Category: Ordinary Time

Central idea: True poverty and riches. Doctrine: Poverty of heart and Christ’s grief over the rich. Practical application: Growing in detachment.

The readings are on the virtue of charity and on the call of the prophet Isaiah and of the apostle Peter. Below are links to two outlines.  The fear proper to a child of God. The virtue of awe and the vice of presumption.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus’ fellow townspeople flip from adulation to murderous anger. This is unfortunately the pattern of his life. Here are links to two full, updated and revised outlines. The virtue of hope and acts of hope The laity’s legitimate role in the prophetic office of Christ  

The lectionary readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time focus on (a) Ezra’s reading of the rediscovered Scriptures to the remnant who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity and (b) Jesus’ reading of the prophet Isaiah followed by his proclaimation that He is the promised long-awaited messiah. Here are links to two updated and…

The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time is the Wedding Feast of Cana. Christ reveals himself to be God through his miracle. He also blesses human marriage, perhaps at that moment instituting the Sacrament of Matrimony. He also shows forth the spousal relationship between him and every baptized soul. Two sets of Doctrinal…

Central idea: Christ is my King and God. Doctrine: Christ as Lord and King. Practical application: Reigning by serving.

Central idea: The last days and things. Doctrine: The Last Judgment and the hope of a new heaven and a new earth. Practical application: What to do now to be ready for the hour of our death.

Central idea: Give all you have to God. Doctrine: Poverty of heart. Practical application: Voluntary humility.

Central Idea: We love God by obeying God’s law. Doctrine: God’s law. Practical application: Three means to grow in obedience to God’s law.

Central idea: Faith which saves. Doctrine: Faith is a gift of God. Practical application: Faith in action.

Central idea: Prayer in the face of difficulties. Doctrine: Christ’s redemptive death in God’s plan of salvation. Practical application: Co-redeemers with Christ.