The Gospel for today which recounts the passion and death of Jesus includes elements of intrigue betrayal and murder A careful reading shows that the victim was not ignorant of the plots devised against him Even before the horrendous onslaught began Jesus announced ldquo My appointed time dr

Just what is it that we are called to believe? Is it that a broken nation will be reconstituted? Is it that one who has died will be resuscitated?

Key concepts in today rsquo s Gospel reflect how many of us still face difficult issues Like the disciples some of us maintain that misfortune is indeed a punishment for sin Like the man rsquo s parents we too may be loathe to stand in support of another if we fear our own status may be in jeopa

We are children of the earth The fact that we live on the land has been reinforced by the biblical story of how God formed the first man out of the clay of the earth Gn 2 7 It might be more accurate to say that we are children of the water Life on earth began in the water and then developed ou

Once again it is the responsorial psalm that sets the tone for the readings proclaimed this Sunday The ldquo kindness rdquo referred to here is the covenant love that binds God to covenant partners This lovingkindness is the basis of God rsquo s compassion and generosity God cares for those in

The psalm response for the First Sunday of Lent sets the tone for the entire season It is one of the most familiar biblical prayers for divine mercy ldquo Have mercy on me O God in your goodness In the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense rdquo In this simple verse we find two tec