Readings: Exodus 22:20-26; 1 Thessalonians 1:5C-10; Matthew 22: 34-40Click here to download a PDF of this homily.Preacher: Brigit Hurley [Jesus] said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love… read more →
Readings: Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3: 14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8Click here to download a PDF of this homily Preacher: Brigit Hurley The widow in today’s Gospel will not take “No” for an answer. She persists in her pursuit of justice, undeterred by the judge’s disregard for her needs. We only see a glimpse of her as she stands before the powerful,… read more →
Readings: Michah 5:1-4A; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 Click here to download a PDF of this homily. Preacher: Brigit Hurley As the Gospel story begins, a newly pregnant Mary is arriving at her cousin Elizabeth’s home. They share a warm embrace. It is a tender, familiar scene. But we can’t let sentimentality prevent us from seeing the deeper story behind these… read more →
Readings: Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5B; Matthew 22: 15-21 Click here to download PDF of this homily. Preacher: Brigit Hurley Today’s Gospel reading appears to be “ripped from the headlines,” raising issues that have been in our news and in our public discourse lately about Americans’ values—such as, questions about separation of church and state, and… read more →
Readings: Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18: 1-8 Preacher: Brigit Hurley “Slow and steady wins the race” seems to be the message of today’s readings. Moses raises his arms up tirelessly – and beyond, as he relies on others to hold his arms up – for as long as it takes to assure the Israelites’ victory in battle. In… read more →
Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11, Hebrews 4:14-16, Mark 10:35-45 Today’s Gospel story of the disciples fighting about who will sit closest to Jesus reminds me of the media coverage Pope Francis’ recent visit, with the media always surprised at who was “sitting at the Pope’s side.” Members of Congress? Homeless people? The United Nations? Children with disabilities? Prisoners? It didn’t make sense… read more →