7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Cor 15:45-49;  Lk 6:27-38.

There was once a man named Dirk Willems, a devout Christian living in the 16th century during a time of intense persecution. He was arrested for his faith and sentenced to death. One winter day, he managed to escape from his prison by climbing out of a window and running across a frozen pond. A prison guard, seeing him flee, gave chase. As Dirk reached the other side, the ice beneath the guard cracked, and he plunged into the freezing water. Hearing the desperate cries for help, Dirk had a choice: keep running and secure his freedom, or turn back to save the very man who was hunting him. Dirk chose love. He turned around, pulled the guard out of the icy water, and saved his life. However, instead of receiving mercy, Dirk was re-arrested and executed for his faith. His story stands as a testament to the kind of love Christ commands in today’s Gospel passage—a love that chooses mercy over vengeance, kindness over hatred, and forgiveness over resentment.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

 Jer. 17:5-8; 1 Cor. 15:12, 16-20; Lk. 6:17, 20-26

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is a powerful historical romance novel set during the California Gold Rush in the 1850s. It follows the life of Angel, a woman who was sold into prostitution as a child and has endured a life of abuse, betrayal, and hopelessness. Hardened by her past, she has no trust in love or kindness. Enter Michael Hosea, a devout Christian farmer who feels called by God to marry Angel and show her the unconditional love that she has never known. Despite her resistance and multiple attempts to run away, Michael patiently pursues her, reflecting the steadfast and redeeming love of God.

As Angel struggles with her past wounds and fears, she eventually embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual transformation. Through Michael’s unwavering love and God’s grace, she learns to accept forgiveness and find healing. Over time, she realizes that true love is not based on fear or control but on sacrifice and grace. The novel beautifully parallels the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer,

Cycle C 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 6:1-8; I Cor 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11

A large imperial court.  Servants waited at the king for his command. They proclaimed the praise of the one seated on the throne. Holiness hovered over the court like a cloud. There at the corner of the court stood a poor wretched, unclean, frail man. His eyes fell on the king, and his state of unworthiness made him all the more miserable. He trembled with fear. One of the seraphs came down to him with fire from the Altar and touched his mouth with it to purify him. Then he heard the voice of the king, 

“Who shall I send?”

The man answered, “Here I am, Send me.”

That is prophet Isaiah, accepting his divine call.

Today’s readings contain the theme of God’s call. The divine call of Isaiah, the call of St. Paul and Jesus’ call to St. Peter. 

There are several things in common in the way God called them and in the way they reacted.

God’s call is always unexpected. St. Paul was galloping to Damascus to persecute the Christians there. On his way, he received the call of Jesus. A sense of unexpected mystery overtook him and he asked, “Lord, who are you?”