A Word of Hope

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the people of his day who claim to have God as their Father, that if that were true, they would be living as God would have them live. Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP asks us to apply this same lesson in our own lives.

Fr. Dominic Holtz, OP, recalling the lifting up of the bronze serpent in the desert to heal the people bitten by serpents, is not a cruel joke of God. Rather, it teaches us that our sins are not to be overlooked but redeemed, because even our worst rebellion, when joined with God's mercy, can be a source of salvation.

Fr. Yamil Samalot Rivera, OP asks us to adopt the mind and heart of Jesus, who, when confronted with a woman "caught in the very act of adultery," did not condemn her, but in mercy offered her a new life. May we, in God's mercy, also offer a new life to those who need it most.

Fr. Yamil Samalot Rivera, OP, celebrating Jesus raising Lazarus back to life, challenges all of us to look around our world in an act of social friendship and raise up others who we find threatened by the death of hunger, racism, and violence.

Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP celebrates the Annunciation of the Lord, reminding us of how our salvation only came about because of Mary's "yes" to God's invitation, and how we should likewise say "yes" to God's invitation in our own lives.

Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP notes the controversies surrounding Jesus—Some are impressed by his miracles while others see his interpretation of Judaism as a threat—and challenges all of us not to judge others too quickly, but to celebrate the good works they do.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP notes that Moses advocated on behalf of the people of Israel before they were even sorry for their sins. In the same way, God is ready to forgive us even before we ask. Let us ponder that.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP advises us to finish out Lent not thinking about what we are giving up, but about the awesome power of God's forgiveness—a God who refuses to forget us no matter what we do.

Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP unpacks a vision of the Prophet Ezekiel, how a trickle of grace flowing from the Temple grows as it encounters the world, so that it can become a blessing to the nations.

Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP, on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, talks about how God's promises always work out, but not always in the way that we would think—as the family we develop as we live our lives isn't necessarily the family we are born into.

Br. Joe Trout, OP confronts the reality of suffering, reminding us that we can never know the totality of God's plan, we can never fully understand the challenges and difficulties we face. But we can trust that the world is in the hands of a God who loves us, and that, in the end, all will be well.

Br. Joe Trout, OP comments on why God wants love from us, rather than sacrifice. One reason is that God wants us to live our day approaching everyone we meet with the love that God has for them—the love God has shown to us.

Fr. Brian Walker, OP notes that today's Gospel reading quotes the Shema, the central affirmation of Judaism. Not only is God One, but this One God is always walking with us to renew our faith.

Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP likens the Synod on Synodality to Jesus healing a mute man so that he could speak. Just as Jesus was criticized as doing something evil for healing the man, some criticize Pope Francis for starting the Synod, and see letting people speak freely as evil and divisive.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP points out that Jesus does not want to move us beyond the law of God, but beyond following the letter of the law, so that we might fulfill the law.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP reminds us that our willingness to forgive needs to be infinite, since we are asking for an infinite amount of forgiveness from God.

Br. Jordan DeGuire, OP reminds us that our ways are not God's ways, and challenges us this Lent to be open to listening to God.

Br. Peter Lewitzke, OP breaks open the story of Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well, pointing out that Jesus neither condemns her nor approves of her life, but offers her a better way—and she accepts it and passes on the Good News to others.

Fr. Luke Barder, OP, citing the words of the Prophet Micah to shepherd the poor, and the example of St. Margaret of Castello doing just that, encourages us to have a face-to-face encounter with the poor this Lent.

Fr. Luke Barder, OP asks us to think about what saps our faith, and then to have the courage to take that to God in prayer, and ask God to offer us a solution, rather than trying to solve it for ourselves.

Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP challenges us to turn to our faith when times are tough, rather than to the next popular fad, and we will find solace that transcends our current struggle, opening us up to hope built for the future.

Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP points out that we are to expect suffering as part of our Christian journey, but that this is Good News, because the suffering will lead us to new life, both here on earth and in heaven.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP, citing Jesus' words on sacrifice, tells us that the sacrifice Jesus most wants from us this Lent to to set things right for the poor and vulnerable.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP, recalling Jesus' words "Forgive and you will be forgiven," challenges us to give to others what we seek from God.