Cycle B 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Kgs 4:42-44; Ephes. 4:1-6; Jn. 6:1-15

During today's First Reading, [2 Kgs. 4:42-44] we heard that a man brought food from the first fruits to Elisha, the man of God. This generosity was in obedience to the word of God to His people through Moses. The Lord said, "The choicest of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God." [Exo. 23:19]

The theme of sharing God's provision is seen throughout the Bible. Consider the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16). During a severe drought, Elijah asked a widow for some water and a piece of bread. Though she had only a handful of flour and a little oil, she shared it with Elijah, and her supplies miraculously lasted until the drought ended.

Today's Reading from the Gospel of John [Jn. 6:1-15] reminds us of the multiplication of the food, how five barley loaves and two fish fed five thousand persons while leaving twelve baskets of leftovers.

Cycle B 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jer. 23:1-6; Ephes. 2:13-18; Mk. 6:30-34

During today's First Reading, we heard the promise of God the Father to gather the remnant of His flock out of all the lands and to raise shepherds over them to shepherd them. Throughout history we have seen the fulfilment of this Divine prophecy. Our loving and merciful heavenly Father also promised that through the genealogy of King David, He would raise a righteous Branch, He who would reign as King and deal wisely, and he would execute justice and righteousness in the land. Through Him who will be called our righteousness, the people from every nation would qualify to be saved. This has been fulfilled through Jesus. And Jesus continues his Mission through the Disciples.

Today, we reflect on a profound passage from the Gospel of Mark, where we see the apostles returning from their mission, exhausted and in need of rest. Jesus, recognizing their need, invites them to retreat to a deserted place. Yet, even in their attempt

Cycle B 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Amos 7:12-15; Ephes. 1:3-14; Mk. 6:7-13

Today's readings from the Holy Gospel echo that we have all been called by the Lord. Each has a calling according to the Divine Will of God. Each and everyone of us have been commissioned through Jesus Christ to lead a life worthy of adoption to become children of God.

During today's First Reading from the Book of Amos we heard that the Lord told Amos, "Go, prophesy to my people Israel." As you heard from this reading and previous biblical readings, in those days, "in many and various ways God spoke of old to our father by the prophets." Each prophet received a distinct commission according to his calling.

The Prophets remained faithful to their mission but many a time they were not welcomed. As we heard from the First Reading, the Word of God through Amos was not welcomed. Amos was told to go somewhere else to prophesy.

Today’s Gospel tells us how Jesus sent out his disciples with a mission. "Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two

Cycle B 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Eze. 2:3-5; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Mk. 6:1-6

Today's three readings from the Holy Scriptures echo the Christian virtues of obedience, servitude and humility.

During the First Reading from the Book of Ezekiel, [Eze. 2:2-5] we heard that the Spirit entered into Ezekiel, stood him on his feet and commissioned him to go to the people of Israel and to preach to them. During his commission, Ezekiel was warned that there was a possibility that the people would reject the message that he was delivering from God. But whether they hear or refuse to hear, they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.

Today, we explore a profound passage from Mark, where Jesus returns to his hometown, only to face skepticism from those who knew him best.

"Jesus came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, 'Where did this manget all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him?