The Sunday Gospel For Men

Catholic reflections on the Sunday Gospel. For men. Every Sunday, we’re called to the altar of Christ to receive the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. Prepare to encounter our Lord by reading and praying with the Word of God. Each week, we’ll send you the Sunday Gospel reading with a reflection to help you prepare for Sunday Mass.

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Thursday Jan 19, 2023

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. 
Matthew 4:12–23
 
Left Their Nets 
After Jesus’s baptism and before his public ministry, John the Baptist is absent from Matthew’s narrative accounts because he had been arrested. When Jesus learns about John’s arrest, he goes to Galilee to the region inherited by the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in fulfillment of the prophecy (see Isaiah 9:1–2). This same prophecy is the one that predicted how a “child,” a “son” (Isaiah 9:6), would be born in Israel who would be a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and sit “upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness” (Isaiah 9:7). Knowing full well the implications of his actions, Jesus begins to call his disciples and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom amidst all these Messianic expectations. 
The men he called to follow him were simple fishermen. They probably had heard the scriptures—especially the ones that speak of the Messiah coming from their region—because they attended synagogue services on the Sabbaths. They had faith in God, but they probably didn’t believe these prophecies would come true in their lifetimes. Then, all that changed when they heard the excitement around Jesus’s preaching as he went around exclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 
When our Lord calls you, he doesn’t ask you to be someone you are not. God’s grace does not impose itself on you or destroy your individuality; rather, it elevates, transforms, and perfects you into the man that you were created to be. Jesus sees that Peter, Andrew, James, and John have natural skills as fishermen. Jesus then uses those skills to make them great evangelists, saying, “I will make you fishers of men.” Notice the response of each of these men. Scripture recounts how “[a]t once they left their nets” and “immediately” followed him. Their hearts were ready because they were open.
Where is your heart today? Is it scared to let go and let God in, or does it freely offer everything to God, trusting that he will make you the greatest version of yourself? In your meditative prayer today, ask God for the grace to drop your nets—whatever they may be—so that you may follow Christ unreservedly. 

Thursday Jan 12, 2023

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
John 1:29–34 
 
Agnus Dei
Ecce Agnus Dei qui tollit peccata mundi (Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.) This was John’s proclamation when he saw Jesus approaching him in today’s reading. After the Spirit of the Lord had descended on Jesus, John knew that Jesus was the “Son of God” and the savior of the world.
When John—Jesus’s older cousin—identifies him as “the Lamb of God,” he says that Jesus “existed before” him. If you were present among the crowd, surely you would think, “What a bizarre thing to say about a younger man.” However, John was correct in saying this, for Jesus existed before all time. This was neither self-depreciation for John nor empty praise for Jesus; John was speaking out of true conviction from “the one” who sent him to baptize in the first place. In his own words, John says, “The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’” And that is all John needed to believe that Jesus was the Son of God born before all ages. 
Throughout sacred Scripture, God is referred to in many ways. For example, he is called El Shaddai, or “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1, 49:25), the Lion of Judah (see Genesis 49:9), and the Alpha and Omega (see Revelation 21:6, 22:13). These are all impressive and powerful titles, but in today’s reading John calls him a lamb. What does a lamb have to do with God? A lot. The lamb was associated with Abraham’s sacrifice in place of Isaac and was the key sacrificial animal in the Passover (see Exodus 12:3). 
Recall when Isaac asked his father, “‘Behold, the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son’” (Genesis 22:7–8). As the story continues, God provides a ram for Abraham to sacrifice. Note well that Abraham does not sacrifice a lamb. Abraham’s sacrifice is not completed until God provides himself as the lamb with his death on the cross. 
Likewise, the lamb’s blood in the Passover saved the people of Israel from the angel of death and from slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 12:3). The Passover event was a foreshadowing of Christian baptism, where we overcome death by participation in the Paschal Mystery. We are adopted by God and forgiven our sins. 
In the silence of your prayer today, reflect on the title “lamb of God.” Why is the all-powerful God associated with a lamb? Then thank the Lamb of God for taking away your sins and giving you new life.

Thursday Jan 05, 2023

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Matthew 2:1-12 
 
Are You Looking?
 
Of all the people in the world, why was it the wise men of the East who saw the star and found the child Jesus? Unlike everyone else, they were looking. They knew the prophecy of the coming king of the Jews and looked for a star to indicate his birth. Perhaps they knew the prophecy of Balaam, given long before the birth of Christ, which said that a star would come forth (Numbers 24:17-18). Since they came looking for Christ even though they were gentiles, they must have had a sense that the Jewish Messiah would be more than just a regional king. He was destined to be the king of all nations. The magi perceived the sign and responded on behalf of all of us, welcoming the new king.
Today, we often continue to overlook the presence of Jesus in the world even though he gives us many signs. God has arranged the world to point us toward his Son, giving us little signs and occasionally even big ones—like the star. When we take time to see the signs, we experience epiphany moments: moments when things suddenly become clear and we can see what is beneath the surface. God has a plan and seeks to lead us closer to him each day. He uses each day’s events and the people in our lives to break through to us. We have to take time to look and listen in order to respond. 
Tomorrow Exodus 90 begins. It is time for a new beginning. You will have time to look and listen for the signs that God has given, so that you can find his presence in your life and follow him more faithfully. Like the wise men traveling as a group, you will have a fraternity of men seeking the Lord with you. Like the threats of Herod, there will be challenges. God will lead us to him if we let him. These 90 days will provide us time for a new epiphany. We’re excited for the journey – let’s begin. 

Thursday Dec 29, 2022

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2:16-21 
 
Shepherds 
 
We begin the new year by reflecting on the shepherds adoring the Messiah. The beginning of a spiritual revolution to renew the world takes place in a stable of all places, with a newborn in a manger surrounded by shepherds. Like the shepherds, we are invited into the mystery of God’s entrance into the world. This new year can be a time of transformation if we take this reality into our hearts—pondering it in prayer, telling it to others, and living it out. 
As the shepherds were watching over their sheep at night, an angel appeared to them saying, “I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). These humble shepherds received this magnificent proclamation. The whole nation had been awaiting the return of the messiah-king from the Davidic dynasty for centuries. Now the Messiah, the long-awaited Messiah, God’s anointed, was coming to reclaim the throne.
We approach the manger with the simple, humble shepherds who are called to witness this incredible event. You can imagine how intrigued the shepherds would have been to see the Messiah. Wouldn’t they have expected the Messiah to be born in wealth and power? Instead, they found Jesus lying in a manger, just as the angels had described. Excited, they explained everything from the message to Mary and Joseph who were amazed to see how God’s plan was unfolding. Here were shepherds, simple men, among the first to witness the glory of God in Jesus Christ. We, like the shepherds, should seek out baby Jesus. 
We can imitate the shepherds as we prepare to begin an Exodus on January 9th. One way to do this is by committing to a daily holy hour of prayer, during which we can adore the Lord and ponder the mysteries of our faith. Like the shepherds, we can rest from the grind of life to seek out the Savior. He can lead us into deeper freedom if we listen to his voice calling us, like angels called the shepherds, to “Come and see.” And that’s the invitation for you and me - come and see – to spend time with Jesus, the Savior, every day.

Thursday Dec 22, 2022

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:1-14 
 
Lying in a Manger
Picture the most magnificent nativity scene you have ever seen, perhaps it is in your home, at church, or in a great basilica. These creches are displayed in many prominent places to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Certainly, this is a good tradition. Yet these beautiful Nativity Christmas scenes, Nativity Christmas tree ornaments, and Nativity Christmas plays can obscure the fact that our Lord was born in abject poverty. The King of kings and Lord of lords could have come into the world any way he wanted, yet he came humbly as a little child lying in a manger. 
Christmas was anything but perfect for Mary and Joseph. They traveled from their hometown of Nazareth to the city of Bethlehem to participate in the mandatory public census. They had to return to Bethlehem because Joseph was from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of David. They did all this, even with Mary nine months pregnant, in order to be obedient to civil law. When they arrived, Mary and Joseph were not welcome in Bethlehem. Don’t let our happy holiday celebrations fool you; Christmas would have been a trying time for the Holy Family, since they were poor, alone, cold, and homeless. 
It was under these difficult conditions that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. This was all part of God’s plan. Do you know what Bethlehem literally means? In Hebrew, it means, “House of Bread.” Now today we see Jesus, the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35), born in a manger, the place where animals feed. We also see him coming to us in the Eucharistic bread at the Mass. 
God became man in the form of a baby, lying in a manger. This definitely provides insight into God’s character: Jesus is both humble and self-giving. Today, on Christmas Day, enjoy time with family and friends, but most of all, spend time in silent prayer thanking God for his gift of self. Ask for the grace to make your heart a “manger,” a place that welcomes the Lord even in difficult times. 
 

Thursday Dec 15, 2022

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Matthew 1:18–24
 
Saint Joseph
Today’s Gospel reading tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from Joseph’s point of view. The story begins at Mary and Joseph’s betrothal. It is important to understand the historical context for this since a betrothal is similar but different to a modern-day engagement. On the one hand, betrothals were promises of marriage similar to engagements. But on the other hand, betrothals were legally binding and could only be terminated by someone’s death or by obtaining a divorce certificate (see Deuteronomy 24:1–4).
Joseph is described as “a righteous man.” When he discovered that his betrothed was with child before their wedding day, he resolved “to divorce her quietly.” There are three possible explanations for his decision to divorce Mary. Firstly, Joseph could have been suspicious that Mary was ungodly and had been cheating on him with another man (think of American tabloid talk shows that shout: “You are not the father!”). Secondly, Joseph could have been perplexed because he knew that Mary was a holy woman of God who would not commit adultery. But she was pregnant with child and it is not his, so the only option would seem to be a quiet divorce. Thirdly, Joseph could have been made aware that Mary was miraculously pregnant with a child by “the Holy Spirit;” and he would decide to divorce her quietly since he did not understand his part in God’s plan and felt that he was unworthy. Whatever the case may have been, it is clear that Joseph didn’t want to cause Mary any difficulties. But can you imagine what must have been going on in his heart? 
In the end, Joseph became privy to God’s plan when an angel told him exactly what was going on in a dream. Perhaps this detail will remind us of another famous Joseph who understood dreams. This entire account is meant to communicate three vital truths. Firstly, Jesus is a descendent of King David since Joseph is his legal guardian. Secondly, Mary’s virgin birth is the fulfillment of the prophecy in the Book of Isaiah. The angel even quotes the verse explicitly, saying, “Behold, [the] virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14). Thirdly, Joseph is not Jesus’s birth father. Rather, Jesus is the Son of God and is the fulfillment of the same prophecy: “[A]nd [they] shall call his name Immanu-el [which means ‘God is with us’]” (Isaiah 7:14). 
When reflecting on the supernatural origin of Jesus, it is easy to be in awe of God’s goodness. Without Jesus, we could not be saved from our sins. Yet it may also be easy to overlook Joseph, who heard the angel’s message and then “did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him…” Today, pray for the grace to be a man like St. Joseph, the righteous man, the man who listened and obeyed the Lord’s direction.

Thursday Dec 08, 2022

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Matthew 11:2-11
 
The Christ
 
Before today’s Gospel, John the Baptist had already displayed great faith in God. Indeed, he had already preached in the wilderness, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). He baptized with a baptism of repentance. When Jesus came to him, he said, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14). Notice how easily John recognized that Jesus was greater than he was. Furthermore, when there was a dispute over whether or not John was the Messiah, he said, “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him… He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28-30). John knew he was not the Messiah but longed to know who the Messiah was.
So in this reading, he sends messengers to Jesus asking him if Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus responds in a curious way. He does not give them a clear cut answer; instead, he tells the messengers, “Go and tell John what you see and hear,” and he references Isaiah’s prophecy which we hear in this Sunday’s first reading, which says, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” (Isaiah 35:5-6). These verses prophesy the circumstances and signs that will accompany the coming of God’s Messiah. The verse right before them says, “Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you” (Isaiah 35:4). Jesus links his actions to Isaiah’s prophecy that God will come as the savior.
In his response to John’s messengers, Jesus appeals to his mighty works and deeds, essentially saying, “Let my actions speak louder than my words.” Jesus has already performed the signs that Isaiah said would accompany the coming of the Messiah. He has given sight to the blind (see Matthew 9:27-30), healed the lame (see John 5:8-9), cleansed lepers (see Matthew 8:3), brought the dead back to life (see John 12:1), and given the poor the hope of the Gospel (see Mark 6:12). 
In the second half of today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the crowd who John the Baptist was by asking them why so many people have come to see John preaching in the desert. He answers for them that John was a prophet—in fact, the prophet preparing the way for God’s Messiah. John was indeed a great man, but he is preparing the way for someone much greater: the savior of the world. 
Jesus has come. He is the Messiah. We are not to and have no need to look for another. In your prayer today, do two things. Recall the longing for the Christ that the Jews experienced 2000 years ago, and embrace the longing for the second coming of the same Christ at the conclusion of this world. Today, joyously hope for the Messiah’s second coming.

Thursday Dec 01, 2022

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew 3:1-12
 
John the Baptist
Today’s Gospel reading prompts us to reflect on the life and mission of John the Baptist. John was a very peculiar figure. He wore a tunic made of camel’s hair tightened by a leather belt and lived on a diet of bugs and wild honey. Yet, this revolting appearance and lifestyle had a deep meaning. John was dressing just like Elijah the prophet (see 2 Kings 1:8), and he was acting like the “New Elijah,” the one prophesied to come and “prepare the way of the Lord” (see Malachi 3:1). 
The first thing we see him doing is preaching in the desert, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” John is both speaking and acting in conformity with God’s plan. He is fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah, “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” (Isaiah 40:3). This message is exactly the same as Christ’s message (Matthew 4:17). 
John is called “the Baptist” precisely because he baptized with the baptism of repentance. This is why people were flocking to him from all over and “were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.”He was none too pleased with those who came to him with questionable motives. Indeed, he called the Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of vipers” and “sons of snakes.” John the Baptist warns them not just to do the right things outwardly but also to “[p]roduce good fruit as evidence of [their] repentance.”
John’s mission was to prepare the people for the Coming of Christ. In your prayer today, reflect on how you are preparing yourself for his Second Coming and ask yourself, do you “[p]roduce good fruit as evidence of your repentance”?

Thursday Nov 24, 2022

Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
 
Matt. 24:37-44
 
Stay Awake 
“Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns the disciples to stay attentive and to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. To communicate the importance of his warning, he references the famous Old Testament narrative concerning the Flood in “the days of Noah.” How much do you remember about the Flood? Have you ever wondered, “What precipitated the Flood?” In other words, what caused it to happen in the first place? 
According to the biblical account, “When men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; and they took to wife such of them as they chose” (Genesis 6:1). It seems that “sons of God” is a reference to the righteous line of Seth (Genesis 5:3), and “daughters of men” is a reference to the wicked line of Cain, the murderer (Genesis 4:10). Then the narrative continues, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart” (Genesis 6:5-6). God regretted making man because all the righteous men were choosing pretty girls over God and allowing them to pull their hearts away from God, thereby making women their gods and idols. So, the Lord God decided to flood the earth and all were wiped out except one man. 
Only Noah and his family were saved from the Flood. But why him? What was so special about Noah? It’s quite simple: Noah was not influenced by the godless culture of his time. Rather, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). No one but Noah and his family knew what God was planning to do. And that is because only Noah and his family were God-fearing people. 
You can imagine what life was like leading up to the Flood. People were living by the motto, “Eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (Isaiah 22:13). Well, they were right. But St. Paul warns us, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ Come to your right mind and sin no more” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34). You want to be prepared and ready to meet God since death can take you at any moment—just ask the men in the field and the women at the mill. 
Do not give in to our current godless culture, but learn to fear God as Noah did and put Him first in your life. In your silent prayer today, ask for the grace to “stay awake”, to stay vigilant and to watch for the coming of Christ.

Thursday Nov 17, 2022

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:35-43
 
The King 
In this Gospel reading many different groups are taking shots at Jesus. First it is the rulers, saying, “He saved others, let him save himself….” Notice that they aren’t even talking to our Lord, but talking about him—within his earshot. They have no respect. Then they specifically choose to mock his title as “the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Apparently they were expecting some sort of political revolutionary to be the Messiah—not Jesus. Likewise the soldiers are mocking him, saying, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” See how the soldiers are mocking him more brazenly: addressing him to his face. They think that our Lord’s claims are nonsensical unless he physically gets off the cross and “saves himself.” Lastly, one of the criminals who was sentenced to death near Jesus says, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” This is not a plea made in humility. This is a demand that seems to be made with the same kind of mockery. 
It can be hard for us to understand the ways of God. For example, it can certainly be hard for us to understand suffering and it can be tempting to see evidence of it in the world and think, “If I were God, there wouldn’t be so much suffering.” And that’s exactly where we get things wrong when we start actually thinking, “If I were God….” God is good and God knows best. How do we know this? Simply, look at what Jesus did for us on the cross. God could have become man in order to be a self-serving king. There are plenty of examples of those throughout history. But God became man in order to suffer and die in our place so that we might have eternal life (see John 3:16). 
This is the good news of the Gospel for all people who repent and believe. Just ask the “good thief.” He recognized that Jesus was different from him. He looked into the eyes of love and repented from his sin. He did not join the mockery but instead rebuked the other criminal, asking him, “Have you no fear of God…?” That’s the first step in repentance: recognizing that God is God and you are not. Then, he turns to our Lord and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He gets it: Jesus is the king of a more glorious kingdom than we can see on earth. And what does he get in return for confessing his guilt? Not mockery, not punishment, and not shame. Rather the criminal is admitted into the kingdom by the king himself. 
Truly God’s ways . . . they are not our ways. Ask God for the grace to let him reign over every aspect of your life today. 

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