Echoing God’s Word
Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary
Click on the date to read the reflection.
Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 20, 2023
Isaiah 56:1,6-7 - God will welcome even those beyond Israel.
Romans 11:13-15,29-32 - Separation from God for Israel is not permanent.
Matthew 15:21-28 - A bold Canaanite woman also receives mercy.
Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 27, 2023
Isaiah 22:15, 19-23 - God warns those who are unfaithful leaders.
Romans 11:33-36 - Paul breaks out in praise and worship.
Matthew 16:13-20 - Peter confesses the faith of the Church.
Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 3, 2023
Jeremiah 20:7-9 - God’s word is like a fire within me.
Romans 12:1-2 - Dedicate yourselves to God’s will, even in your bodies.
Matthew 16:21-27 - God’s will comes before self-will.
Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 10, 2023
Ezekiel 33:7-9 - You are responsible for warning the wicked.
Romans 13:8-10 - Love is the fulfillment of the law.
Matthew 18:15-20 - You are responsible for warning your brother and sister!
Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 17, 2023
Sirach 27:30 - 28:7 - Forgive your neighbor so you can be forgiven.
Romans 14:7-9 - Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Matthew 18:21-35 - Forgive in order to be forgiven by God.
Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 24, 2023
Isaiah 55:6-9 - God is near and rich in forgiveness.
Philippians 1:20-24, 27 - For me to live is Christ.
Matthew 20:1-16 - God is generous beyond measure.
Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 1, 2023
Ezekiel 18:25-26 - Repentance does have an effect on us.
Philippians 2:1-11 - Christ humbled himself to become one of us.
Matthew 21:28-32 - Jesus promises that repentance makes a difference.
Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 8, 2023
Isaiah 5:1-7 - What more could God have done for his people?
Philippians 4:6-9 - Worry or anxiety does no good for the Church.
Matthew 21:33-43 - Jesus speaks of a new vineyard of farmers.
Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 15, 2023
Isaiah 25:6-10 - The Lord will prepare a feast for everyone.
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 - He strengthens us to do all things.
Matthew 22:1-14 - Invite to the wedding whomever you find.
Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 22, 2023
Isaiah 45:1,4-6 - Cyrus does not know he is an agent of God.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 - Paul knows about their faith, hope, and love.
Matthew 22:15-21 - Responsibilities to God and to the world.
Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 29, 2023
Exodus 22:20-26 - God will defend those who have no one.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 - Serve God and await his Son.
Matthew 22:34-40 - Love your God and love your neighbor.
Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 5, 2023
Malachi 1:14-2:2,8-10 - God will curse those leaders who are unfaithful.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9,13 - Paul gave of himself as well as the Gospel message.
Matthew 23:1-12 - Religious leaders must practice what they preach.
Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 12, 2023
Wisdom 6:12-16 - Wisdom is found by those who look for it.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - God will bring the living and dead to life in Christ.
Matthew 25:1-13 - The Bridegroom comes! Go out to meet him!
Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 19, 2023
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 - A worthy wife is a great treasure.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 - The Day of the Lord is coming.
Matthew 25:14-30 - We are responsible for the gifts given.
Thirty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 26, 2023
Ezekiel 34:11-17 - He will judge between one sheep and another.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 - He will hand over the Kingdom to his Father.
Matthew 25:31-46 - He will judge those who have not served others.
First Sunday of Advent - December 3, 2023
Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1-8 - A Call Upon God to Come Down Again to Save.
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 - We Are Gifted by Christ as We Await His Coming.
Mark 13:33-37 - We Need to Be Alert to the Coming of the Lord.
Second Sunday of Advent - December 10, 2023
Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11 - God comes with power and gentleness.
2 Peter 3:8-14 - We live godly lives and hasten the day of God’s coming.
Mark 1:1-8 - John comes as God’s messenger. Another comes with fire!
Third Sunday of Advent - December 17, 2023
Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 - God’s year of favor is here. All nations will come.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 - Believers must be faithful.
John 1:6-8,19-28 - The Baptist brings light into the darkness.
Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 24, 2023
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11,16 - God will build an eternal kingdom for David.
Romans 16:25-27 - What was a mystery for ages is now revealed.
Luke 1:26-38 - The Word of God comes to Mary.
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2023
Isaiah: 52:7-12 - Sing for joy. There is good news coming!
Hebrews 1:1-6 - Now God speaks to the people through the Son.
John 1:1-18 - The Word of God is one with us, living in our midst.
