Category Archives: Scripture

Readings for the Conferral of Holy Orders I: Old Testament

We’ve never studied the Ordination Lectionary on this site. I presume seminarians have a big say in planning this liturgy. I’m not sure it merits an in-depth look here; my purpose was to assist readers–mostly lay people, not so many … Continue reading

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Funeral Lectionary: Psalm 118

Over a decade ago, we blogged on section 347 of the Order of Christian Funerals. According to the Church, any of these sixteen psalms may be “chosen for use in various places within the rites.” (OCF 347) This section was … Continue reading

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Funeral Lectionary: Isaiah 40:1-11

As I continue to experience new readings at funeral Masses, be they for popes or parishioners, I’m struck by the quality of some of the passages presented for consideration by people. Most recently, the family of one of our founding … Continue reading

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Funeral Lectionary: Isaiah 29:16-19

Well over a decade ago, we looked at funeral readings. The page is still here. Looking at the Liturgy of the Word prepared for Pope Benedict’s funeral, I noticed a passage of interest from Isaiah. It’s not in any funeral … Continue reading

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A Thanksgiving Reminder: 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19

A new suggestion for my experience on Thanksgiving Day, and an appropriate companion to the Deuteronomy 8:7-18 reading. Two important reminders for people in my country: a touchstone on religion with contentment, and also a warning for the rich. Let’s … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 | 3 Comments

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

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