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In Paul's Letter to the Ephesians he asks that our hearts be enlightened to know the hope that belongs to being called by God. In our world still torn apart by war, can we let our hearts be lifted up to find a new way forward that brings forth life rather than destruction?

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the readings for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, where the first reading from the Book of Wisdom proclaims that the just one is often persecuted, and then in the Gospel Jesus predicts that he will be persecuted while is his closest disciples squabble about who is the greatest among themselves. The second reading from the Letter of James tells us that selfish ambition leads to quarrels, disorder, "and every foul practice." Do we let our selfish ambitions rule our lives, or can we seek, like Jesus asks us to do, to become servants of all?

Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17–20; James 3:16—4:3; Mark 9:30–37

Paul reminds us today that though we are many different parts, together we are the one Body of Christ. So we do not approach God individually, but as a part of the Church. Let us celebrate the gifts God has given each of us as well as gifts God has given others, so together, we can be more than any of us are individually.

Paul upbraids the Christian community at Corinth for allowing division among its members when celebrating the Lord's Supper. Do we let our personal preferences get in the way of fostering unity in the Church even today?

Based on 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33

Jesus said that it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get to heaven. Besides external wealth, are there obsessive personality traits that we need to shed in order to follow Christ more closely?

A rich young man who kept the commandments asked Jesus what else he needed to do to have eternal life. This is a good question to ask God. Try it and see if perhaps you should give up something or take something on. At least you will know....

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." He did not say that he would take away our burden, but he will refresh us and give us the strength to carry our burdens.

From the prophet Micah today, we hear that even though we sin, God will not abandon us, but will save us, even when we fail. We should not take advantage of this message, having appropriate shame for our sins, but should take hope that what God has created, God will not abandon, despite our sin.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the readings for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, reminding us that God is always near, but always remains a mystery as well, because God, like suffering, is incomprehensible.

Readings: Job 38:1, 8–11, 2 Corinthians 5:14–17, Mark 4:35–41

Jesus said, "you have heard, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil." This is a difficult saying for us to embrace. It is difficult not to retaliate against evil, but God says "no." To help, imagine what God thinks looking at the devastation in the cities of Ukraine and Gaza.

In Jesus' parables of the Kingdom of God, he teaches us that God is always working within us in hidden ways to bring about great things. We just need to trust that grace, and let God be God.

When it was reported that people who were not his disciples were driving out demons in his name, Jesus did not try to stop them, or get them to join his group, but told his disciples "whoever is not against us is for us." Can we acknowledge gifts of others for ministry without needing them to conform to our own theological views or become members of our own church?