The first reading comes from the First Book of Kings. As would be assumed, this book and its companion 2 Kings, are Old Testament writings about the kings of Israel. The kings certainly are mentioned, but these books are not political histories. In a way, the kings are not the principal figures.
Msgr. Owen Campion: ‘Peter, do you love me?’
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts of Apostles 5:27-39, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 Again this weekend, the church presents as its first reading for liturgy in Eastertime a passage from the Acts of the Apostles. The mere construction of Acts is a lesson. Actually, it is a continuation of St. Luke’s Gospel. Its underlying lesson […]
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: Overcoming death, the Lord lives
The church celebrates the Easter Vigil late in the evening on Holy Saturday. These readings are those read during Masses on Easter Sunday itself.
For its first reading on this extraordinary feast of Christian faith, the church presents us with a passage from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts is in effect a continuation of St. Luke’s Gospel. Scholars say that this Gospel and Acts were the work of the same author. Beginning with the Ascension, Acts reports what life was like for the infant community of Christians in Jerusalem, and then it recalls the initial spread of Christianity.
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: Go and sin no more
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11 The first reading for this weekend in Lent is from the second part of Isaiah. When it was written, God’s people were facing many trials and tribulations. It was a bittersweet moment. After several generations of living in exile in Babylon, the people were free […]
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: The call to repent
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12, Luke 13:1-9 The Book of Exodus provides the first reading. It recalls the encounter between God and Moses at the burning bush. Moses is reported as tending his father-in-law’s flock. Suddenly an angel appeared and led Moses to a bush. The bush, although on […]
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: In flight from slavery and sin
The Book of Deuteronomy provides the first reading for this first Sunday of Lent. Deuteronomy looks to the days when the Hebrews were fleeing from Egyptian slavery and making their uncertain way across the treacherous Sinai Peninsula. Yet Deuteronomy is not a story of doom and gloom.
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: Jeremiah to Jesus
The Book of Jeremiah provides the first reading for this weekend. This book is regarded as one of the major Hebrew prophetic works because of its extent and the brilliance of its language. Jeremiah descended from priests. He was from a small village, Anathoth, only a few miles away from Jerusalem.
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: ‘Do whatever he tells you’
The kingdom of Israel, carefully crafted by King David and given glory by David’s son Solomon, split after Solomon’s death in a power duel among would-be successors. Two kingdoms then formed. Weakened, dismembered and chronically unsure as to national mission, the two kingdoms both were easy prey to aggressive outsiders.
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: From the East
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12 This weekend the church celebrates the ancient Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, reflecting upon the visit of magi “from the East” to the crib side of the newborn Savior. The first reading is from the third and last section of Isaiah. […]
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: Even before birth, John testifies
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Micah 5:1-4a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 This weekend the church observes the last Sunday in Advent. The first reading is from the Book of Micah. Micah is regarded as one of the Minor Prophets. It is a relatively short book, containing only seven chapters. By contrast, the Book of Isaiah has […]
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