The theme of family is presented in the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time (B). With Jesus nearing Jerusalem, the cross also begins to loom. The discussion on divorce can also be seen under the perspective of Jesus’ challenge to his disciples to deny themselves, carry one’s cross and follow him. A particular interpretation of Deuteronomy [...]
Continue reading about (Sunday 27 OT B) Let No Man Put Asunder
In the house at Caphernaum, Jesus had begun to teach his disciples about true greatness. The lesson continues when James and John inform Jesus about what they did to a man who has been exorcising demons in the name of Jesus but is not a member of their group. Salvation history remembers another instance when [...]
Continue reading about (26th Sunday OT B) Sin, Gehenna and Salt
Just after the Transfiguration and the revelation that the disciples were not yet ready to do what Jesus does independently of him, the disciples begin to discuss who among them is the greatest. This they do after hearing for the second time about Jesus’ prophecy of his death. Were they trying to decide who among [...]
Simon bar-Jona was a fisherman whom Jesus called to be a disciple. He left behind his net in order to become a “fisher of men”. He followed Jesus, listening to his teachings, watching him heal the sick and restore people to their families. He has become convinced that Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, is the [...]
Continue reading about (24th Sunday OT B) The Sequela Christi
The story of the healing of the deaf-mute in Mark 7:31-37 is set in the Decapolis — the Hellenistic area on the east side of the Lake of Galilee. Mark has written it in such a way that readers of his gospel — converts from Judaism and paganism residing outside Palestine — may see an [...]
Continue reading about (23rd Sunday OT B) Ephphata: Faith and Witnessing
On the 22nd Sunday of OT B, we take up the Gospel of Mark once more and continue the reading at Mark 7:1-23 which is a controversy on ritual purity. Mark puts two controversies together: one on the washing of hands and another on food. The first involves the Pharisees, the second, the crowds and [...]
Continue reading about (22nd Sunday OT B) Fidelity and Obedience (Mark 7:1-23)
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