Opinion

Our gospel reading opens with a list of “who’s who” in the political and religious world of John the Baptist, as he starts his ministry in the desert.The use of precise historical references is typical of Luke in writing his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. What is his purpose?Luke writes of something deeply spiritual and mystical, but also real and factual. He wants to underscore that the story of Jesus and the Church is historical, and not a legend or a myth. Thus, he takes particular care to situate the happenings of his narrative in real-time and space, putting them in the context of historical persons and events.Luke’s distinctive regard for the historicity of his gospel manifests not only his fidelity to Truth, but also his sensibility to the sacred character of histo...

Today the Church opens a new liturgical calendar with the four-week season of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word, adventus, which means coming or arrival. Since it culminates with the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, the season of Advent is generally understood as a preparation for Christmas.Today’s three readings however speak of three comings of Christ. In the first reading, taken from the Prophet Jeremiah, God announces to the House of Israel and Judah that he will send a Savior from the shoot of David. This promise is fulfilled many years later with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. We can refer to this historical event as the first coming of Christ.In the gospel, Jesus foretells his coming at the end of time in a language full of apocalyptic descriptions and portent...

This Sunday, we end the Church’s liturgical calendar with the Solemnity of Christ, the King. Many think that this celebration is anachronistic, even subliminally offensive. In an age when democracy is highly valued, kings have become irrelevant and serve merely as living cultural and historical artifacts. Any semblance of kingly or autocratic rule is vehemently opposed, like the tyrants and dictators who unfortunately still rule in some countries (including ours?). What then can we make of today’s feast? What is its significance?For all the value and merit of democracy, the figure of Christ, the King, is still relevant. In fact, its meaning stands out even more plainly. Presidents, prime ministers, and political leaders do not last. The people can vote them out when they no longer need...

The readings this Sunday are filled with imagery and symbolism which pose a particular challenge to every preacher. In the gospel, Jesus talks about the end of time in a discourse which is probably the most difficult gospel text due to its content and language.Jesus speaks of a future that surpasses our comprehension and uses a literary genre which Daniel uses in our first reading. Such a way of speaking is referred to as the apocalyptic language which is symbolic and not meant to be understood literally.The word apocalypse (from Greek) literally means an “unveiling,” a manifestation of something hidden. Thus, the Apocalypse, the last book of the Bible is also called the Book of Revelation. Apocalyptic revelations are usually given in the context of some great crisis or upheaval. T...

Today’s readings present two widows of extraordinary generosity. The first reading tells of the widow of Zarephath, who in a time of famine was preparing for herself and her child their last meal (before they would die of hunger), when the prophet Elijah asked for food and drink. She gave their meal to him. In the gospel, Jesus commended the poor widow who put in the temple treasury two small coins, which was all she had (her whole livelihood, in fact).We cannot but marvel at the magnanimity of both widows in giving away their all. How is this possible? Pope Benedict XVI explains this by saying that such remarkable generosity is but an expression of a profound faith in God and his Word which moved the widows to put their total trust in him.Living in a time when there was no social ...

Today’s gospel opens with a question from a scribe directed to Jesus, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” It is not clear whether the question is meant to trap Jesus. Earlier the Pharisees, the Herodians and the Sadducees have made similar attempts and failed.The question is a favorite one in debates and discussions among rabbis. Perhaps, the scribe is merely curious to know the answer of the young and controversial teacher from Nazareth. Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”This text has become the prayer of every devout Jew each morning upon rising and each evening before sleeping. Referred to ...