In today’s first reading we read about the curious incident wherein Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses: “Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses on the pretext of the marriage he had contracted with a Cushite woman.” (Num 12:1) The reason for the complaint that Moses has married a Cushite woman is obscure, since there is no evidence for a marriage other than with Zipporah, a Midianite (Ex 2). Continue reading
This coming Sunday is the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Matthew is known for his use of “fulfillment” in his gospel. Notable is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the “great prophet like Moses” who was to come as Messiah. There is also another theme that arises in this content. Matthew is the one gospel writer who uses the term ekklesia, the word which means “church.”
This week “Vol. 3” of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies was released to streaming on Disney+. It is light-hearted sci-fi action fun. I was going to write a synopsis of the three movies, but it is enough to say the leader of the Guardians, Peter Quill, Star Lord (he wants everyone to call him that but no one does – he just wanted a really cool nickname…) … where was I… oh, yeah. In every one of the movies he ends up in space without all or some part of a space suit. Continue reading
If you have been following along with the daily readings at Mass, you know that the first readings have been following the 12 tribes of Jacob as they escaped slavery in Egypt, received the Ten Commandments, fashioned a golden calf, and spent a lot of time complaining, grumbling and being unhappy – especially with Moses’ leadership and God’s providence. Yet… God still desired to be present to them, to be with them in the journey. The reading on Thursday last was all about the construction of the Tent of Meeting and how it is the restoration of human access to the Holy Place where heaven and earth meet. That was all contained in the Book of Leviticus. We turn the pages of daily first readings and suddenly we are in the Book of Numbers. Take a moment and watch this short video overview of the 4th book of the Old Testament and see the overarching story that is playing out: Book of Numbers Summary: A Complete Animated Overview. Continue reading
This coming Sunday is the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Lectionary Cycle A. Most often the first post in the series is “Context,” but given the nautical setting of the story, “getting our bearings” seemed more appropriate. After the collection of parables in Mt 13, the following chapter takes up what might well be a natural fall out of his teachings that are increasingly vague even as they point to coming judgment – weeds that will be burned and fish that will be discarded. People begin to wonder if Jesus is pronouncing judgment upon them or their “group.” Continue reading
“And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” In the telling of the gospel, as amazing as the story is, neither we nor the disciples should be surprised. The entire arc of Matthew’s gospel points to this moment. Consider that the transfiguration story recalls the baptism of Jesus when the voice from heaven called out: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” We hear those exact words again today: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Continue reading
This morning I had to opportunity to swim at the Rouse Center in Stafford. While churning away the yards in the competition pool, nearby in the recreation pool the Water Exercise program churned away to what seemed to be the greatest hits of the 1970s… at least if the tunes were all in the bopping range with sufficient beats per minute. The BeeGees “Staying Alive” is a regular feature, clocking in at 105 bpm. Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” is also a regular at 123 bpm. In case you’re wondering, I only hear all this during rest between sets. So far I have avoided ear worms. Continue reading
Annemarie Reiner (of Adelaide, Australia) posted this reflection on the Transfiguration on her blog “Who Do You Say That I Am.” It asks the questions about our own experiences and the extent to which we reflect upon them … or don’t. Continue reading
The gospel passage Matthew 13:54-58 offers a profound reflection on the nature of assumptions and the limitations they impose on our understanding and beliefs. In this passage, Jesus returns to his hometown, and the people there are astonished by his wisdom and miraculous works. However, instead of embracing him as the Messiah, they respond with skepticism and disbelief, saying, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?” After all, wasn’t he just the son of a carpenter? They knew his family. At this point, perhaps it is an honest question? Maybe for some, but we finally read, “And they took offense at him.” Continue reading
In yesterday’s post we considered Peter’s response of offering to make three tents – one for Jesus as well as Moses and Elijah. Today, we listen to Jesus’ instructions to the disciples as well as his probing for their understanding of what they have just seen: “As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Then the disciples asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Continue reading
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