Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), Aug. 12 (Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48)

What did the Israelites know and when did they know it? The book of Wisdom is a late interpretation of Israel’s foundation myth and it leaves one with the impression that the Israelites had God’s master plan tucked under their arm all along. In real life, things are seldom that clear or simple.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), July 29 (Genesis 18:20-21, 23-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-14; Luke 11:1-13)

Fifty – 40 – 30 – 20 – do I hear 10? The image of Abraham and God haggling and bargaining for the fate of a city and its inhabitants is rather disconcerting. It is one of many all-too-human images of God in the Bible, and reflects the mentality and understanding of people at the time it was written.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), July 22 (Genesis 18:1-10; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42)

In the ancient near east, especially among the nomadic people, hospitality to strangers and travellers was a sacred duty. The host was responsible for the physical well-being of his guest: food, water, lodging and protection.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), July 15 (Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Psalm 69; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37)

The holiest and most precious things are usually close at hand. Sometimes we think that a spiritual quest involves trips to deserts, monasteries or mountaintops. Many want to consult gurus and teachers, or practise ascetic regimes. All of this to answer a few basic questions: Who is God? Who am I? How should I live? What is right and wrong?

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), July 15 (Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Psalm 69; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37)

The holiest and most precious things are usually close at hand. Sometimes we think that a spiritual quest involves trips to deserts, monasteries or mountaintops. Many want to consult gurus and teachers, or practise ascetic regimes. All of this to answer a few basic questions: Who is God? Who am I? How should I live? What is right and wrong?

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), July 8 (Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20)

Some places are best visited only in the realm of the imagination. After longing to see a cherished city in person, the initial visit leaves some disappointed or disillusioned. Jerusalem is a prime example.

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) July 1 (1 Kings 19:16, 19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-18; Luke 9:51-62)

Freedom is very precious, but it is often taken for granted and is not fully appreciated until it is lost.

The Birth of John the Baptist (Year C) June 24 (Isaiah 49:1-6/Acts 13:22-26/Luke 1:57-66, 80)

What will this child become? That question probably crosses the minds of many as they gaze into the faces of infants.

The Body and Blood of Christ (Year C) — June 10 (Genesis 14:18-20/1 Corinthians 11:23-26/Luke 9:11b-17)

How often we wish that certain passages in the Scriptures would say a bit (a lot!) more than they do. Who was Melchizedek? Obviously he was someone very important in spiritual terms, for he gives his name to an eternal priesthood fulfilled by Jesus. But in comparison to Abraham, Moses, David and others, he does not get much press. And he uses a different title for God — “El Elyon” — the Most High God rather than the usual Elohim or Yahweh.

Trinity Sunday (Year C) June 3, (Proverbs 8:22-31/Romans 5:1-5/John 16:12-15)

Explaining the Trinity is a delicate undertaking. Utmost care and precision in wording must be taken to stay on the right track. The slightest fuzziness or carelessness can result in a statement that is not completely orthodox.