Are you wondering about the opening line of the second reading that "Jesus ... did not regard equality with God something to be grasped?" Father Chuck helps us to understand it by comparing Jesus to a jeweler's son who needs to rescue radiant diamonds (us) from the muck. Jesus understands and embraces the need to become human to be able to triumph over sin as God the Son, and doesn't seek the same role as God the Father.

Catholic Mass readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14, 2025

First Reading: Numbers 21: 4b-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 78: 1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38
Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6-11
Gospel: John 3: 13-17

How has following Jesus radically changed your life? In today's second reading, St. Paul reveals Christianity as a revolutionary movement in which a slave becomes a beloved brother. It's just as true today that we as Christians are led by God to grow beyond worldly categories.

Catholic Mass readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 7, 2025

First Reading: Wisdom 9: 13-18b
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90: 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17
Second Reading: Philemon 1: 9-10, 12-17
Alleluia: Psalms 119: 135
Gospel: Luke 14: 25-33

Do you think of yourself as a worker for God? As followers of Jesus, we are asked not just to learn His teachings, but to take on a new way of living and being. All we do, even with the esteem of others, is for the glory of God.

Catholic Mass readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 31, 2025

First Reading: Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 68: 4-5, 6-7, 10-11
Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24
Alleluia: Matthew 11: 29ab
Gospel: Luke 14: 1, 7-14