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Readings for Sunday: 1 Samuel, 1 Corinthians, Luke

Sometimes Jesus’ commands seem crazy; for example, in today’s Gospel, he tells us to “love our enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Yet, if we understand it, it makes perfect sense. In the first place, the actual word in the original Greek text is Ἀγαπᾶτε (agapate); it is the command form of the verb agapaó, “to love.” But this is different than the other Greek words for love such as phileō (brotherly love, the love of friends), stérgō (family feeling), éramai (physical love, romantic love, sexual love). Agapaó means to do good for the other person without expectation of repayment. It has nothing to do with how you feel, rather, it is about what you do. Jesus would ultimately say, “No one has greater love (agape) than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

We, as sinners, were in a sense God’s enemies. St. Paul wrote, “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We see God’s love for us in the Cross. We see God’s love in what he did for us, not expeting repayment because it is impossible to buy or earn or compensate God’s for our salvation. As God loves us, we are to love others, even our enemies.

There is a difference between authentically loving someone and liking someone. Liking someone means you enjoy being around that person, and or you agree with that person, and so on. You can truly love (agapaó) someone while not liking him. You can like someone without truly loving her. We have probably all had friends who like us but didn’t truly love us: they were not there when we truly needed them or they were not willing to do good for us without expecting some kind of payment or return. Jesus is not like that: he truly loves us, even when we are not being very likable; he truly loves us even though we are sinners.

Readings for Sunday: Malachi, Hebrews, Luke

At the Field Museum there was an exhibit filled with shoes—endless varieties from around the world, even boots. A sign read, “Walk a mile in my shoes,” inviting us to understand others’ lives by imagining their journeys. It was inspiring. But something was missing—a pair of sandals, worn by a Jewish carpenter from Nazareth named Jesus.

Those sandals represent something profound: that God Himself understands us. God, as God, knows everything.Yet in Jesus, God takes our humanity, walking among us, experiencing life as we do.

The feast we celebrate today, the Presentation of the Lord, reminds us of this incredible truth. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple—the place where God’s glory, His shekinah, dwelled among His people.

For centuries, that glory had seemed distant—hidden behind the curtain of the Holy of Holies, accessible only to the high priest, and only once a year at that. But Malachi foretold a day when the Lord Himself would come to His temple. And when He did, it wasn’t with fire and lightning, but as a baby in His mother’s arms.

In Jesus, the glory of God walked a mile in our shoes. He shared in our joys and sorrows, even our death, to save us from sin and bring us into a new relationship with God—as His beloved children.

So, when life feels dark or overwhelming, follow Simeon’s example. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Because in Jesus, our God is with us in our experience, even when life is hard.

Readings for Sunday: Micah, Hebrews, Luke

While Jesus is clearly present (in Mary’s womb), Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, honors Mary. This honor is not in opposition to or competition with Jesus; rather, Elizabeth honors Mary because of her unique relationship with her Son.

And so it is with us. When we pray the Hail Mary, we are simply quoting scripture: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,” echoes the Archangel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary. The line “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” is from Elizabeth’s greeting. To these scriptural words, we add the petition, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners…”

Readings for Sunday: 1 Kings, Hebrews, Mark

Unlike the wealthy who give what’s extra, she gives everything she has out of love and trust in God.

This story reflects how God gives Himself to us fully, especially through Christ, who poured out His life on the cross and continues to offer Himself in the Mass. Just as the widow gave all she had, God invites us to surrender our lives back to Him. This is the heart of stewardship—not just giving money but offering our time, talents, and entire selves. Through this, we love God with everything we are and have, allowing His love to transform our lives.

Readings for Sunday: Deuteronomy, Hebrews, Mark

Yet, we often find our hearts divided. We say we love God, but we can let other “gods” creep in—work, money, comfort, or even our reputation or self-image. How often do we prioritize these things over God? Just as importantly, we struggle to love our neighbors, especially those who challenge or inconvenience us.

Jesus reminds us that these commandments are inseparable. Loving God fully allows us to love others more deeply. The call to love requires us to act, not just to feel. Through prayer, Mass, and serving those around us, we can grow in this love, allowing it to shape our lives and draw us closer to God’s Kingdom. Let us ask for the grace to love God with our whole hearts, and to love others as He loves us.

Readings for Sunday: Jeremiah, Hebrews, Mark

Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus answers simply, “Master, I want to see.” This is more than a request for physical sight. It is a recognition of who Jesus is—a surrender to His will and a desire for true discipleship. Bartimaeus gains his sight, but more importantly, he gains the ability to follow Jesus.

This story calls us to reflect on our own fears. When we cry out to Jesus, are we ready to respond to His call? Are we willing to throw aside our old ways and trust in His mercy, even if His response is different from what we expect? Like Bartimaeus, we are called not just to receive, but to follow—through our fears, through the cross, and into the hope of resurrection. Faith is not just belief; it is trust, surrender, and a willingness to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, Hebrews, Mark

However, Jesus, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself once and for all on the cross, providing a permanent way for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. His priesthood is not limited by time or human frailty—it is eternal.

Today, our Catholic priests participate in this priesthood of Christ. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and confession, they make present the grace of Christ’s sacrifice. As we reflect, let us approach the “throne of grace” with confidence, knowing that through Christ, we find mercy and help in every moment of need. Pray for more priests to continue this vital mission.

Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, James, Mark

Catholicism presents a comprehensive path to salvation, one that demands an active, daily commitment to living out the faith. We cannot earn our salvation, but at the same time it involves more than a single moment of acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior; it is a lifelong journey of faithfulness, much like a marriage. True love for God means dedicating time to prayer, seeking His will, and living a life that aligns with His teachings.

In contrast to some evangelical perspectives that emphasize a one-time declaration of faith, Catholicism calls for ongoing engagement and fidelity. It is a way of life where salvation is realized through persistent faith and practice through God’s grace. By adhering to this path, we prepare ourselves to be welcomed into heaven, fully united with Christ.

Readings for Sunday: Genisis, Second Corinthians, Mark

If we understand this, then we can understand what Jesus meant. According to Augustine, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the refusal to repent. In refusing to repent, one is not only rejecting God’s mercy, and hence will forever be stuck in sin, but also profaning God’s name by making God out to be a liar. It is effectively asserting that I am right, and God is wrong; it is effectively asserting that what he calls sin, I decide to be good (at least for me).