Jesus, though without sin, embodies what it means to repent.  He calls us to preach repentance and become the visible and effective sign of what we preach. Jesus begins his public ministry, proclaiming:  “The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the...

Jesus is the definitive answer to the prayers of those who bemoan that there are no prophets.  That is how wanted prophets are. That prophets are that wanted is clear in the lament, “Now we see no signs, we have no prophets.”  We read something like it in Lam 2, 9. ...

Jesus wants to bring light to those who live in the shadow of death. If we just have faith and Jesus’ sensitivity, his wish for us will come true. Neighbors and relatives rejoiced with Elizabeth. But they did not really experience her sensitivity to the merciful God....

Jesus Christ is divine mercy in person.  It is fitting, then, that his Forerunner has John (“God has shown favor”) for a name.  Fitting, too, that Scripture accounts about John instruct us. Neighbors and relatives are going to name Elizabeth’s son after her husband. ...

Jesus is the Sower of the seed of the kingdom of God.  This Teacher wants his disciples to imitate him and be sowers who put their trust in God and are persevering. Our own failures and opposition from people can easily discourage us and make us tire of doing good. ...

Jesus crucified is the divine foolishness that is wiser than human wisdom.  He expects his followers to be fools like him in order to be wise. Jesus comes home.   But his own folks do not accept him in the way that the crowd at the door do.  That is because he...

Jesus brings fulfillment to the law and the prophets.  Accordingly, he gives to the Passover meal its full meaning.  To take part in the Eucharist is to share in the fullness of Christ. Jesus and his disciples are pilgrims in Jerusalem.  And they celebrate there the...

Jesus reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Looking out for others’ interests, we also reveal the Most Holy Trinity. No one has ever seen God.  But his Son reveals him.  Jesus does not use the word Trinity, of course, nor does any New Testament writer. No,...

The risen Jesus breathes on us.  Anointing us so with the Holy Spirit, he sends us to work with him in the evangelization of the poor. The risen Jesus stands in the midst of his disciples.   Never mind that it is dark and the disciples bolted the doors.  First, he...

Christ ascends into heaven, which means he deigned to descend to the earth to bring the Good News to the poor.  If we imitate him, we will ascend into heaven also. The apostles look intently at Jesus as he leaves.  But a question cuts short their contemplation, “Why...