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Fr. Scott Lewis is an associate professor of New Testament at Regis College, a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology.

He is a past president of the Canadian Catholic Biblical Association.

Second Sunday of Easter, April 28 (Year C) Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118; Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31

The spread of Christianity began not with reasoned arguments or carefully planned strategies. People responded in droves to what Luke describes as “signs and wonders” — language that resonated with the events of Exodus.

God's Word on Sunday: Jesus delivers a message of brotherhood

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Resurrection of the Lord, April 21 (Year C) Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18

It is said that a picture can say more than a thousand words. That is certainly the case with Eugène Burnand’s stirring and evocative painting of the race to the empty tomb on Easter morning.

God’s Word on Sunday: Difficult times call for attentive listening

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Passion Sunday, April 14 (Year C) Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56

What is the difference between an ordinary person and one who is a prophet, teacher or saint?

God's Word on Sunday: There is no future in living in the past

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Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 7 (Year C) Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11

The motto of God could well be “I am about to do a new thing!”

Greatest commandment must be lived

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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 29 (Year A) Exodus 22:21-27; Psalm 18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-40

Paul’s advice puts our mission in focus

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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 8 (Year A) Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43

What does a song or poem about a vineyard say about Israel, God and Jesus?

Faith: It’s never too late to ask for God’s mercy

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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 24 (Year A) Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20-24, 27; Matthew 20:1-16

We often search high and low for something precious that we cannot find. Convinced that it has been lost or stolen, we might even replace it. Then, lo and behold, we find it in the most obvious place, sometimes staring us right in the face.

Faith: Forgiveness is not an option: just do it

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24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Sept. 17 (Sirach 27:30- 28:7; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35)

Anger, wrath and resentment can poison the mind, body and soul. They can make people miserable and unhappy, or even ruin physical health. Left unchecked, these emotions can destroy families, work environments, societies and even peace between nations.

Faith: We all share in the power of forgiveness

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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 10 (Year A) Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20

Sin ultimately affects an entire community. There is no such thing as a private sin. Sooner or later, misdeeds make an impact on the physical, psychological and spiritual environment.

God-centred thinking sees higher purpose

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 3 (Year A) Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27

Jeremiah was thoroughly sick of his mission and ministry and wanted to quit.

Faith: The power of ‘sheer silence’

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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 13 (Year A) 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Psalm 85; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33

When we seek the presence of God, what do we expect to encounter? Hollywood biblical epics left no doubt — thunder, power, fireworks and perhaps even a voice booming from Heaven.