Good vs Evil

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 553 total views 3rd Sunday Advent (c) Zeph 3:14-18 The book of Zephaniah, written during the time of King Josiah in the late seventh century B.C. (1:1), consists of three chapters and addresses both severe judgments against Judah, Jerusalem, (ch. 1), and the surrounding nations (ch. 2), followed by a message of deliverance for God’s faithful

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 743 total views 2nd Sunday Advent (C) Bar 5:1-9 The Book of Baruch is a short work originally composed in Hebrew but survives primarily in Greek. It is attributed to Jeremiah’s secretary and likely dates from late pre-Christian times, post-200 B.C. Influenced by Isaiah, Baruch focuses on the theme of the exiles’ return from Babylon, relevant

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 1,444 total views Jer 33:14-16 This passage from the prophet is a late addition to the book, absent in the Septuagint, and reflects a reworking of an earlier oracle (cf 23:5-6) Written in the post-exilic period, it focuses on hope for Jerusalem and Judah, with minimal reference to Israel. The passage emphasizes the significance of a

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 2,631 total views Dan 7:13-14 This passage from Daniel introduces the title “Son of Man,” often associated with Jesus. In this vision, the Son of Man contrasts the four beasts representing historical empires opposing God’s reign (7:1-9). Symbolically, he embodies God’s reign and represents the saved people of God, who will gain dominion over the earth

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 320 total views 33rd Sunday B Dan 12:1-3 The passage from Daniel concludes the account of final warfare and the downfall of foes (ch. 10-11), presenting the first clear statement on resurrection and eternal life in Hebrew scriptures. It introduces a distinction between the just and the wicked, allowing for a deeper understanding of retribution beyond

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 5,631 total views 32nd Sunday B 1 Kgs 17:10-16 The passage describes a miracle involving the prophet Elijah during a drought in Israel and Phoenicia. The story highlights Yahweh’s providential care for both the prophet and a widow in dire circumstances, emphasizing her willingness to give from her limited resources. Despite her initial hesitation, the widow

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 2,306 total views Deut 6:2-6 The passage serves as a closing exhortation from Moses. It highlights two forms of positive law: “statutes” (huqim) which establish penalties, and “commandments” (mitsot) which simply state commands (v2f). Law observance reflects the covenant between Yahweh and the Israelites, with blessings like long life and prosperity assured in return. The Shema

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 2,649 total views 30th Sunday B Jer 31:7-9 In one of Jeremiah’s most celebrated chapters, the prophet speaks about the return of the exiles from the northern kingdom, who had been deported by the Assyrians after their victory in 721 B.C. Those who lived through the devastation are now making their return. They are referred to

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 2,647 total views 29th Sunday (B) Is 53:10-11 This passage comes near the end of the fourth and last song of the servant of the Lord in Deutero-Isaiah. The servant’s sufferings, which have become more intense, eventually lead to his death (53:3, 5, 😎. But the chorus of onlookers realizes that he was innocent, and his

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 3,304 total views Wis 7:7-11 Today’s reading recalls that event in Solomon’s life (v7) when he asked early in his reign as king for the gift of wisdom so that he might be an understanding and discerning judge for his people (1 Kgs 3:5-15). It was a gift to be preferred over all others and is

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 3,613 total views 27th Sunday (B) Gen 2:18-24 The passage describes Yahweh’s plan to create a partner for man (Adam). He created animals, which Adam named to show their subordination to him. However, none of them was a suitable partner. So, God put Adam into a deep sleep, took one of his ribs, and created a

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 3,983 total views 26th Sunday B Num 11:25-29 The reading contains an incident from the time of the Israelites’ desert sojourn. The story of Eldad and Medad is concerned with the sharing of Moses’ charismatic spirit among the people at the time. Earlier in the chapter, Moses had complained to Yahweh about his inability to provide

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 4,628 total views 24th Sunday B Is 50:4 – 9 This is the third of the four so-called Servant Songs in Deutero-Isaiah (42:1-7; 49:1-7; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). The servant’s identity, as originally intended, has both collective (Israel) and individual features. He is perhaps best described as a prophetic figure who suffers on behalf of others; he is

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 4,910 total views Isaiah 35:4-7 This reading follows the announcement of judgment on the nations (ch 34) and a song celebrating the joy of the redeemed people of Israel by Yahweh (ch 35). The deliverance of Yahweh vanquishes evil. In Hebrew thought, evil is disguised in various forms: physical illness, handicaps, burned and scorched land without

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 5,257 total views 22nd Sunday B Dt 4:1-2, 6-8 “Hear, O Israel” (Shema’) is a solemn call to be attentive to God’s word. It serves as an introduction to the subsequent body of laws in the book. Faithful observance of the law leads to life, and life is represented by possession of the promised land (v1).