“Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 10:26)

If Jesus were to ask you to do something, as he did when he sent his apostles out to preach and heal, it wouldn’t be unusual to find yourself suddenly afraid. Fear is a natural reaction.

Maybe you’re afraid because you’re having a hard time under­standing what he is asking of you. Or maybe you understand just enough to see potential difficulties or unpleasant consequences. Maybe you feel unprepared and unquali­fied, and s...

“Whoever endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

There are times when life is a joy­ful sprint, when you sense the wind of the Spirit propelling you along. But there are other times when it feels like a hard slog down a barren, endless road.

If you’re facing the hostility that Jesus mentions in today’s Gospel, you may well feel worn and weary. You may also feel this way if you’re unemployed, deployed, disabled, caregiving, or working two jobs to ma...

“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 10:7)

It’s no exaggeration to say that St. Benedict (480–547), whose feast we celebrate today, changed the course of history. At a time when Western society was falling apart, the monas­teries that followed his rule became oases of stability and hope. People were attracted by the monks’ peace­ful presence, and many decided to move to be closer to them. In some cases, whole towns sprang up around these centers of ...

“They were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

They may not be the most intelli­gent of all God’s creatures, but when it comes to the spiritual life, sheep do have some character traits in com­mon with us. Like us, they know that they depend on their shepherd for their provision and protection. Like us, they are capable of learning how to hear and follow their master’s voice. And again like us, they also tend to wander away f...

“They cried out to him.” (Matthew 8:29)

When Jesus entered the region Gadara, two men inexplicably ran toward him, crying out to him. It may have looked similar to the way the disciples had just rushed to Jesus and begged him to save them from a violent storm at sea (Matthew 8:25). But something was very different.

These two men were possessed by demons who saw Jesus as a threat to the hold they had over their victims. By contrast, the disciples saw him as the one...

“Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8:22)

These words can make us cringe. Does Jesus really expect us to leave the corpses of loved ones to rot while we go off and follow him? Does he really want us to show such callous disregard for our families? Of course not. Jesus used extreme statements like this to make it clear that he wants us to take the call to follow him seriously.

Jesus wasn’t telling this fellow not to bury his father. How could h...

“The winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Matthew 7:27)

The citizens of Jerusalem expe­rienced just such a collapse. After numerous infidelities to God, he permitted Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, to conquer them. He dashed their city to the ground, deposed their king, and dragged him into exile along with all the powerful and skilled people of the land.

In the face of such devastation, there are two equally disastro...

“Enter through the narrow gate.” (Matthew 7:13)

That narrow gate! It’s tighter than the gap between the do’s and don’ts that we’re all familiar with. So you don’t lie, injure or kill—but what about forgiving a person who has grievously hurt you? You steer clear of coveting, cheating, and stealing— but what about giving financially, even though finances are tight? That’s a constricted road, for sure.

And how do you take time to encourage someone else...

We find the defendant guilty as charged. The judge’s gavel strikes: Crack! Crack! Crack! Bailiff, take him away. This scene is repeated count­less times on countless television shows. It is splashed over newspaper headlines and is a hot topic in books and blockbuster movies. In case you haven’t noticed, crime-and-punish­ment justice gets a lot of attention. And that side of justice isn’t a bad thing. It...

“My appointed time draws near.” (Matthew 26:18)

We are only two days away from Good Friday. Each year this bitter­sweet occasion moves us to focus on the injustice, humiliation, and the suffering that Jesus endured. At the same time, Jesus’ death can cause us to rejoice as we focus on all the blessings that flow from his cross.

When Jesus said that his appointed time was fast approach­ing, he was preparing his disciples for the sacrifice he was about to make for them—and ...

St. Joseph

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him. (Matthew 1:24)

In a world where so many say, “My will be done,” St. Joseph is a refreshing example of one who said to God, “Thy will be done.” Like his faithful spouse, Mary, Joseph’s yes to God was of great importance in the divine plan. We are blessed that his life was yielded to doing God’s will, no matter what the cost to himself or his reputation.

Joseph’s holiness and obedience were...

I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

Imagine being called upon to do something that seems overwhelm­ing, if not downright impossible. It can be quite intimidating to ponder how—or even if—you will do it. But thanks be to God, when you actually got into the project, you found that it wasn’t so hard after all. In fact, it actually became simple! Sometimes, the Christian life is that way.

Jesus lived under the Mosaic law, with its rich layers of observances...

“As many as seven times?” (Matthew 18:21)

Peter thought he was being quite generous. Forgiving someone seven times sure does seem like a lot, doesn’t it? The truth is, forgiving repeated offenses goes against our nature. Just look at Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant. He had just been forgiven a debt he could never repay, and even in the afterglow of such generosity, he couldn’t find it in himself to forgive a fellow servant a mere pittance.

Jesus ...

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Matthew 21:42)

When we think of cornerstones, we may think of noble figures like Abraham, David, or Jeremiah. We may think of heroic saints like Mother Teresa or John of the Cross. And, of course, we think of Jesus. All of these figures stand out in our imagination as people with almost superhuman talents, skills, and dedication to their causes. But sal­vation history is also filled with the stories of many peop...

“The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)

Talk about completely missing the point! Jesus lets the apostles in on the biggest news in history—that he was going to die and rise for all sin, and James and John have the nerve to respond by asking for places of honor and glory. It’s a wonder Jesus didn’t bang his head against the wall out of frustration! And the other apostles don’t come off much better. They were “indignant” all right, but ...

“He makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)

Hang on a minute! Isn’t that unfair? Why don’t the good and the just get special treatment? At the very least, the bad and the unjust should get the shorter end of the stick. If God is perfectly just, then shouldn’t that be the way things go? Well, not really. God’s justice encompasses something much more profound than a heavenly balance sheet....

“Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” (Matthew 5:22)

Let’s face it. It’s hard not to get angry—even with those who are closest to us! And yet here Jesus is, telling us to resist sin and turn away from anger. And as difficult as it sounds, it does make sense. After all, our eternal destiny is heaven, where we will live in peace and unity with each other and Almighty God.

But we don’t have to wait until the Second Coming for unity to ...

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

Most of us probably know this verse as “The Golden Rule.” But the Golden Rule did not originate with Christianity. The idea that we should treat others as we would want to be treated is found in the teachings of many religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. It’s even embraced by those who don’t hold any particular religious beliefs at all. It seems to be something that many under...

“If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:15)

Someone causes you to be late for an important meeting. Someone accidentally dents your car while you are stopped at a traffic light. Your husband forgets your birthday. Your son talks back to you in a disrespect­ful manner. In situations like these, you might find it easy to forgive. After all, they are understandable, and no one was hurt too badly.

But what if yo...

“Inherit the kingdom pre­pared for you.” (Matthew 25:34)

The sheep are puzzled. “What did we do to deserve such a won­derful thing as the kingdom?” they ask. “When did we ever see you hun­gry, thirsty, naked, sick, or in prison? When did we ever minister to your needs?” (Matthew 25:37-39).

Jesus’ answer is simple: “Do you remember all the times when you served the hungry? When you visited the sick in the hospital? When you donated to the food bank or...

WHEN THE STAR FADES...

"We observed His star at its rising..." –Matthew 2:2

In their homeland, the Magi saw a great star at its rising. Greatly impressed, they set out on their journey to follow the star to greet the newborn King at Whom they believed the star pointed. After they had traveled for a time, they could no longer see the star. They were past the point of no return, and were not sure where God was now leading them. But the Magi did not give up on God's leading; they did not qui...

HERODS CAN BECOME "HOLY INNOCENTS"

"...Rachel bewailing her children; no comfort for her, since they are no more." –Matthew 2:18

Why does the Lord permit evil? Why did He allow "the massacre of all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its environs"? (Mt 2:16) One explanation is that He loves the Herods of the world so much and wants to save them all (see 1 Tm 2:4). The suffering of these innocents is the most powerful means in God's plan of salvation for changing the most har...

"IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD" (Jn 1:1)

"When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say." –Matthew 10:19

Christmas is a celebration of God's Word. On the first day of Christmas, the Church proclaims twelve readings at the various liturgies of the Christmas Masses. On the second day of Christmas we remember St. Stephen, who preached God's Word so powerfully he became the first martyr, and who...

PROPHET-ABLE

"Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary. It was of her that Jesus Who is called the Messiah was born." –Matthew 1:16

The coming of Jesus the Messiah was the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies over hundreds of years. For example, it was prophesied centuries before Christ that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah and the line of David. The coming of Jesus into the world this Christmas is also preceded by prophecy.

We find many "dry bones" in this worl...

Continue reading ...

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

"But afterward he regretted it and went." –Matthew 21:30

We're halfway through Advent and some of us have not even started to prepare the way of the Lord. About two weeks ago, when the Spirit asked us to watch and pray, to fast and give alms, to repent and believe, many refused and said: "No, I will not" (Mt 21:30). Some are beginning to realize they made a terrible mistake and are regretting these past two weeks.

Repent! The Lord is merciful. Decide to enter into...

Continue reading ...

PREPARING TO PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS

"Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him." –Matthew 17:12

The prophetic ministry of Elijah prepared the way for John the Baptizer's prophetic ministry. John prophesied "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Lk 1:17). Jesus even stated that John "is Elijah" (Mt 11:14). Elijah prepared the way for John, who came to "prepare the way of the Lord" (Mt 3:3).

God prepared the way for His Son's coming for centuries. He sent prophet after prophet....

Continue reading ...

THE LOVE CONNECTION

Jesus "proclaimed the Good News of God's reign, and He cured every sickness and disease. At the sight of the crowds, His heart was moved with pity." –Matthew 9:35-36

In a world of bad news, God's Word is Good News. In His Word today, the Lord promises to answer our prayers, provide all our needs, give us clear direction, make us fruitful, be our light, and heal our wounds (Is 30:19-21, 25-26). The Lord loves us and expresses His love in many personal and practical ways...

LET'S OBEY GOD IN DETAIL

"Jesus warned them sternly, 'See to it that no one knows of this.' But they went off and spread word of Him through the whole area." –Matthew 9:30-31

Jesus healed two blind men, and "warned them sternly" not to let this healing be known (Mt 9:30). It wasn't yet the right time in God's plan to spread the news of Jesus' works. The groundwork for revealing Jesus' identity hadn't yet been fully laid, and without the foundation, misunderstanding could result. Nonethele...

HARD ROCK

"Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock." –Matthew 7:24

On this fifth day of Advent, the Church reads to us about "a strong city" (Is 26:1), "a nation of firm purpose" (Is 26:3), and a house "solidly set on rock" (Mt 7:25). God's Word is calling us to be strong, firm, and solid by building our lives on obedience to the Lord, the "eternal Rock" (Is 26:4). If we are totally committed to Jesus and obey His Word, our li...

FISH STORY

"Come after Me and I will make you fishers of men." –Matthew 4:19

After Andrew met Jesus, "the first thing he did was seek out his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah!' " (Jn 1:41) With his first cast, Andrew caught not just a man but the fisher of men and women, Simon Peter. Andrew, on his first try at evangelism, caught the man who would later catch three thousand on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Moreover, that was just the beginning. Because of this ex...

RIGHT

Jesus "will sit upon His royal throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him. Then He will separate them into two groups." –Matthew 25:31-32

When Christ the King returns in glory at the end of the world and on Judgment Day, we will hear King Jesus say to us one of the following two statements (Mt 25:31). Those whom King Jesus has placed at His right hand will hear the words: "Come. You have My Father's blessing! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of th...

USE OR LOSE

"His master said to him, 'Well done! You are an industrious and reliable servant. Since you were dependable in a small matter I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share your master's joy!' " –Matthew 25:21

The Lord expects us to be good stewards not only of the money He has given us, but also of our time, talents, spiritual gifts, and graces. Our greatest responsibility as stewards is to be "servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God" (1 C...

A "WHOLE" IN MY HEART

"You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart." –Matthew 22:37

We disciples are called to holiness. We are also called to "whole-liness." We are to love God with our whole heart, our whole soul, and our whole mind (Mt 22:37).

It all begins with God's love for us. "The love of God [is] poured out in our hearts" (Rm 5:5). God's poured-out love fills our hearts with love for Him and for others (Mt 22:37). So "we, for our part, love because He first love...

Mass Readings: October 9

THE ULTIMATE FINANCIAL SECURITY

"My God in turn will supply your needs fully, in a way worthy of His magnificent riches in Christ Jesus." –Philippians 4:19

The Philippians had contributed financially to Paul's ministry on several occasions. Paul called their financial contributions a kindness (Phil 4:14), a share in his hardships (Phil 4:1...

Mass Readings: October 2

REJECTED!

"The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure." –Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22

It is so easy to reject Jesus. Our lives are like houses (see Mt 7:24). If we have the opportunity to make Jesus the Cornerstone of our lives, but do not do so, then we have rejected Him. If we refuse to provide for an...

Mass Readings: September 25

"OBEDIENCE IS BETTER..." (1 Sm 15:22)

"Which of the two did what the father wanted?" –Matthew 21:31

We Christians have told God we will obey Him, but many of us haven't. We have persisted in mass disobedience for years. Unbelievers have told God they will not obey Him, but many of them have changed their minds and do what God wants. Jesus ...

Mass Readings: September 23

THE COURAGE TO WORK

"Does it not seem like nothing in your eyes?" –Haggai 2:3

It's discouraging to see how bad things have become. It's discouraging to think that even our best efforts are very inadequate and possibly inferior to what we've done before (see Hg 2:3). It's discouraging to have your best work be overshadowed by the damage inflicted for years b...

Mass Readings: September 21

I'D LOVE TO ...

"As He moved on, Jesus saw a man named Matthew at his post where taxes were collected. He said to him, 'Follow Me.' " –Matthew 9:9

We hear the Lord knocking on the door and calling us by name (Rv 3:20). We sense something inside drawing us to Jesus. He is still calling today's "Matthews" to follow Him. Nonetheless, we are afraid to say "Yes." We'...

Mass Readings: September 18

LIFE MEANS...

"For, to me, 'life' means Christ." –Philippians 1:21

What does life mean to you? Some of us would answer: "Life" means family, friends, and work. Life means church on Sunday, Thanksgiving dinners, a new car, or a wedding in the family.

Paul doesn't talk like this. He bluntly asserts: "Life" means Christ. Paul had "c...

Mass Readings: September 11

THE STREAM OF MERCY

"Moved with pity, the master let the official go and wrote off the debt." –Matthew 18:27

Al...

Mass Readings: September 4

BIG MOUTH

"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." –Matthew 18:15

If we have been wronged, it's absolutely essential to keep it to ourselves. Only after having talked to the other person are we free to bring someone else into the situation or refer it to the Church...

Mass Readings: August 27

TOTAL STEWARDSHIP

" 'Well done! You are an industrious and reliable servant.' " –Matthew 25:21

On Judgment Day, we will be held account...

Mass Readings: August 26

YOU'RE FIRED

"The foolish ones said to the sensible, 'Give us some of your oil. Our torches are going out.' But the sensible ones re...

Mass Readings: August 25

THE LAST WORD

"Who is the faithful, farsighted servant whom the Master has put in charge of His household to dispense food at need...

Mass Readings: August 23

GULP!

"You strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!" –Matthew 23:24

The Pharisees have long been gone, but many still swallow camels today. You may be a modern-day Pharisee if:

• You lead the fight to have kneelers in your church but continue to vote for pro-abortion politicians.
• You often hint that you want your spouse to lose weight but neglect for months at a...

Mass Readings: August 21

THE KEYS

"I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." –Matthew 16:19

Eliakim was given "the key of th...

Mass Readings: August 20

GLEANER-GOD

"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." –Matthew 23:12

The Lord will event...

Mass Readings: August 17

MERCY WATCH

"Begin with the last group and end with the first." –Matthew 20:8

Let's look at the parable of the laborers through the lens of discipl...

Mass Readings: August 16

"SUNDAY OBLIGATION"

"While his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to save it from the Midianites, the angel of the Lord appeared ...

Mass Readings: March 29

QUESTIONS ON FORGIVENESS?

"Peter came up and asked Him, 'Lord, when my brother wrongs me, how often must I forgive him? Seven times?' " –Matthew 18:21

Most of us are like Peter. We have many questions about forgiveness.

1. "How often must I forgive?" Seven times, that is, indefinitely, or, as Jesus emphatically states, seventy times seven times, that is, indefinitely...

Mt 1  —  VIRGIN BIRTH

"A family record of Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers." —Matthew 1:1-2

Our heavenly Father has the nerve to begin the New Testament, the greatest revelation of all times, with what appears to be a page from the phone book. His ways are certainly not our ways (Is 55:8). God's meaning here is that all Israelite history leads to the miraculou...