Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP

Jesus says that we are to love our enemies. To do this, we need to bring the Good News to those in our lives or those we meet whom actually anger us. Can we be such witnesses to the Gospel?

In the Jewish world of Jesus' day, there were many interpretations of laws and their meaning. Jesus moved away from a minimal understanding of what God required of us and pushed his disciples to put their entire soul into the divine work of reconciliation, and thus help bring about the Kingdom of God.

oday’s powerful message reflects on Revelation 21, where God promises a new heaven and a new earth—a world transformed by love, justice, and peace.

Jesus assures his disciples that, though he is going, they will still be connected. May we all feel this closeness.

Delve into this scene of profound hospitality and foreshadowing. Contrast Mary's generous act with Judas Iscariot's duplicitous objection about selling the ointment for the poor. Br. Ed clarifies Jesus's famous reply, "The poor are always with you... she is anointing me for my burial," explaining how it references Deuteronomy 15:11 and actually reinforces our ongoing duty to care for the needy, while acknowledging the extraordinary moment at hand.

Discover why the common idea of a "fickle crowd" (cheering Sunday, condemning Friday) might be inaccurate, and focus on the Palm Sunday group's specific cry: "Hosanna!" Learn that this meant "Save us!" – a plea directed at Jesus from people burdened by Roman and religious oppression, seeking the salvation only the Messiah could bring. They saw Jesus as the healer and forgiver who could liberate them.