scripture study

SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: Fourth Sunday in Advent

by Gayle Somers December 14, 2011

On this last Sunday in Advent, an angel startles a young woman in Nazareth.  What was old, and what was new in his message to her?

Gospel (Read Lk 1:26-38)
How many times have we heard this Scripture read?  If…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: Third Sunday of Advent

by Gayle Somers December 7, 2011

On this Sunday, the Church calls us to rejoice, even though our waiting and preparation aren’t over yet.  Why?
Gospel (Read Jn 1:6-8, 19-28)
Today we have another description of the work of John the Baptist before the public appearance…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: Second Sunday of Advent

by Gayle Somers November 30, 2011

In Advent, if we ask how we can be prepare for the coming of Jesus in this new liturgical year, this Sunday’s readings are loaded with answers.
Gospel (Read Mk 1:1-8)
At the beginning of St. Mark’s Gospel, he announces…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: First Sunday of Advent

by Gayle Somers November 23, 2011

The Gospel reading sounds the call of Advent:  Be watchful!  How?

Gospel (Read Mk 13:33-37)
Our very first Gospel in this new season of Advent puts into our ears Jesus’ own words to prepare us for it:  “Jesus said to…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: The Feast of Christ the King

by Gayle Somers November 16, 2011

Today, Jesus turns from parable to prophecy.  How have the parables prepared us for this prophecy?
Gospel (Read Mt 25:31-46)
On this Feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar, the Church gives us a Gospel…

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Model Marys

by Theresa Doyle-Nelson November 9, 2011

Throughout the New Testament, one can find a variety of women with the name of Mary. It can be a bit confusing at times, trying to discern which Mary is which; it takes extra care and thought to recognize each…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Spend Your Talents Wisely

by Gayle Somers November 9, 2011

Jesus tells a parable about what His followers should be doing while they await His return. Can we find ourselves in it?
Gospel (Read Mt 25:14-30)
From its context in St. Matthew’s Gospel, we know that today’s parable touches again…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Wise Up!

by Gayle Somers November 2, 2011

Jesus tells a parable to explain that the coming of God’s kingdom will separate the wise from the foolish. What will bring that moment of truth?
Gospel (Read Mt 25:1-13)
Today’s parable about wise and foolish virgins presumes understanding of…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time — Substance, Not Style

by Gayle Somers October 26, 2011

Today, Jesus denounces the Pharisees and scribes as outrageous hypocrites, yet He tells His disciples to do whatever they say. Why?
Gospel (Read Mt 23:1-12)
In the many parables He taught, Jesus gave His enemies, the religious elites of Jerusalem,…

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SCRIPTURE SPEAKS: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – The Law of Love

by Gayle Somers October 19, 2011

Today, a Pharisee tries to test Jesus. Even though he was a legal scholar, his question reveals a stunning ignorance. How?
Gospel (Read Mt 22:34-40)
Jesus stirred up animosity against Himself among religious leaders by teaching several pointed parables about…

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