Letters From Home

Readings

Isaiah 55:6-9

Psalm145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

Philippians 1:20-24, 27

Matthew 20:1-16

The house of Israel is the vine of God - who planted and watered it, preparing the Israelites to bear fruits of righteousness (see Isaiah 5:7; 27:2-5). Israel failed to yield good fruits and the Lord allowed His vineyard, Israel's kingdom, to be overrun by conquerors (see Psalm 80:9-20). But God promised that one day He would replant His vineyard and its shoots would blossom to the ends of the earth.

Lecturas

Isaías 55, 6-9

Salmo 145, 2-3.8-9.17-18

Filipenses 1, 20-24.27

Mateo 20,1-16

La casa de Israel es la viña de Dios que Él plantó y regó, preparando a los israelitas para dar frutos de justicia (cf. Is 5,7; 27,2-5).

Israel no produjo frutos buenos y el Señor permitió que su viña, el reino de Israel, fuera invadida por conquistadores (cf. Sal 80, 9-20). Pero Dios prometió que un día replantaría su viña y sus brotes florecerían hasta los confines de la tierra (cf. Am 9,15; Os 14,

Readings:

Sirach 27:30-28:7

Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12

Romans 14:7-9

Matthew 18:21-35

Mercy and forgiveness should be at the heart of the Christian life.

Yet, as today's First Reading wisely reminds us, often we cherish our wrath, nourish our anger, refuse mercy to those who have done us wrong. Jesus, too, strikes close to home in today's Gospel, with His realistic portrayal of the wicked servant - who won't forgive a fellow servant's debt, even though his own slate has just been wiped clean.

Readings:

Ezekiel 33:7-9

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9

Romans 13:8-10

Matthew 18:15-20

As Ezekiel is appointed watchman over the house of Israel in today's first Reading, so Jesus in the Gospel today establishes His disciples as guardians of the new Israel of God, the Church (see Galatians 6:16).

Lecturas:

Ezequiel 33, 7-9

Salmo 95, 1-2.6-9

Romanos 13, 8-10

Mateo 18, 15-20

Así como en la primera lectura de hoy Ezequiel es designado centinela sobre la casa de Israel, Jesús establece a sus discípulos como guardianes del nuevo Israel de Dios -la Iglesia- en el Evangelio de este día (cf. Ga 6,16).

Lecturas:

Jeremías 20, 7-9

Salmo 63, 2-6.8-9

Romanos 12, 1-2

Mateo 16, 21-27

La primera lectura de este domingo sorprende al profeta Jeremías en un momento de debilidad. Su íntimo lamento contiene algunas de las expresiones más fuertes de la Biblia referentes a la duda. En su seguimiento de la llamada de Dios, Jeremías se siente abandonado. Lo único que le ha acarreado la predicación de su Palabra es escarnio.

Readings:

Jeremiah 20:7-9

Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9

Romans 12:1-2

Matthew 16:21-27

Today’s First Reading catches the prophet Jeremiah in a moment of weakness. His intimate lamentation contains some of the strongest language of doubt found in the Bible. Following God’s call, he feels abandoned. Preaching His Word has brought him only derision and reproach.

Readings:

Isaiah 22:15, 19-23

Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8

Romans 11:33-36

Matthew 16:13-20 (see also "Peter's Powers")

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” Paul exclaims in today’s Epistle. Today’s Psalm, too, takes up the triumphant note of joy and thanksgiving. Why? Because in the Gospel, the heavenly Father reveals the mystery of His kingdom to Peter.

Lecturas:

Isaías 22,15.19-23

Salmo 138,1-3.6.8

Romanos 11,33-36

Mateo 16,13-20

 “¡Oh profundidad de la riqueza, la sabiduría y la ciencia de Dios!”, exclama San Pablo en la epístola de esta semana. También el salmo del domingo toma una triunfante expresión de alegría y gratitud. ¿Porqué? Porque en el Evangelio, el Padre celestial revela el misterio de su reino a Pedro.

Readings:

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Matthew 15:21-28

Most of us are the foreigners, the non-Israelites, about whom today's First Reading prophesies.

Coming to worship the God of Israel, we stand in the line of faith epitomized by the Canaanite woman in today's Gospel. Calling to Jesus as Lord and Son of David, this foreigner shows her great faith in God's covenant with Israel.