Dive into our latest episode of The Gospel Connection podcast as we explore John 16:12-15 and discover how the Holy Spirit continues to guide and inspire us today. Learn how Jesus' teachings are made alive through the Spirit of Truth. Don't miss this insightful reflection!

In John 16:5–11, Jesus prepares to depart from his followers but promises them that his absence will be for their benefit, as the Holy Spirit will come to lead them. In this episode, we look at the significance of this text and how it pertains to our lives today, providing comfort and hope in times of need.

In John 6:1-15, we find one of the most well-known miracles of Jesus, the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power and compassion as he provides for the physical needs of the multitude. It also serves as a sign of his divine nature and points to the spiritual nourishment he offers to all who come to him. This event takes place in the context of Jesus' public ministry, where he is attracting large crowds and gaining followers through his teachings and miraculous works. Through this story, we can learn valuable lessons about faith, generosity, and the abundance that comes from trusting in God.

For show notes for this episode please visit:

https://allenlucas.notion.site/July-17-2022-ca2466ffd3b64288a71d9887420a7aa2

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to  Jn 6:1-15

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tibe'ri-as. 2 And a multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased. 3 Jesus went up into the hills, and there sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat? 6 This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother, said to him, 9 There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many? 10 Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost. “13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world! 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the hills by himself.

Reading: Jn 6:1-15

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tibe'ri-as. 2 And a multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased. 3 Jesus went up into the hills, and there sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat? 6 This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother, said to him, 9 There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many? 10 Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost. “13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world! 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the hills by himself.

Commentary:

This chapter is foundational for the theology of the Eucharist. In the Synoptic Gospels, the link between the multiplication of the loaves and the Eucharist can be reasonably presumed. In John that link becomes explicit and serves as a precursor to the institution of the Eucharist. In this case, there was a trust in Christ along with the generosity of giving up the five loaves and two fishes. The perennial lesson of almost all of Christ's miracles involves the interplay between an act of faith consisting of total self-giving and the exercise of divine power. (CCC 549, 1338)

Reading: Jn 6:4

4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.

Commentary:

The timing of this miracle around Passover, and the fact that John mentions it here, implies a connection between the Jewish feast and its ultimate fulfillment and perfection in the institution of the Eucharist, the new Passover. (CCC 1335)

Reading: Jn 6:11

11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.

Commentary:

The formula expressed here is very close to the description in the Synoptic Gospels of the actions of Christ at the Last Supper, where he instituted the Eucharist (cf. Mt 26:26; Mk 14:22; Lk 22:19). Given thanks: This term in Greek is eucharistesas, whence "Eucharist." (CCC 1360)

Reading: Jn 6:15

15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the hills by himself.

Commentary:

Jesus withdrew: The people acclaimed Christ for his miracle, but they sought to make him a temporal king who would provide for their material needs, show military might, and liberate the Jews from Roman rule. Christ left the scene before this act could take place, for although he is a king, his kingdom is not of this world. (CCC 439, 559)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 5, 278–5, 279.

---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 5, 279–5, 280.

---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 5, 279.

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to  Mt 13:24-30

Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants j of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants j said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.

Reading: Mt 13:24-30

Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants j of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants j said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.

Commentary:

The weeds in this parable can be regarded as unrepentant evildoers who refuse to repent and ultimately are winnowed out for condemnation. However, the weeds can also be viewed as our imperfections. The Church is composed of sinners who are called to struggle against sinful tendencies so as to lead virtuous lives. They are on the path to salvation and holiness but have not yet arrived. In this parable, then, the weeds of sinfulness and the wheat of sanctity will coexist in each of us until the end of time. Our own fruitfulness in hearing and keeping the word of God is determined by our desire and eagerness for a close friendship with Christ and fidelity to his teachings. (CCC 827)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 789–4, 790.

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to   Mt 13:18-23

Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the Evil One comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.  22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.

Reading: Mt 13:22

22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

Commentary:

Attachment to material wealth and temporal concerns distract us from seeking Christ and turn our attention from doing God's will. To be fruitful, we must respond to God in faith and heed his Word. (CCC 29, 1153)

Reading: Mt 13:23

23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 789.

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to  Jn 20:1-2, 11-18

Now on the first day of the week, Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned and said to him in Hebrew, Rab-bo'ni! (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. 18 Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Reading:  Jn 20:1

Now on the first day of the week, Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Commentary:

first day of the week: Sunday is the day of Christ's Resurrection. Because of that, the Church recognizes Sunday as the Lord's Day and established its worship on that day by the celebration of the Eucharist. In the early Church, before Christians made a complete break from Judaism, they would worship in the Temple and synagogues on the Sabbath and then meet to celebrate the Eucharist in private homes on the following day, which was Sunday. As the first day, Sunday also brings to mind the first day of creation and thus signifies a new creation in Christ. (CCC 2174, 2190-2195)

Reading: Jn 20:2

2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.

Commentary:

The empty tomb is not in itself unimpeachable evidence of the Resurrection, but it is obviously an essential sign of the Resurrection. (CCC 640)

Reading: Jn 20:11-18

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned and said to him in Hebrew, Rab-bo'ni! (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. 18 Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Commentary:

God allows himself to be seen and recognized by those who are pure of heart," taught St. Gregory of Nyssa (De Beatitudinibus, 6). Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Christ who was mentioned by John as having been one of the women at the foot of the Cross; Luke describes her as having been a woman possessed by demons whom Christ had healed. Her sincere search for Christ after her discovery of the empty tomb was rewarded with an appearance by the risen Christ himself. Disciples of Christ are those who, despite human weaknesses, are healed by him and commit themselves to follow him, becoming witnesses of his merciful love. (CCC 640-641)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 5, 347.

---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 5, 347–5, 348.

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to  Mt 13:1-9

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears,  let him hear.

Reading:  Mt 13:1-9

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears,  let him hear.

Commentary:

Christ often spoke in parables—stories that use images or metaphors to illustrate mysteries about the Kingdom of God. Through these parables, Christ instructed us to reflect on the nature of the Kingdom of God and how it grows within us. The Parable of the Sower describes how those who receive Christ wholeheartedly will grow in holiness and bear good fruit, whereas those who reject or do not fully accept the Word will not bear fruit. (CCC 546, 1724)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 788.

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to  Mt 12:46-50

While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren  stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?" 49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brethren! 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Reading: Mt 12:46-49

While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren * stood outside, asking to speak to him. g 48But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?" 49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brethren! 

Commentary:

My mother and my brothers: Christ's true family is his disciples, those who accept his teachings and put them into practice. When we are faithful to Christ's message, our relationship with him is likened to that of a brother, sister, and mother. The "brothers" of Christ were other male relatives or fellow tribesmen rather than blood brothers. The Hebrew and Aramaic languages often used the same word to refer to brothers, cousins, and other relations that share the same ancestry. (CCC 764, 2233)

Reading: Mt 12:50

50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Commentary:

Whoever does the will of my father . . .: Christ explained why Mary (and by extension all of his true disciples) are special to him, thus illuminating the meaning of verse 49. Mary perfectly fulfilled the will of God. (CCC 2826)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 787.

---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 787–4, 788.

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to  Mt 12:38-42

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." 39But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Reading: Mt 12:38-42

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." 39But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Commentary:

Sign of the prophet Jonah... heart of the earth: Christ alluded to his own Resurrection from the dead. Greater than Jonah . . . greater than Solomon: Along with his claim to be greater than the Temple (cf. Mt 12:6), Christ identified himself with God. Judgment: At the end of time, Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. Those who reject Christ will face eternal condemnation. Sin, left unchecked, leads to greater sin; if the "present generation" fails to heed the call to repentance, it will become more deeply steeped in evil, which will make repentance that much more difficult. (CCC 590, 627, 635, 678-679, 994)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 787.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to  Mk 6:30-34

“The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. 34 As he landed he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reading: Mk 6:30-34

The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. 34As he landed he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Commentary:

As in the other Gospel accounts, Christ's miraculous feeding of the crowds with a few loaves and fishes recalls the miraculous feedings of the Old Testament (e.g., the manna in the desert) and anticipates the Sacrament of the Eucharist, which will feed an unlimited number of people. His teaching of the crowds followed by the miraculous distribution of the loaves and fish is reminiscent of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the basic elements of the Mass. Furthermore, it connects the spiritual nourishment of the Word followed by the sacramental nourishment of the Bread of Life. Gathering in one place to listen to the Word and take part in a sacred meal is representative of the new People of God. It is worth noting Christ used Eucharistic language in the multiplication of the loaves, i.e., "looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke . . . and gave" (verse 41), and that he distributed the loaves through his Apostles. (CCC 1335)

Reading: Mk 6:34

34As he landed he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Commentary:

Sheep without a shepherd: This image was used in the Old Testament to describe the lack of spiritual leadership in Israel (cf. Nm 27:17; Jer 23:1-3) and the promised Messiah who would shepherd his people (cf. Ez 34:23). It also calls to mind the parable of Christ as the Good Shepherd (cf. Jn 10:11-16) and Christ's instruction to go out to the "lost sheep" of Israel (cf. Mt 10:6). (CCC 754, 1586)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 3, 389.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to Mt 12:14-21

“But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. 15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all, 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 1He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; 2he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name will the Gentiles hope.

Reading: Mt 12:15-21

15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all, 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 1He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; 2he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name will the Gentiles hope.

Commentary:

Christ's actions echoed those of the Suffering Servant of the prophet Isaiah (cf. Is 53) and thus identify him as the Messiah. (CCC 713)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 3, 298.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to  Mt 12:1-8

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath." 3 He said to them, "Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the law how on the sabbath the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless? 6I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath.

Reading: Mt 12:1-8

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath." 3 He said to them, "Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the law how on the sabbath the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless? 6I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath.

Commentary:

According to Jewish teaching, with few exceptions, no work whatsoever was to be done on the Sabbath. Christ always gave the greatest honor to the Sabbath and taught his followers its authentic meaning. He taught that the Sabbath rest is not violated when we serve God or neighbor, as in the example of the Temple priests who do their "work" on the Sabbath. (CCC 581-582, 2173)

Reading: Mt 12:6

6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.

Commentary:

Greater than the temple: The Temple was God's dwelling among people; Christ described himself as the definitive Temple since he is the Son of God made flesh. (CCC 586, 590)

Reading: Mt 12:7

7 And if you had known what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless.

Commentary:

Christ quoted Hosea (cf. Mt 9:13) to affirm how our exterior acts, devotions, and pieties must be accompanied by love of God and mercy toward our neighbor. (CCC 2100)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 3, 297.

---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 3, 298.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to  Mt 11:28-30

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Reading: Mt 11:28-30

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Commentary:

Christ is especially compassionate toward those who suffer and carry a heavy heart. He invites them to prayer with the assurance of peace and serenity. "No one is without a family in this world: The Church is a home and family for everyone, especially those who 'labor and are heavy laden'" (FC 85). (CCC 459, 1658)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 3, 221.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to  Mt 11:25-27

25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.  27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Reading: Mt 11:25-26

25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 

Commentary:

Babes: Christ refers primarily not to children, but to those who, with childlike faith, accept humbly Christ and his teachings—the poor in spirit, who rely on God's providence to provide for their needs. Yes father: By saying "yes" to the Father, Christ affirmed his perfect submission to the Father's will. (CCC 153, 544, 2603, 2701, 2785)

Reading: Mt 11:27

27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Commentary:

“No one knows... to reveal him: The Father transcends all human knowledge and experience; thus, any human effort to conceive of him falls infinitely short of reality. The humble believer with a pure heart will see the face of God in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect image of the Father. (CCC 151, 240, 473, 2563, 2779)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 3, 297.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to  Mt 11:20-24

Then he began to upbraid the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chora'zin! woe to you, Beth-sa'ida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Si'don, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Si'don than for you. 23 And you, Caper'na-um, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.

Reading: Mt 11:20-24

Then he began to upbraid the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chora'zin! woe to you, Beth-sa'ida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Si'don, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Si'don than for you. 23 And you, Caper'na-um, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.

Commentary:

Those who witness the works of Christ or hear the Gospel but reject the grace of God face dire consequences. Chorazin and Bethsaida seem to be towns where he had preached and performed miracles, but the people there did not embrace his message of salvation; Sodom and Gomorrah were towns known for sin and iniquity destroyed in the Old Testament (cf. Gn 18:20—19:29). (CCC 678)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 3, 296–3, 297.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to  Mt 10:34-42 and 11:1

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36and a mans foes will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. 40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41 He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophets reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous mans reward. 42And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.

11  And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Reading: Mt 10:37

37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

Commentary:

To answer Christ's call to discipleship, everything must defer to this vocation. Even affection for our family, important as it is, must defer to that calling. As children mature, their perception of their personal call from Christ grows stronger, and they must carefully discern its direction. Parents and other family members may offer guidance but ultimately must accept prayerfully and even encourage their adult children's discernment of vocations. (CCC 2232)

Reading: Mt 10:38

38 and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Commentary: 

To be a disciple of Christ means to share in his Cross (cf. Mt 10:25). In martyrdom, a disciple becomes fully identified with Christ; in fact, the Greek martur means "witness." While most Christians are not called to die for the Faith, all must be prepared to bear witness to and suffer for Christ. (CCC 1225, 1506)

Reading: Mt 10:40

40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 

Commentary:

The ministry of the Apostles, in both their preaching and sacramental ministry, was an extension of Christ's own ministry. Ordained ministers of the Church exercise their service by 

teaching, divine worship, and pastoral governance. (CCC 858, 888, 893-894)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 782.

---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 782–4, 783.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to Mt 10:24-33

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant  above his master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant y like his master. If they have called the master “of the house Be-el'zebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

26 "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Fathers will. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; 33but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Reading: Mt 10:25

25 it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant  like his master. If they have called the master “of the house Be-el'zebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Commentary:

In sharing his mission, Christ's Apostles and disciples would also share in his suffering and rejection. Beelzebul: A name that means "exalted lord, or lord of the world," probably from the title of a pagan deity. It was corrupted into "Beelzebub," meaning the "lord of flies," which was a name for the Devil in the New Testament.

Reading: Mt 10:28

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Commentary:

Soul: The spiritual component of the human person. The body and soul together form a unity that defines us as human persons, for it is the spiritual soul that animates the body. Hell: Elsewhere called Gehenna or "the unquenchable fire," this is the place or state of eternal damnation for those who reject the love of God. See commentary on Matthew 5:22. (CCC 363-365, 1034, 1056-1057)

Reading: Mt 10:29

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Fathers will.

Commentary:

As in Matthew 6:31-33, Christ urged a childlike trust that God the Father would always provide for our needs. (CCC 305)

Reading: Mt 10:32-33

32 So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; 33but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Commentary:

The faithful, when called upon to do so, must witness their faith in Christ without fear if they wish to be true disciples. (CCC 13-14, 1816, 2145)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 782.

---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 782–4, 783.

A Reading of the holy gospel according to Mk 6:7-13

And he called to him the Twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

Reading: Mk 6:13

13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them

Commentary:

Anointed with oil . . . and healed them: Oil was used in Scripture for the anointing of kings and priests as well as in healing. Oil continues to be used in the Sacraments of the Church today in several ways. It signifies cleansing and strengthening when used in the anointing of catechumens preparing for Baptism; it signifies healing and consolation in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick; and it signifies consecration to a sacred mission in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. In all instances, it indicates the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit, which is symbolized by the anointing with oil. (CCC 1183, 1241-1242, 1294, 1506, 1511, 1574)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 918.