Path To Sunday

Readings for Sunday: Jeremiah, 1 Corinthians, Luke

In today’s Gospel, we hear the Beatitudes. One way to understand them is to see them as: how we are “to be.” Granted, beatitude is blessedness; to be blessed. Yet, we have to be open to receive God’s blessings, and so how “we are” is very much related to being blessed by God.

The Beatitudes show us that what God intends for us is very different than the attitudes conveyed by the world around us. Hence, Jesus says such seemingly crazy things like, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” However, the truth is that we are ultimately poor; all of creation is ultimately God’s and we only have temporary possession of the things of the earth. Furthermore, we are existentially poor: we did not create ourselves and we do not save ourselves. We receive everything as a gift from God. How are we “to be” before God? Humble and receptive to his gifts.

Additionally, when we “are” in relationship with God, then we will live differently than many in a world marked by sin. For that reason, Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.” It may not seem like we are blessed when people hate us, but to be united with Jesus, who himself was rejected by the world, is to have the greatest of all treasures.

Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, 1 Corinthians, Luke

This Sunday, we hear in the second reading St. Paul’s summary of the Kerygma. The word kerygma is Greek for proclamation. It is what is translated as “preach” in the last line of the reading: “Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” We now refer to as the Kerygma, the basic message of our faith; it is the Good News or Gospel in summary form.

St. Paul is reminding the members of the Church in the city of Corinth what they heard him preach in person. First, the Good News is that of salvation. But salvation is a journey, which begins at Baptism, but requires our participation and free will choices. We must cooperate with God’s grace.

The Kerygma that St. Paul repeats is the same one explained more fully in the Nicene Creed we recite at mass every Sunday: “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve…”

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: Wisdom, 2nd Corinthians, Mark

Yet, Jesus fulfills the entire law of the covenant, including the laws covering ritual purity. Thus, when the woman touched him, he should have become ritually impure himself, but he did not as he cured her. When he touched the dead body of the little girl, he likewise would have become ritually impure, but he did not, as she lived.

In the end, it is a question of faith in Jesus Christ; faith leads to life and purity of heart. We need to be like the woman and be willing to merely touch his cloak.