Author mattlselby

First Reading: Exodus 22:20-26 Reflection: These words of the Lord, recorded in Exodus, can seem harsh, but there is a purpose to the strong language used here. God is making clear how seriously He takes the way we treat our neighbors…. Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 Reflection: This Sunday’s readings teach us about the relationship between God and earthly rulers, like King Cyrus in this first reading. Cyrus was the king of Persia, the world super power at that time. During his… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a Reflection: This Sunday’s first reading and the gospel reading speak of a great feast or banquet. The imagery of a banquet is often used in Scripture to refer to God’s kingdom, that is, heaven. Here, the Prophet… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7 Reflection: The story in this first reading foreshadows the parable Jesus shares in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. Here God is speaking and illustrating the situation of His people, the Israelites. God had prepared a promised land for… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28 Reflection: You might imagine in this reading the Israelites’ complaint sounding like when a child complains to his or her parents, “That’s not fair!” In this case, the Israelites had the audacity to accuse God of being… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9 Reflection: This Sunday’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah is a call to repentance while the opportunity still presents itself. God is “generous in forgiving.” He is merciful and will even grant forgiveness to someone who has… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Sirach 27:30-28:7 Reflection: The book of Sirach falls in the genre of Wisdom Literature in the Bible, along with other books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Wisdom. We would be wise to follow the instruction given in this Sunday’s first… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9 Reflection: Here the Prophet Ezekiel is “appointed watchman for the house of Israel” by the Lord. He is called to speak the word of God to the people of God, including calling out their sins and beckoning… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9 Reflection: This first reading can sound very perplexing and discouraging at first glance. Why would the prophet Jeremiah believe the Lord has “duped” him? In order to understand this reading, we must take it in context. First,… Continue Reading →

First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23 Reflection: This account from the Prophet Isaiah may seem unimportant at first glance, but when taken in correlation with this Sunday’s Gospel reading, it becomes incredibly enlightening. During the reign of King Hezekiah, Shebna was removed by… Continue Reading →