Tag: scripture

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Lent Bible Study of Mark

This Lent I led a bible study of the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of Mark. It met for five sessions starting with the Last Supper through Christ’s death and burial. The five sessions were live-streamed and the recordings are on YouTube. You can watch all but the third session here: playlist. Unfortunately there was a streaming error on the third session that caused it to be lost.

The readings for the particular sections for each session can be downloaded here: readings. I typed up my commentary notes and formatted them into a little book. You can download the notes here: notes. I need to finish editing the notes, and add commentary on the final chapter of Mark, on Christ’s resurrection.

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Who is my neighbor: Man or Mankind

In Luke 10:25-37 we find a scholar of the law asking Jesus, “Who is my neighbor”, and Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Christ calls His listener to see those in need, even those that we don’t like, as our neighbor, and as one to love. Except, Christ seems to be more specific than just those who are in need are our neighbors. That notion is a bit general. No, instead He seem to say that person right in front of us is our neighbor. Ok, you might say, cool, I get that, what’s the fuss about.

So often in society today there are various movements to help those distant from us. For example we do 5ks to help people in war zones, cure diseases, and any number of various causes. Or we sign petitions or any number of things to help other people that are at a distance from ourselves. Our motivation is to help those less fortunate, and this is a good thing. After all, we are trying to help people in need. We love to do things to help others and make the world a better place.

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Reflection on the Salt of the Earth Gospel Reading

During mass this morning, the gospel from this past Sunday came to mind again and I felt compelled to share a bit of my reflection on it. The gospel reading was from Matthew 5:13-16:

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”

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