it at that. I am sure you are all quite capable of reflecting upon this wonderful mystery yourselves.
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ ” 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 17 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
D A I L Y G O S P E L
The Johanine description of the birth of Jesus takes far more unraveling and explanation than we have room for here. Suffice it to say that John is speaking very deeply about the origin, or better, existence of Jesus and how and why He was sent to us. Let us recognize that there is a great deal more that we could say and leave it at that. I am sure you are all quite capable of reflecting upon this wonderful mystery yourselves.
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ ” 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 17 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
Friday, December 24, 2010
THE BENEDICTUS
December 24, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Just as Mary’s thanksgiving is expressed in her Magnificat (albeit largely borrowed from Hannah, the mother of Samuel), so too is Zechariah’s thanksgiving expressed in the Benedictus, the Gospel for today. We learn here that we should always seek opportunities to give thanks to God for the blessings He gives us. Gratitude is an integral part of discipleship; it will ensure the ongoing blessing of our projects, relationships and entire lives.
Luke 1:67-79
67 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. 69 He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, 70 even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant 73 and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, 74 rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Just as Mary’s thanksgiving is expressed in her Magnificat (albeit largely borrowed from Hannah, the mother of Samuel), so too is Zechariah’s thanksgiving expressed in the Benedictus, the Gospel for today. We learn here that we should always seek opportunities to give thanks to God for the blessings He gives us. Gratitude is an integral part of discipleship; it will ensure the ongoing blessing of our projects, relationships and entire lives.
Luke 1:67-79
67 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. 69 He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, 70 even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant 73 and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, 74 rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Thursday, December 23, 2010
THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
December 23, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
The story of the conception and birth of John the Baptist is very instructive as far as an understanding of discipleship goes. It shows us the two extremes in the person of Zechariah, the father of John. He first disbelieves the word of the angel and is struck dumb; then he demonstrates belief through his obedience in giving John that name. He thus receives again the ability to speak. Obedience commands the blessing of God, whereas disobedience can lead to all sorts of suffering.
Luke 1:57-66
57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
D A I L Y G O S P E L
The story of the conception and birth of John the Baptist is very instructive as far as an understanding of discipleship goes. It shows us the two extremes in the person of Zechariah, the father of John. He first disbelieves the word of the angel and is struck dumb; then he demonstrates belief through his obedience in giving John that name. He thus receives again the ability to speak. Obedience commands the blessing of God, whereas disobedience can lead to all sorts of suffering.
Luke 1:57-66
57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
THE HUMILITY OF MARY
December 22, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Mary rejoices in the blessings God has given her — not to exult in her status as a recipient of God’s blessings, but in the humility of a true servant of God. Mary knows that her life is a gift from God and she wants us all to know that this is how she sees it. Let us never forget that we owe all good things and goodness in our lives to the mercy of God. Let us also pray that we will live with the humility and obedience of Mary so that we will bear the maximum fruit for God.
Luke 1:46-56
46 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. 49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. 51 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. 52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. 53 The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, 55 according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” 56 Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Monday, December 20, 2010
BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN
December 21, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Mary is not just obedient to God’s will; she always puts others’ needs before her own. She hears of her elderly cousin’s pregnancy and immediately sets out to help her. It is this sort of selflessness that characterizes a life of faith and that we should seek to imitate. As James tells us in his epistle, faith without works is dead. Do not allow your faith to die through lack of motivation to serve.
Luke 1:39-45
39 Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Sunday, December 19, 2010
MARY, THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD
December 20, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Mary’s obedience to God’s will is always going to be the starting point of any understanding of obedience. It is the human obedience with the greatest fruit, apart from that of Jesus, who is also divine. It is Mary’s “Yes” that we all must seek to emulate in that it is the only way we can fully enter into the gift of salvation Jesus offers us. Obedience is never weak when it is obedience to God.
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
THE CHALLENGE FOR ST. JOSEPH
December 19, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Joseph found himself in a bit of a spot, so to speak, don’t you think? He knows he is not the father. And yet here is God asking him through an angel to act as though he is. I doubt we will ever find ourselves in a position quite as difficult as this when following the Lord in our faith. If you do, let me know because I am sure it will be quite a story.
Matthew 1:18-24
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM EMMANUEL
December 18, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Honor is something that is obviously important to Joseph. Perhaps he was aware of the purity of his betrothed and thus could not see how she could have possibly betrayed his love? Whatever the case, he refuses to denounce her and stand in judgment of her. Perhaps we need to learn to give people the benefit of the doubt a bit more often than we do rather than rushing in to rash judgments that may not be fully justified?
Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
THE GENEALOGY OF CHRIST
December 17, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Genealogies are an important part of the Scriptures as they situate a person within the Tradition. For Jews this was particularly important as it could often dictate the type of service of their faith they were born into. Similarly, as Christians, it is important to know where we stand in our own faith tradition to know who we are as individuals. If we do not know this, we will be like ships in a stormy sea without compass or rudder. I hope that does not describe your experience of your faith.
Matthew 1:1-17
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, 6 Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. 8 Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. 9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. 12 After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, 15 Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. 17 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Genealogies are an important part of the Scriptures as they situate a person within the Tradition. For Jews this was particularly important as it could often dictate the type of service of their faith they were born into. Similarly, as Christians, it is important to know where we stand in our own faith tradition to know who we are as individuals. If we do not know this, we will be like ships in a stormy sea without compass or rudder. I hope that does not describe your experience of your faith.
Matthew 1:1-17
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, 6 Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. 8 Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. 9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. 12 After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, 15 Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. 17 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST
December 16, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
If the Jews are truly honest in their judgment of Him, Jesus knows that they will find in His favor. Yes, His ministry as Messiah is nothing like what they were expecting, but they ought to have expected that in the first place because God is not predictable except in His love and mercy. Their stubbornness is reaching epic proportions and is about to lead them seriously astray. Jesus will not “change His tune” as He is acting according to His Father’s will; it is they who need to reassess their position.
John 5:33-36 (or Luke 7:24-30)
33 Jesus said to the Jews: “You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
THE WORKS OF CHRIST
December 15, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
John is clearly a man of humility. I wonder how tempted he was to ignore Jesus’ ministry and focus on his own? Thank God, he did not do this. He stands as an example for us today, particularly those with large ministries, of what it means to be a minister of the Gospel — namely, to give one’s life in the service of the Good News and to direct all the glory to God.
Luke 7:18b-23
18 At that time, John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 20 When the men came to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’ ” 21 At that time he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. 22 And he said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 23 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF THE FATHER
December 14, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Many people know what the Church teaches but very few live out that teaching to the full. Whose life will give the more powerful witness, the one who knows and lives the teaching or the one who knows and fails to live the teaching? The answer is simple: “actions speak louder than words.”
Matthew 21:28-32
28 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Many people know what the Church teaches but very few live out that teaching to the full. Whose life will give the more powerful witness, the one who knows and lives the teaching or the one who knows and fails to live the teaching? The answer is simple: “actions speak louder than words.”
Matthew 21:28-32
28 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
Sunday, December 12, 2010
BY GODS' AUTHORITY
December 13, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Jesus is not going to be put off by bullies. Neither should we. If we know that our particular stance on a moral issue is correct because we are merely following Church teaching then we should stand firm against anyone who would seek to tell us otherwise. The world’s sense of morality today is very weak and usually guided by emotion or feelings. We live by the truth of what God intends for His creation. This may be hard to do, but it is the only way to eternal life.
Matthew 21:23-27
23 When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” He himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Saturday, December 11, 2010
THE COST OF DOUBT AND IMPATIENCE
December 12, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
John the Baptist is the perfect image and example of preparation. He gives his life to prepare for the ministry of Christ. That is exactly what we are all supposed to do except that while John prepared for Christ’s first coming, the rest of us are to prepare for His second coming. Just looking at the numbers, it is easy to see that the Second Coming will be far more glorious than the first one; at least it should be if we do our bit.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus 3 with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 4 Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
D A I L Y G O S P E L
John the Baptist is the perfect image and example of preparation. He gives his life to prepare for the ministry of Christ. That is exactly what we are all supposed to do except that while John prepared for Christ’s first coming, the rest of us are to prepare for His second coming. Just looking at the numbers, it is easy to see that the Second Coming will be far more glorious than the first one; at least it should be if we do our bit.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus 3 with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 4 Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
ELIJAH MUST COME FIRST
December 11, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Elijah was expected as the predecessor to the coming of the Messiah. It seems that John the Baptist suffices for such a role. Whether he does or does not should not be our focus but whether or not we are following God’s plan for our lives. Only when we are obedient to God’s will are we able to rest secure in the belief that we are doing the best we can for His Kingdom.
Matthew 17:9a, 10-13
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 The disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Elijah was expected as the predecessor to the coming of the Messiah. It seems that John the Baptist suffices for such a role. Whether he does or does not should not be our focus but whether or not we are following God’s plan for our lives. Only when we are obedient to God’s will are we able to rest secure in the belief that we are doing the best we can for His Kingdom.
Matthew 17:9a, 10-13
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 The disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
WE CANNOT PLEASE EVERYONE
December 10, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
We cannot please everyone. This does not have to make us depressed. The key to coping with such people is to ask ourselves whether or not we are doing our best in following God in that situation. If we are, then we should walk away knowing that there is nothing more we can do and the rest is up to God. The key is obedience to God’s will — that is all He asks of us; the rest is up to Him.
Matthew 11:16-19
16 Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, 17 ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
D A I L Y G O S P E L
We cannot please everyone. This does not have to make us depressed. The key to coping with such people is to ask ourselves whether or not we are doing our best in following God in that situation. If we are, then we should walk away knowing that there is nothing more we can do and the rest is up to God. The key is obedience to God’s will — that is all He asks of us; the rest is up to Him.
Matthew 11:16-19
16 Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, 17 ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
HE IS ELIJAH, WHO IS TO COME
December 9, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
If we want to be a disciple of Jesus and survive we will have to be willing to fight for what we believe. If we are not, then we have already lost. We have to be willing to give all we are in His service and hold nothing back from Him. God is interested in us being “all out” for Him. If we are, all things will be possible.
Matthew 11:11-15
11 Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. 13 All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. 15 Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
D A I L Y G O S P E L
If we want to be a disciple of Jesus and survive we will have to be willing to fight for what we believe. If we are not, then we have already lost. We have to be willing to give all we are in His service and hold nothing back from Him. God is interested in us being “all out” for Him. If we are, all things will be possible.
Matthew 11:11-15
11 Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. 13 All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. 15 Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
MAY IT BE DONE TO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD
December 8, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
One of the things that we have to be careful of when we give honor to Mary is that we do not displace Jesus from His rightful place as Lord of our lives. Very subtly our focus can be shifted so that Mary gets too much attention and we miss the real power available through faith in Jesus. Yes, Mary is a powerful intercessor — there is none more powerful. But Jesus is It — He is the power; it is through Him that everything in our lives of faith is done.
Luke 1:26-38
26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Monday, December 6, 2010
MY LITTLE LAMB
December 7, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
I think this parable tells us that God is always on the lookout for the weak and powerless in order to help them survive. God will never give up on any one of us. He loves us all with an everlasting love and wants us all to receive the gift of salvation.
Matthew 18:12-14
12 Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? 13 And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. 14 In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
WE HAVE SEEN INCREDIBLE THINGS TODAY
December 6, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
It seems that nothing was going to get in the way of these men getting their friend to Jesus. They were motivated because they believed that Jesus could heal their paralytic friend. We need to develop the same level of belief and trust in God and His promises if we are going to be faithful to His call.
Luke 5:17-26
17 One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. 18 And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set [him] in his presence. 19 But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. 20 When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” 21 Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 22 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 25 He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. 26 Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”
Saturday, December 4, 2010
THE MISSION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
December 5, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Why did Jesus need to be baptized? He tells us in the Gospel that it was in order to fulfill all righteousness — whatever that might mean! The Fathers of the Church tell us that it was in order to sanctify the waters of baptism and so make them life-giving through the sacrament we celebrate in the Church. I like this idea as it links our own baptism with that of Jesus. After all, our baptism is a celebration of our redemption by Him.
Matthew 3:1-12
1 John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’ ” 4 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him 6 and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. 7 When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Friday, December 3, 2010
THE HARVEST IS FULL
December 4, 2010
D A I L Y G O S P E L
Jesus commands His disciples to attend to the lost sheep of the House of Israel before proclaiming the Good News abroad. In our case, if we are unable to set our own house in order and evangelize those who already have at least a partial basis upon which we can build, how are we going to convince those we do not know and those who do not even have an understanding of the Christian life?
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
35 Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in theirisynagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. 36 At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; 38 so ask the master of the harvest to send out labourers for his harvest.” 10: 1 Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. 5 Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, 6 “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
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