Acts 10:34-43 In his Acts of the Apostles, Luke uses an occasion when Paul witnesses to an officer in the Roman army, named Cornelius, to provide a concise summary of the church’s proclamation.  Essential themes are included: this message is … Continue reading →

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The Story of Creation, Genesis 1:1-24a  Most likely written while the Jews were exiled in Babylon, this could serve as a liturgical text meant to remind that God is the giver of the gift of … Continue reading →

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 This excerpt from Isaiah parallels Psalm 22 which also asks profound questions: is there some larger meaning to suffering, what is God’s role?  Walter Bureggemann sees this passage as one of only three in the Hebrew scriptures that … Continue reading →

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10) The story of God’s providing an escape out of  slavery in Egypt recalls the original call  [of Abraham and Sarah] to leave home and all that is familiar and ‘safe’ and to begin a journey purely on … Continue reading →

+AT THE LITURGY OF THE PALMS Luke 19:28-40 Luke provides a straightforward account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that is close to the other gospels, except in one tell-tale variation.  At the last overlook before Jerusalem, the Mt. of Olives, … Continue reading →

Isaiah 43: 16-21 Using the same verb for “create” as is used in Genesis for the creation of the world, the Book of Isaiah now uses the same word to remind God’s people that their identity is only due to … Continue reading →

Joshua 5:9-12 The journey with God through the wilderness began with a story of miraculous generosity (Exodus 16) and concludes forty years later with another display of God’s generosity.  This time, God’s people will feast off “the land,” which had … Continue reading →

Exodus 3:1-15 One of the most significant occasions of God’s Self-revelation in the Hebrew scriptures begins with Moses going about the daily task of tending the flocks of his father-in-law, Jethro. The import of the coming revelation is signaled by … Continue reading →

Genesis 15:1-12,17-18 God’s relationship with Abram/Abraham is direct, revelatory and revealing.  God makes impossible requests of Abraham and Sarah, and, in return, makes staggering promises.  In this episode Abram has an immediate worry; he has no heir.  Only a slave … Continue reading →

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 After a casuistic review of the Law, the writer/editor of Deuteronomy institutes/describes a liturgical rite for an individual to renew personally her commitment to the Lord’s covenant with Israel.  At a harvest time, the faithful are to bring … Continue reading →