The first reading from Daniel reminds me of one of the most impactful mission experiences of my life from my time living and working in Kenya. Our team of Maryknoll Sisters focused on building bridges across deep divides within communities, among individuals, and within families torn apart by violent conflicts. Mothers lost children, children lost…
This reflection was previously published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books. Today’s readings present us with several people from whom there are lessons to be learned. First, we encounter Elijah, a towering figure in the history of Israel, a prophet so revered that he was…
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ (Mark 12:28b) It is hard to say for sure what the scribe intended as we read in today’s Gospel. So often, when scribes or Pharisees pose a question to Jesus, they have something in mind; they are…
There are several key themes in today’s Gospel that speak to the “signs of our times” and give us, in Jesus, an example of how we are to respond. Mark tells us of the crowd that was traveling with Jesus, and that Jesus “stood still” at the cry of Bartimaeus, a blind man. The scriptures…
Fr. James Kroeger, MM, who served in the Philippines, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books. The young mother’s face beamed as she held her week-old baby in her arms. It was clear that this was the joy of her life….
The Belgian theologian, Joseph Comblin, in his book, The Meaning of Mission, wrote, and I’m paraphrasing here, “If the Gospels do not cause raised eyebrows, then chances are the Gospels are being compromised.” Is there a Gospel text more uncomfortable, more eyebrow-raising, than today’s Gospel from Mark? Especially for Christians living in a rich country…
Come and see justice growing, illuminating, and expanding. Come, God’s dominion is in our reach! I remember eagerly awaiting our mother’s return from the market as a child, hoping for a treat. She consistently brought back goods like doughnuts, nuts, or sweets, which were suitable gifts because of their rarity and their lessons in sharing….
Fr. Joseph Veneroso, MM wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books. I had the good fortune to study Scripture with Rabbi Asher Finkel. What made his lectures intriguing was that his specialty was the New Testament, specifically the teachings of Jesus….
Today we have a powerful gospel full of contrasts. We find Jesus taking advantage of being alone with the disciples as they travel through Galilee to share with them where things are heading. Jesus is aware that the powers that be are not accepting his message, and he sees clearly where things are leading. Yet…
Maryknoll Father Joe Towle draws on two mission experiences that deepened his understanding of nonviolence.
Maryknoll Sister Susan Nchubiri expands on the themes healing and equality in today’s gospel.
The late Maryknoll Sister Madeline Dorsey speaks of her time in El Salvador during the civil war of the 1980’s.
Maryknoll Father John Northrop remembers his years of service in Cuidad Juárez.
Judy Coode, former communications director for the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, reflects on the communion meal.
Maryknoll Father Ken Thesing tells the story of a catechist who inspired him in mission.
Maryknoll Sister Mary Ellen Manz asks, “What must I do?” as a Christian living in tumultuous times.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Gabe Hurrish recollects a small but impactful gift.
Maryknoll Father John Keegan considers the lessons of ministry in the Gospel through the story of the 2023 film “The Old Oak”, which tells of a community welcoming Syrian refugees.
