Reflections of the Kingdom

Who do You say I am? Lectionary:  121 Reading 1 -  Isaiah 22:19-23 Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8 Reading 2 -  Romans 11:33-36 Alleluia - Matthew 16:18 Gospel -  Matthew 16:13-20 The Noise of Caesarea Philippi If you were to travel to the region of Caesarea Philippi in northern Galilee today, you would find the ruins of an ancient city built against a massive, towering cliff of rock. In the ancient world, this place was a bustling hub of pagan worship. At the base of the cliff was a massive cave known as the " Gates of the Underworld, " from which a spring burst forth. Surrounding this cave were temples dedicated to the Greek god Pan, as well as a grand marble temple built by Herod the Great to honor Caesar Augustus as a god. It was into this exact setting—surrounded by temples to false gods, imperial propaganda, and the overwhelming noise of world religions and earthly power—that Jesus brought His disciples. He did not take them to the quiet solitude...

The Bread That Never Fails Lectionary:  112 Reading 1 -  Isaiah 55:1-3 Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 145:8-9, 15-18 Reading 2 -  Romans 8:35, 37-39 Alleluia - Matthew 4:4b Gospel -  Matthew 14:13-21 Have you ever noticed how much of our lives are organized around one simple fact: we get hungry ? We wake up hungry. We plan our days around meals. We gather for holidays around tables. Hunger is one of the most basic, most honest things about being human … Yes, we get hungry for food, certainly. But we are also hungry for love, acceptance, peace, security, meaning, and hope. We carry many kinds of hunger within us. Some people are hungry because they do not have enough to eat. Others have full tables but empty hearts. Some are surrounded by people but feel painfully alone. Some have success, possessions, and comfort, yet still ask themselves: “Is this all there is?” Today’s scriptures meet us right at that intersection of human hunger and divine abundance. Our first ...