Monthly Archives: January 2019

St. Augustine was very struck by the story in the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel about Jesus meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well. The woman was surprised that Jesus asked her for a drink, since the Jews of … Continue reading →

Saint Anthony, Abbot (Memorial) Harden not your hearts as at Meribah. (Psalm 95:8) Just the mention of the name Meribah was enough to trigger the Israelites’ memories. The prophets, the psalms, and even today’s reading from Hebrews recall this place, … Continue reading →

1st Week in Ordinary Time He himself was tested through what he suffered. (Hebrews 2:18) Today’s first reading reminds us that Jesus wasn’t some superhero. He became a man just like us; he suffered and was tempted just as we … Continue reading →

1st Week in Ordinary Time He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him. (Mark 1:27) People living in First World countries have all but completely dismissed the idea that evil spirits are real. But as numerous saints have … Continue reading →

Why did Jesus, the Sinless One, submit himself to John’s baptism of repentance? At his baptism, Jesus accepted his mission as God’s suffering servant on behalf of all sinful men and women. By submitting humbly to John’s baptism, Jesus gave … Continue reading →

The Baptism of the Lord (Feast) All were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. (Luke 3:15) The people who had come to hear John the Baptist were expecting something explosive. A prophet had arisen who would … Continue reading →

Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) … Continue reading →