Solemnity of Christ the King - B (November 25, 2018)

Christ’s Kingdom Does Not Belong to this World

John 18: 33b-37

The author of the Book of Revelation professes that Jesus Christ “has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father.”  Jesus did that when he came to live in the world, then died and rose from the dead.

That kingdom is present in this world, but that “kingdom does not belong to this world” (Gospel).

In this time of the year, we can get caught up in shopping, in buying and selling.  We live in the world where people fight over influence, compete for popularity and fame, where jealousy, hatred, violence, and war have not been banished. 

Where are our priorities?  Am I building a kingdom in this world or Christ’s kingdom, which does not belong to this world?

 Image source:  Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Basilica of St. Peter's, Vatican

www.wikipedia.org

 

32nd Sunday - B (November 11, 2018)

The Offering of Life

Mark 12:38-44

The poor widow “has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

The word for “livelihood” can also be translated as “life.”

Besides, logically speaking, since she has contributed all she has to live on she has offered to God her very life.

Last week, Jesus taught the commandment of loving God with one’s whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

This week, Jesus gives us the example of this woman who offers God her life.

And by this time, Jesus is already in Jerusalem.  Soon, he will sacrifice his very life as the gift of love to God and to all humanity. 

When we receive the Eucharist, we receive this gift of Jesus’ life.  And He empowers us to love as he does.  

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

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31st Sunday - B (November 4, 2018)

“You are not far from the kingdom of God”

Mark 12:28-34

The scribe acknowledges Jesus’ teaching of the greatest commandment – love God and love your neighbor.  And Jesus tells him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

Jesus came to inaugurated the kingdom of God.  The kingdom of God is not just about the future or the afterlife.  It will reach its fullness then.  But it is already here among us. 

The more we love, the more we live and spread that kingdom. 

 

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

30th Sunday - B (October 28, 2018)

“Have Pity on Me”

Mark 10:46-52

Two weeks ago, in Mark 10: 17-30, the man who “had many possessions” addressed Jesus only as “good teacher,” and asked him “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Last week, in Mark 10: 35-45, James and John also considered Jesus “teacher” and said to him, “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

In today’s Gospel, the blind beggar Bartimaeus recognizes Jesus as “Jesus, Son of David” and “Master.”  He keeps calling out to Jesus, “Have pity on me.”

The blind man sees.  He gets it.  He knows who he is.  More significantly, he knows who Jesus is.  

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

29th Sunday - B (October 21, 2018)

Ransom and True Freedom

Mark 10: 35-45

Last week, a person let his possessions keep him from following Jesus.  It’s the temptation of having things in our control.

This week, the Gospel warns us of the danger of the desire for power and positions.  It’s the temptation of controlling people.

Meanwhile, Jesus surrendered even the control of his life.  He “gave his life as a ransom” to give us true freedom.   

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

28th Sunday - B (October 14, 2018)

Impossible

Mark 10:17-30

We continue with Chapter 10 of Mark’s Gospel.

Last week, Jesus taught his followers to have the attitude of a child – that of dependence on God.

Today, we hear of an attitude that is contrary to dependence on God.  The man has many possessions.  Consequently, he is used to be in control.  That’s why he asked Jesus, “What must I do?”  It’s hard for him to surrender that control and depend on God.  For him, that is impossible. 

What in my life makes me think that I am in charge, and makes it impossible for me to depend on God? 

Image source:  www.agnusday.org

27th Sunday - B (October 7, 2018)

Gratitude

Mark 10: 2-16

Jesus tells us to “accept the kingdom of God like a child.” 

Children depends on their parents for everything.  So do we on God. 

As we get older, naturally, we can, and we need to do more things for ourselves.  But we then run the risk of thinking that we are in charge, and that we do not need God.

Everything comes from God, beginning with our very existence.

 

Image source:  Charles Lock Eastlake - Christ Blessing Little Children, 1839,
commons.wikimedia.org