A Vincentian reading of the Sunday readings

Hosannas that Cry Out for Sense and Truthfulness

Jesus is the awaited Messiah from king David’s lineage.  That is why, as he enters Jerusalem, the crowds cheer him with hosannas. Jesus does not turn down the hosannas of the crowds, which shows that he is quite aware that he is the Messiah.  He shows no inferiority...

Enlighten and Glorify Men and Women

Jesus has come to enlighten the Gentiles and to give glory to Israel (Lk 2, 32).  Hence, he cannot but draw all to himself. Scholars say that the accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke show Jesus as the Suffering Servant. In John, on the other hand, Jesus is kingly and...

Crucified Jesus: Despair and Hope; Death and Life

Jesus, crucified for the wicked is the best proof that God loves us (Rom 5, 8).  It is enough for us to gaze on him to believe and live forever. It seems odd to me that the serpent that brings death is the sign of healing (Num 21, 4-9).  But Jesus goes along with the...

Hallow, Honor the Temple of the Lord

Jesus is the final temple that we must hallow.  For through him, God is in the midst of the people in the best way that no one can surpass. Zeal for God’s house gets the better of Jesus.  That is why he is mad at the merchants and money changers in the temple area. ...
Traditions, Customs, and Habits

Coming Soon for Us to Watch, Now Showing

The Son of Man comes and he does not want his coming to catch us unprepared. We do not know when our Lord is coming.  That is why we have to be continually watchful and always prepared. Yes, Jesus wants us to focus on his coming.  Of course, this would be hard for us...

Traditions, Customs, and Habits

King Unlike All Other Kings Undoubtedly

Jesus is King!  How do we react to this proclamation? As an assembly, the elders of the people, the chief priests and the scribes bring Jesus before Pilate.  After hearing the charges, the Roman prefect asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews.  Jesus answers him,...

Traditions, Customs, and Habits

Perseverance in Seeking the Kingdom

Jesus is the sublime example of the person who attains salvation through perseverance in fostering the kingdom of  God. Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you besides.”  But he does not only preach;...

Traditions, Customs, and Habits

Resurrection Giving Encouragement and Hope

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  That is why we should not lose hope. Some Sadducees try to show that, in view of levirate marriage, belief in the resurrection is absurd.  In rebuttal, Jesus unmasks their lack of logic and their ignorance. First, he rejects...

Traditions, Customs, and Habits

Guest Asking for Justice and Love

The Son of the most holy God becomes flesh and stays at our house as a guest who saves.  He wants us to repent. Jesus teaches that it will be difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.  The Pharisees, for their part, consider tax collectors sinners that...

Traditions, Customs, and Habits

Publicans who Confess and Plead

Jesus personifies the attitude of publicans who do as the publican in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The parable shows that Jesus is not unfair at all toward the weak.  He hears the needy of all kinds, the marginalized, the excluded.  Among these, of...

Traditions, Customs, and Habits

Justice for the Poor and Defenseless

Jesus guarantees absolutely that God will secure justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him with steadfast faith. We know from Jesus’ example and teaching that God’s chosen ones are the poor.  Christ, the Anointed with the Spirit, makes clear that his mission is...

Traditions, Customs, and Habits

Vision that Evangelizes and Saves

We discover in Jesus the vision without which we perish demoralized. It is hard even for those who are faithful to keep faith alive and to take as norm the vision of the kingdom of God and his righteousness.  As in Habakkuk’s case, what drives them to question faith...