Fr. Brian Walker, OP

Fr. Brian Walker, OP breaks open the readings for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, reminding us of the importance of interpreting scripture correctly. When Jesus says "if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out", he does not mean that literally. Better for us to get our eye and our tongue under control and to teach them not to lead us on a path to sin.

Readings: Numbers 11:25–29; James 5:1–6; Mark 9:38–43, 45, 47–48

On this Feast of St. Matthew, we are called to look at how his life went in such a different direction because Jesus called him to follow. God has surprise blessings for all of us, and we cannot know how our life will unfold. But we can look at it and be amazed and say "Thank you."

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to believe in the resurrection of the dead. We cannot prove this to anyone, but we believe in it, and we can feel that it is true in our heart. This is the way of faith, and it gives us hope.

When Jesus was prejudged by Nathaniel, Philip challenged him to "come and see." Do we prejudge others, or are we open to seeing others for what they are and thinking for ourselves?

On this Memorial of St. Rose of Lima, her example of service and mindfulness of the needs of others reminds us that, according to Jesus, the love of neighbor is the second highest commandment and intimately tied to the first.

Fr. Brian Walker, OP breaks open the readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, pointing out how we can feel closer to God by partaking in the Eucharist through taking communion, participating in Eucharistic Adoration, visiting a chapel, or just sitting quietly with God. How do you communicate best with the Lord? How do you help others to feel close to God?

Readings: Proverbs 9:1–6; Ephesians 5:15–20; John 6:51–58.