The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is a non-profit research and educational institute that promotes life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday/ Toribio De Mogrovejo, Bishop First Reading: Exodus 32: 7-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 106: 19-20, 21-22, 23 Verse Before the Gospel: John 3: 16 Gospel: John 5: 31-47 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 49: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 Verse Before the Gospel: John 11: 25a, 26 Gospel: John 5: 17-30 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 51: 12a, 14a Gospel: John 5: 1-16 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph by Dr. Scott Hahn. Joseph, Husband of Mary Solemnity First Reading: Second Samuel 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89: 2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 Second Reading: Romans 4: 13, 16-18, 22 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 84: 5 Gospel: Matthew 1: 16, 18-21, 24 or Luke 2: 41-51a Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6–7, 10–13 Psalm 23:1–6 Ephesians 5:8–14 John 9:1–41 God's ways of seeing are not our ways, we hear in today's First Reading. Jesus illustrates this in the Gospel as the blind man comes to see and the Pharisees are made blind. The blind man stands for all humanity. “Born totally in sin,” he is made a new creation by the saving power of Christ. As God fashioned the first man from the clay of the earth (see Genesis 2:7), Jesus gives the blind man new life by anointing his eyes with clay (see John 9:11). As God breathed the spirit of life into the first man, the blind man is not healed until he washes in the waters of Siloam, a name that means “Sent.” Jesus is the One “sent” by the Father to do the Father's will (see John 9:4; 12:44). He is the new source of life-giving water: the Holy Spirit who rushes upon us in Baptism (see John 4:10; 7:38–39). This is the Spirit that rushes upon God's chosen king David in today's First Reading. A shepherd like Moses before him (see Exodus 3:1; Psalm 78:70–71), David is also a sign pointing to the good shepherd and king to come—Jesus (see John 10:11). The Lord is our shepherd, as we sing in today's Psalm. By His death and Resurrection He has made a path for us through the dark valley of sin and death, leading us to the verdant pastures of the kingdom of life, the Church. In the restful waters of Baptism He has refreshed our souls. He has anointed our heads with the oil of Confirmation and spread the Eucharistic table before us, filling our cups to overflowing. With the once-blind man we enter His house to give God the praise, to renew our vow: “I do believe, Lord.” “The Lord looks into the heart,” we hear today. Let Him find us, as Paul advises in today's Epistle, living as “children of light,” trying always to learn what is pleasing to our Father.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week of Lent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lenten Weekday/ Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Hosea 6: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 95: 8 Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ Patrick, Bishop, Missionary, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and Up) First Reading: Hosea 14: 2-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 7: 23-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13 Gospel: Luke 11: 14-23 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Verse Before the Gospel: John 6: 63c, 68c Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-19 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Daniel 3: 25, 34-43 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13 Gospel: Matthew 18: 21-35 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 5: 1-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 42: 2, 3; 43: 3, 4 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 130: 5, 7 Gospel: Luke 4: 24-30 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Readings: Exodus 17:3–7 Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9 Romans 5:1–2, 5–8 John 4:5–15, 19–26, 39–42 The Israelites' hearts were hardened by their hardships in the desert. Though they saw His mighty deeds, in their thirst they grumble and put God to the test in today's First Reading—a crisis point recalled also in today's Psalm. Jesus is thirsty, too in today's Gospel. He thirsts for souls (see John 19:28). He longs to give the Samaritan woman the living waters that well up to eternal life. These waters couldn't be drawn from the well of Jacob, father of the Israelites and the Samaritans. But Jesus was something greater than Jacob (see Luke 11:31–32). The Samaritans were Israelites who escaped exile when Assyria conquered the Northern Kingdom eight centuries before Christ (see 2 Kings 17:6, 24–41). They were despised for intermarrying with non-Israelites and worshipping at Mount Gerazim, not Jerusalem. But Jesus tells the woman that the “hour” of true worship is coming, when all will worship God in Spirit and truth. Jesus' “hour” is the “appointed time” that Paul speaks of in today's Epistle. It is the hour when the Rock of our salvation was struck on the Cross. Struck by the soldier's lance, living waters flowed out from our Rock (see John 19:34–37). These waters are the Holy Spirit (see John 7:38–39), the gift of God (see Hebrews 6:4). By the living waters the ancient enmities of Samaritans and Jews have been washed away, the dividing wall between Israel and the nations is broken down (see Ephesians 2:12–14,18). Since His hour, all may drink of the Spirit in Baptism (see 1 Corinthians 12:13). In the Eucharist, the Lord now is in our midst—as He was at the Rock of Horeb and at the well of Jacob. In the “today” of our Liturgy, He calls us to believe: “I am He,” come to pour out the love of God into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. How can we continue to worship as if we don't understand? How can our hearts remain hardened?
Lecturas: Éxodo 17,3–7 Salmo 95,1–2.6–9 Romanos 5,1–2.5–8 Juan 4,5–15.19–26.39–42 Los corazones de los israelitas fueron endurecidos por las pruebas en el desierto. Aunque habían visto las proezas de Dios, cuando estaban sedientos murmuraron contra Él y lo pusieron a prueba, según nos dice la primera lectura de hoy. El salmo recuerda también ese momento de crisis. También Jesús tiene sed en el Evangelio de hoy. Está sediento de almas (cf. Jn 19,28). Anhela dar a la samaritana las aguas vivas que brotan hasta la vida eterna. Esas aguas no podían sacarse del pozo de Jacob, padre de los israelitas y también de los samaritanos. Pero Jesús es mayor que Jacob (cf. Lc 11,31–32). Los samaritanos eran israelitas que escaparon del exilio cuando Asiría conquistó el Reino del Norte, ocho siglos antes de Cristo (cf. 2R 17,6; 24–41). Fueron despreciados por casarse con no-israelitas y por rendir culto en el monte Garizim, no en Jerusalén. Pero Jesús le dice a la mujer que ha llegado “la hora” del auténtico culto, cuando todos adorarán a Dios en Espíritu y en verdad. La “hora” de Jesús es el “tiempo señalado” del que San Pablo habla en la Epístola de hoy. Es la hora en la que la Roca de nuestra salvación fue golpeada en la Cruz. Herida por la lanza del soldado, de nuestra Roca brotaron aguas vivas (cf. Jn 19,34–37). Esa agua es el Espíritu Santo (cf. Jn 7,38–39), don de Dios (cf. Hb 6,4). Por las aguas vivas, se ha lavado la antigua enemistad entre samaritanos y judíos; se ha derrumbado la muralla entre Israel y las naciones (cf. Ef 2,12–14.18). Desde la llegada de la hora del Señor, todos pueden beber del Espíritu en el bautismo (cf. 1 Co 12,13). En esta Eucaristía el Señor está en medio de nosotros, como lo estaba en la roca del Horeb y en el pozo de Jacob. En el “hoy” de nuestra liturgia, nos llama a creer que Él es Aquel que ha venido a derramar el amor de Dios en nuestros corazones por medio del Espíritu Santo. ¿Cómo podemos seguir rindiendo culto como si no entendiéramos esto?¿Cómo podemos seguir con nuestros corazones endurecidos?
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Second Week of Lent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Micah 7: 14-15, 18-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 15: 18 Gospel: Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Second Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and Up) First Reading: Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 16-17, 18-19, 20-21 Verse Before the Gospel: John 3: 16 Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Join the roundtable discussion with Dr. Scott Hahn, Mrs. Kimberly Hahn, Dr. John Bergsma, and Mr. Rob Corzine about the recent news from the St. Paul Center.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Second Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday/ Frances of Rome, Married Woman, Religious Founder First Reading: Jeremiah 17: 5-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6 Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 8: 15 Gospel: Luke 16: 19-31 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ John of God, Religious Founder First Reading: Jeremiah 18: 18-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 31: 5-6, 14, 15-16 Verse Before the Gospel: John 8: 12 Gospel: Matthew 20: 17-28 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday/ Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs First Reading: Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 18: 31 Gospel: Matthew 23: 1-12 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Second Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Daniel 9: 4b-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 79: 8, 9, 11 and 13 Verse Before the Gospel: John 6: 63c, 68c Gospel: Luke 6: 36-38 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Readings: Genesis 12:1-4 Psalm 33:4-5,18-20, 22 2 Timothy 1:8-10 Matthew 17:1-9 Today's Gospel portrays Jesus as a new and greater Moses. Moses also took three companions up a mountain and on the seventh day was overshadowed by the shining cloud of God's presence. He too spoke with God and his face and clothing were made radiant in the encounter (see Exodus 24, 34). But in today's Lenten Liturgy, the Church wants us to look back past Moses. Indeed, we are asked to contemplate what today's Epistle calls God's “design . . . from before time began.” With His promises to Abram in today's First Reading, God formed the people through whom He would reveal Himself and bestow His blessings on all humanity. He later elevated these promises to eternal covenants and changed Abram's name to Abraham, promising that he would be father of a host nations (see Genesis 17:5). In remembrance of His covenant with Abraham, He raised up Moses (see Exodus 2:24; 3:8), and later swore an everlasting kingdom to David's sons (see Jeremiah 33:26). In Jesus' transfiguration today, He is revealed as the One through whom God fulfills His divine plan from of old. Not only a new Moses, Jesus is also the “beloved son” promised to Abraham and again to David (see Genesis 22:15–18; Psalm 2:7; Matthew 1:1). Moses foretold a prophet like him to whom Israel would listen (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18), and Isaiah foretold an anointed servant in whom God would be well pleased (see Isaiah 42:1). Jesus is this prophet and this servant, as the Voice on the mountain tells us today. By faith we have been made children of the covenant with Abraham (see Galatians 3:7–9; Acts 3:25). He calls us, too, to a holy life, to follow His Son to the heavenly homeland He has promised. We know, as we sing in today's Psalm, that we who hope in Him will be delivered from death. So like our father in faith, we go forth as the Lord directs us: “Listen to Him!”
Lecturas: Génesis 12,1–4 Salmo 33,4–5.18–20.22 2 Timoteo 1,8–10 Mateo 17,1–9 El Evangelio de hoy retrata a Jesús como un nuevo y más grande Moisés. También Moisés tomó tres acompañantes, subió con ellos al monte y al día setenta fue eclipsado por la nube brillante de la presencia de Dios. También él habló con Dios y su cara y ropas se hicieron radiantes en ese encuentro (cf. Ex 24,34). Pero en la liturgia cuaresmal de hoy, la Iglesia quiere que miremos hacia atrás, más allá de Moisés. Más aún, nos invita a contemplar lo que la epístola de hoy llama: “el designio … desde antes de todos los siglos”. Dios, con las promesas que hace a Abrán en la primera lectura de hoy, formó el pueblo por medio del cual Él se revelaría a sí mismo y concedería sus bendiciones a toda la humanidad. Más tarde, Dios elevó sus promesas a alianzas eternas y cambió el nombre de Abrán por Abrahán, prometiéndole que sería padre de una multitud de naciones (cf. Gn 17,5). En recuerdo de su alianza con Abrahán, hizo surgir a Moisés (cf. Ex 2,24; 3,8), y más adelante juró un reino eterno a los hijos de David (cf. Jr 33,26). En la transfiguración de Jesús que leemos hoy, Él se revela como Aquel en quien Dios cumple su plan divino, trazado desde antiguo. Jesús no es sólo un nuevo Moisés, sino el “hijo amado” prometido a Abrahán y prometido nuevamente a David (cf. Gn 22,15–18; Sal 2,7; Mt 1,1). Moisés predijo que vendría un profeta como él a quien Israel escucharía (cf. Dt 18,15–18); e Isaías, un siervo ungido en quien Dios estaría complacido (cf. Is 42,1). Jesús es ese profeta y siervo, como la Voz en el monte nos dice el día de hoy. Por la fe hemos sido hechos hijos de la alianza hecha con Abrahán (cf. Ga 3,7–9; Hch 2,25). También a nosotros Él nos llama a la santidad, a seguir a su Hijo hacia la patria celestial que nos ha prometido. Sabemos, como cantamos en el salmo de hoy, que quienes esperamos en Él seremos librados de la muerte. Por tanto, como nuestro padre en la fe, debemos seguir adelante mientras el Señor nos dice: “¡Escúchenlo!”.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the First Week of Lent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lenten Weekday/ Casimir First Reading: Deuteronomy 26: 16-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8 Verse Before the Gospel: Second Corinthians 6: 2b Gospel: Matthew 5: 43-48 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the First Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ Katharine Drexel, Virgin, Religious Founder, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and Up) First Reading: Ezekiel 18: 21-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 18: 31 Gospel: Matthew 5: 20-26 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the First Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138: 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 51: 12a,14a Gospel: Matthew 7: 7-12 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the First Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Jonah 3: 1-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19 Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13 Gospel: Luke 11: 29-32 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 55: 10-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: Matthew 6: 7-15 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the First Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 11-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 8, 9, 10, 15 Verse Before the Gospel: Second Corinthians 6: 2b Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Readings: Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7 Psalm 51:3–6; 12–14, 17 Romans 5:12–19 Matthew 4:1–11 In today's Liturgy, the destiny of the human race is told as the tale of two “types” of men—the first man, Adam, and the new Adam, Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:21–22; 45–59). Paul's argument in the Epistle is built on a series of contrasts between “one” or “one person” and “the many” or “all.” By one person's disobedience, sin and condemnation entered the world, and death came to reign over all. By the obedience of another one, grace abounded, all were justified, and life came to reign for all. This is the drama that unfolds in today's First Reading and Gospel. Formed from the clay of the ground and filled with the breath of God's own Spirit, Adam was a son of God (see Luke 3:38), created in His image (see Genesis 5:1–3). Crowned with glory, he was given dominion over the world and the protection of His angels (see Psalms 8:6–8; 91:11–13). He was made to worship God—to live not by bread alone but in obedience to every word that comes from the mouth of the Father. Adam, however, put the Lord his God to the test. He gave in to the serpent's temptation, trying to seize for himself all that God had already promised him. But in His hour of temptation, Jesus prevailed where Adam failed—and drove the devil away. Still, we sin after the pattern of Adam's transgression. Like Adam, we let sin in the door (see Genesis 4:7) when we entertain doubts about God's promises, when we forget to call on Him in our hours of temptation. But the grace won for us by Christ's obedience means that sin is no longer our master. As we begin this season of repentance, we can be confident in His compassion, that He will create in us a new heart (see Romans 5:5; Hebrews 8:10). As we do in today's Psalm, we can sing joyfully of our salvation, renewed in His presence.
Lecturas: Génesis 2,7–9; 3,1–7 Salmo 51,3–6.12–14.17 Romanos 5,12–19 Mateo 4,1–11 En la liturgia de hoy, el destino de la raza humana se nos cuenta como un relato sobre dos “tipos” de hombre: el primero, Adán, y el nuevo Adán, Jesús (cf. 1 Co 15,21–22; 45–59). San Pablo construye su argumento en la epístola mediante una serie de contrastes entre “uno” o “una solo hombre”, y “muchos” o “todos”. Por la desobediencia de una persona entró el pecado y la condena al mundo, y la muerte comenzó a reinar sobre todos. Por la obediencia de otro, abundó la gracia, todos fueron justificados y la vida vino a reinar para todos. Este es el drama que se revela en la primera lectura y el Evangelio de hoy. Adán, que fue formado de la arcilla del suelo y lleno del aliento del propio Espíritu Divino, era hijo de Dios (cf. Lc 3,38), creado a su imagen (cf. Gn 5,1–3). Coronado de su gloria, se le dio poder sobre toda la tierra y la protección de sus ángeles (cf. Sal 8,6–8; 91,11–13). Fue creado para adorar a Dios; para vivir no sólo de pan sino de la obediencia a cada palabra que sale de la boca de Dios. Sin embargo, Adán puso a prueba al Señor su Dios. Cedió a la tentación de la serpiente, tratando de tomar para sí todo lo que Dios ya le había prometido. Pero Jesús, a la hora de su tentación, venció en lo que Adán había fallado y apartó al demonio. Nosotros aún pecamos, siguiendo los pasos de la caída de Adán. Como él, dejamos entrar el pecado en nuestra puerta cuando alimentamos dudas sobre las promesas de Dios, cuando olvidamos llamarlo en nuestros momentos de tentación. Pero la gracia que Cristo nos ganó con su obediencia implica que el pecado ya no es amo nuestro. Al comenzar este tiempo de arrepentimiento podemos confiar en su compasión, en que Él creará en nosotros un nuevo corazón (cf. Rm 5,5; Hb 8,10). Como lo hemos hecho con el salmo de hoy, podemos cantar alegremente nuestra salvación, renovados en su presencia.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Saturday after Ash Wednesday by Mr. Clement Harrold. Saturday after Ash Wednesday First Reading: Isaiah 58: 9b-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 86: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 33: 11 Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Friday after Ash Wednesday by Dr. John Bergsma. Friday after Ash Wednesday, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and Up) First Reading: Isaiah 58: 1-9a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 Verse Before the Gospel: Amos 5: 14 Gospel: Matthew 9: 14-15 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday by Ms. Joan Watson. Thursday after Ash Wednesday/ Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr First Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Luke 9: 22-25 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Ash Wednesday by Dr. John Bergsma. Ash Wednesday, Begin Lenten Preparation for the Easter Triduum, Not a Holy Day of Obligation, Day of Fast (Ages 18-59) and Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and Up) First Reading: Joel 2: 12-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5: 20 – 6:2 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 95: 8 Gospel: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday/ Peter Damian, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Sirach 2: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40 Alleluia: Galatians 6: 14 Gospel: Mark 9: 30-37 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Sirach 1: 1-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 93: 1ab, 1cd-2, 5 Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10 Gospel: Mark 9: 14-29 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Leviticus 19:1–2, 17–18 Psalm 103:1–4, 8, 10, 12–13 1 Corinthians 3:16–23 Matthew 5:38–48 We are called to the holiness of God. That is the extraordinary claim made in both the First Reading and the Gospel this Sunday. Yet how is it possible that we can be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect? Jesus explains that we must be imitators of God as His beloved children (Ephesians 5:1–2). As God does, we must love without limit—with a love that does not distinguish between friend and foe, overcoming evil with good (see Romans 12:21). Jesus Himself, in His Passion and death, gave us the perfect example of the love that we are called to. He offered no resistance to the evil—even though He could have commanded twelve legions of angels to fight alongside Him. He offered His face to be struck and spit upon. He allowed His garments to be stripped from Him. He marched as His enemies compelled Him to the Place of the Skull. On the Cross, He prayed for those who persecuted Him (see Matthew 26:53–54, 67; 27:28, 32; Luke 23:34). In all this, He showed Himself to be the perfect Son of God. By His grace, and through our imitation of Him, He promises that we too can become children of our heavenly Father. God does not deal with us as we deserve, as we sing in this week's Psalm. He loves us with a Father's love. He saves us from ruin. He forgives our transgressions. He loved us even when we had made ourselves His enemies through our sinfulness. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (see Romans 5:8). We have been bought with the price of the blood of God's only Son (see 1 Corinthians 6:20). We belong to Christ now, as St. Paul says in this week's Epistle. By our baptism, we have been made temples of His Holy Spirit. And we have been saved to share in His holiness and perfection. So let us glorify Him by our lives lived in His service, loving as He loves.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11 Alleluia: Mark 9: 7 Gospel: Mark 9: 2-13 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, Religious First Reading: Genesis 11: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 Alleluia: John 15: 15b Gospel: Mark 8: 34 – 9:1 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time by Ms. Joan Watson. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Genesis 9: 1-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 102: 16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23 Alleluia: John 6: 63c, 68c Gospel: Mark 8: 27-33 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Genesis 8: 6-13, 20-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 12-13, 14-15, 18-19 Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18 Gospel: Mark 8: 22-26 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius by Dr. Shane Owens. Cyril and Methodius, Bishops Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Genesis 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5, 10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 29: 1a and 2, 3ac-4, 3b and 9c-10 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Mark 8: 14-21 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Genesis 4: 1-15, 25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50: 1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21 Alleluia: John 14: 6 Gospel: Mark 8: 11-13 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
Sirach 15:15–20 Psalm 119:1–2, 4–5, 17–18, 33–34 1 Corinthians 2:6–10 Matthew 5:17–37 Jesus tells us in the Gospel this week that He has come not to abolish but to “fulfill” the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. His Gospel reveals the deeper meaning and purpose of the Ten Commandments and the moral Law of the Old Testament. But His Gospel also transcends the Law. He demands a morality far greater than that accomplished by the most pious of Jews, the scribes and Pharisees. Outward observance of the Law is not enough. It is not enough that we do not murder, commit adultery, divorce, or lie. The law of the New Covenant is a law that God writes on the heart (see Jeremiah 31:31–34). The heart is the seat of our motivations, the place from which our words and actions proceed (see Matthew 6:21; 15:18–20). Jesus this week calls us to train our hearts, to master our passions and emotions. And Jesus demands the full obedience of our hearts (see Romans 6:17). He calls us to love God with all our hearts and to do His will from the heart (see Matthew 22:37; Ephesians 6:6). God never demands more than what we are capable of doing. That is the message of this week's First Reading. It is up to us to choose life over death, to choose the waters of eternal life over the fires of ungodliness and sin. By His life, death, and Resurrection, Jesus has shown us that it is possible to keep His commandments. In Baptism, He has given us His Spirit, that His Law might be fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4). The wisdom of the Gospel surpasses all the wisdom of this age that is passing away, St. Paul tells us in the Epistle. The revelation of this wisdom fulfills God's plan from before all ages. Let us trust in this wisdom and live by His kingdom law. As we do in this week's Psalm, let us pray that we grow in being better able to live His Gospel and to seek the Father with all our heart.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Our Lady of Lourdes First Reading: Genesis 3: 9-24 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90: 2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13 Alleluia: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: Mark 8: 1-10 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Scholastica by Dr. John Bergsma. Scholastica, Virgin, Religious Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Genesis 3: 1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32: 1-2, 5, 6, 7 Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Mark 7: 31-37 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
