Author mattlselby

First Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Reflection: In this Sunday’s readings, we hear about two poor widows who put great faith in God. In the first reading, the widow encountered the Prophet Elijah when she was at the end of her rope…. Continue Reading →

First Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Reflection: In this passage, we hear what Jews refer to as the Shema, which is the Hebrew word translated as “Hear” (followed by “O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!”). This begins the passage that… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9 Reflection: The prophet Jeremiah conveyed these words of consolation during a difficult time in Israel’s history. The nation was experiencing exile. Having been conquered by the Babylonians, the Israelites were being taken captive from Israel to Babylon…. Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11 Reflection: This passage comes from one of the Servant Songs in the book of Isaiah. The 53rd chapter of Isaiah is about the “Suffering Servant.” Although written hundreds of years before Jesus walked this earth, it clearly… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 Reflection: The author of the book of Wisdom claims to be the famous King Solomon, but scholars agree that this ascription is literary fiction. The book, rather, was written centuries after Solomon’s life by an unknown Jew…. Continue Reading →

First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Reflection: In this Sunday’s first reading we hear of the creation of the first woman, Eve. There are fundamental truths to learn from this passage. God created Adam after he created all of the rest of the… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Numbers 11:25-29 Reflection: Moses was the leader of the Israelites during the time of the Exodus. After the Israelites had left Egypt and received the law at Mt. Sinai, while they were in the wilderness, the Lord directed Moses… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 Reflection: This Sunday’s Old Testament reading should immediately bring to mind the Passion of Jesus. This prophecy was likely written within one hundred years before Jesus died on the cross and it is clearly fulfilled in… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9A Reflection: This passage from Isaiah should immediately bring to mind the crucifixion of Jesus. Although written hundreds of years before Jesus died on the cross, the Prophet Isaiah spoke from the perspective of a suffering servant. The… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7A Reflection: The words of the Prophet Isaiah were written in a challenging time for the People of Israel. The kingdom was divided and the people faced threats from other nations. In the midst of the tribulations, God… Continue Reading →