We continue our whirlwind tour through the Old Testament prophets by turning toward Jeremiah. Some have called him the first recognizable person because of the deep introspection which characterized his writing. His book begins with the call to be a prophet. He resists but God insists: To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever… Read More »

There is a famous story that when Fr. Flanagan was gathering the so called “street urchins” into what would become Boys’ Town one boy came up who was carrying another piggy back. Fr. Flanagan asked if he wanted to put the other boy down. The young man answered, “Nah, he ain’t heavy. He’s my brother.”… Read More »

You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. This word of the prophet Micah has become the refrain of a popular hymn. The true power of the saying is only found… Read More »

Who does the hospitality after Mass today? Martha. Who will set up for St. James day next week? Martha. And clean-up? Martha. Who goes to visit the sick and shut-in of the parish? Martha. Who is on the parish council and the various committees? Martha. Who waters the flowers and sets up for Mass and… Read More »

The lectionary (daily Bible readings) is taking a quick tour through the Old Testament prophets. Micah was a rough contemporary of Isaiah but without his influence in the palace. He was more a man of the people, particularly the poor. During his time the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed and the population sent into… Read More »

Like King Hezekiah we often pour out our hearts in prayer asking some favor. We feel blessed when the favor is granted. I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you… I will add fifteen years to your life. I was talking with a priest once who was recovering from a… Read More »

The Prophet said: The way of the just is smooth. Jesus said, “Come to me … and I will give you rest.” These promises, though, come with a cost. To experience the smoothness, the rest we must first take on the “yoke” of Jesus.  We should look on this as a swap — taking off… Read More »

My scripture teacher used to call Matthew 11 “a Johannine lightening bolt in a Matthean sky.” The direct address of Jesus to God as “my Father” which is typical in St. John shows up here in St. Matthew’s gospel. It strengthens the opinion that these are an accurate memory of the words of Jesus. You… Read More »

The readings this summer provide a small tour through the Jewish prophets. They began with Amos and Hosea and this week turn to the greatest of the prophets, Isaiah. Amos and Hosea are outsiders — they are the ones holding up a protest sign outside the palace. Isaiah is the classic insider. He was born… Read More »

Isaiah, like the prophets before him, is more concerned about how the faith of Israel is lived out then about religious observence.  Trample my courts no more! Bring no more worthless offerings; … cease doing evil;  learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. The… Read More »