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Category Archives: Scripture
Funeral Lectionary: John 17:1-3, 6-9a
Well over a decade ago, we began a series on readings for Christian funerals. Almost as long ago, we completed the passages assigned by the Roman Rite for Catholic funerals. But there are always new opportunities to encounter Jesus in … Continue reading
Posted in Order of Christian Funerals, Scripture
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Scripture for the Sick or Dying: Sirach 38:1-9
I’ve known of this Scripture passage from Wisdom Literature of the Bible for many years. Not sure why I never made a connection to the Pastoral Care rites and the Lectionary that accompanies them. A social media friend is facing … Continue reading
Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, Scripture
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Snacking on the Word: James 5:16b
My parish celebrated Anointing of the Sick at Mass this past weekend. We took advantage of the permission to switch out the Ordinary Sunday’s assigned New Testament reading to the classic one from the letter of James. We’ve touched on … Continue reading
Snacking on the Word: Deuteronomy 10:17-19
Today is World Refugee Day. If you need a Scripture for it, consider this bit from Deuteronomy: For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no … Continue reading
Reconciliation Lectionary: Psalm 119:169-176
Many years ago we started a look at Bible readings for Reconciliation. This was never nearly as popular as the Scriptures for funerals and weddings. (But I had to keep my focus on religion somehow.) Newcomers to this site, few … Continue reading
Posted in Rite of Penance, Scripture
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Snacking on the Word: Romans 8:24-25
If your parish observed a shorter or longer Pentecost Vigil, you would have heard this morsel in the New Testament reading before the Gospel: For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees is not hope. For who hopes … Continue reading
What’s Wrong With Isaiah?
Or, more accurately, that Deutero-guy? Another complaint in the comments here about Isaiah 40-55, but as we discussed many years ago, is it a real thing? Fritz Bauerschmidt: At least in the G&P music of the 70s and 80s (OEW … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgy, Scripture
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Awaiting in Luke
In today’s proclamation of the Passion, I noticed something new to me, a reflection in Joseph of Arimathea from the infancy narratives: Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the … Continue reading
Testimony
The pastor preached a bit today on the centurion’s witness at Jesus’ death: The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” (Luke 23:47) The word for “innocent” can also be translated … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Week, Scripture
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Susanna, Two Depictions
I’ve mused on these pages before how difficult I’ve found the search for (what I would consider) good images of the Susanna story in Daniel 13. Just close my eyes and go to Mass on the fifth Monday in Lent–hey! … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Scripture
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Two Difficult Sundays
The past two Sundays of Lent must be moments of discomfort for Jesus’ followers a little more accustomed to justice. It is easy to focus on the sinner in each episode–they appear to be a main character. I find a … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgy, Saints, Scripture
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Any Time is the Right Time
Today’s offerings in the Office of Readings speak to one of the pillars of Lent. We’re well past the midpoint of the season, but a timely reminder for renewal is always welcome. As the sainted pope of the fifth century … Continue reading
Posted in Lent, Saints, Scripture, spirituality
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Target Audience
For parishes not celebrating the second scrutiny, keep in mind there was a target audience for Jesus’ wonderful parable in today’s Gospel: (T)he Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgy, Scripture
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Prayers For The Lost
Some time ago I ran across a prayer for a lost child. I’ve lost the original writer, but it struck me as just a bit off in tone. It was long, and so often we Christians are used to long … Continue reading
Posted in Scripture, spirituality
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Is It Too Early To Start Talking About Reparations?
I’ve seen many suggestions for praying Psalm 31 for those suffering in Ukraine. Verses not to lose in our age of fake news, lies, and detraction: Do not let me be put to shame, for I have called to you, … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgy, Other Places, Politics, Scripture
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Catholic Sensibility 