by Richard Houwing | 16 Oct, 2022 | Reflections
In the parable of the unjust judge (Gospel: Luke 18:1-8) Jesus exhorts his disciples to pray continually and never to lose heart. The judge is approached by a widow – who represents the powerless ones. It is presumed that she has right on her side, but the judge...
by Richard Houwing | 10 Dec, 2021 | Reflections
Reflection: Third Sunday of Advent, Year C The prophet Zephaniah, writing in the seventh century BC, bids Jerusalem to rejoice because salvation is near (First Reading). God stands in her midst and will deliver her from her enemies. God is portrayed, not only as a...
by Richard Houwing | 26 Nov, 2021 | Reflections
First Reading (Daniel Jeremiah 33:14-16). The prophet assures the people that God will send the promised one, the Messiah. Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2). Paul prays that the Lord may deepen the love the Thessalonians have for each other, and thus prepare...
by Richard Houwing | 8 Oct, 2021 | Reflections
Reflection: First Reading (Wisdom 7:7-11). This is a passage in praise of wisdom, presented as a speech of Solomon. Second Reading (Hebrews 4:12-13). God’s word is effective and is a source of true wisdom for us. Gospel (Mark 10:17-30). The case of a good young man...
by Richard Houwing | 16 Jul, 2021 | Reflections
First Reading (Jeremiah 23:1-6). The leaders of Israel are made to account for their neglect of the people, but better leaders are promised. Second Reading (Ephesians 2:13-18). By his death Christ broke down the wall between Jews and Gentiles, and united all peoples...
by Richard Houwing | 16 Apr, 2021 | Reflections
First Reading (Acts 3:13-15, 17-19). Peter boldly proclaims the God News: an early explanation of the Passion and an example of the early witness to the resurrection. Second Reading (1 John 2:1-5). We show that we know God by keeping his commandments. When we fall,...
by Richard Houwing | 15 Jan, 2021 | Reflections
First Reading (1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19). The prophet Samuel played a very important role in the history of Israel. Here we have the story of his call by God. Samuel is often quoted: “Speak Lord your servant is listening.” Second Reading (1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20). St...
by Richard Houwing | 6 Dec, 2020 | Reflections
In today’s liturgy we hear again the lonely voice of John the Baptism calling us to prepare a way for the Lord. The First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11). The people are urged to prepare a way for the Lord who is coming to save them. The Second Reading (2 Peter 3:8-14)....
by Richard Houwing | 12 Nov, 2020 | Reflections
First Reading (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31). This is a poem in praise of the ideal wife. Even though it implies that a woman’s place is in the home, nevertheless, it is a noble tribute to womanhood. By today’s standards, the woman may not be called a talented...
by Richard Houwing | 8 Oct, 2020 | Reflections
First Reading (Isaiah 25:6-10). This image of a banquet describes the blessings God wishes to bestow, not only on Israel, but on all nations. Second Reading (Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20). Paul thanks the Philippians for their support but says that his real strength...
by Richard Houwing | 25 Sep, 2020 | Reflections
First Reading (Ezekiel 18:25-28). Here the prophet is responding to an objection that God is unjust because he punishes or rewards the individual for his own actions, instead of allowing him to rely on the institution of Israel and the promises made to the nation. The...
by Richard Houwing | 17 Apr, 2020 | Reflections
First reading (Acts 2:42-47). This is the first of three summaries in Acts that describe the life and activities of the earliest Christian community. (The other two are 4:32-35; 5:12-16). Here Luke describes, in an idealised way, the final result of Peter’s preaching...
by Richard Houwing | 30 Mar, 2020 | Reflections
First reading (Ezekiel 37:12-14). All three readings are concerned with resurrection to newness of life. In the First Reading Ezekiel describes the Babylonian exile of the Israelites and their promised restoration to their homeland in terms of death and resurrection....
by Richard Houwing | 21 Mar, 2020 | Reflections
First reading (1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13). This passage tells the story of how Samuel identified and anointed David as the future king of Israel. The story shows the depth of God’s seeing. While people look at appearances, God looks at the heart. This is illustrated...
by Richard Houwing | 8 Feb, 2020 | Reflections
First reading (Isaiah 58:7-10). Isaiah speaks about fasting. He tells the people that true fasting (and therefore true religion) is necessarily linked with the practice of justice and with concern for the poor and the needy. Here he assures them that if they follow...
by Richard Houwing | 24 Jan, 2020 | Reflections
First reading (Isaiah 8:23-9:3). The prophet predicts future liberation for an oppressed people. Second reading (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17). St Paul launches a passionate appeal for unity in the community at Corinth. Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23). The wonderful prophecy of...
by Richard Houwing | 17 Jan, 2020 | Reflections
First Reading (Isaiah 49:3, 5-6). This reading is part of the second Servant Song of Isaiah. It stresses the early call and formation of the servant. God assures him that he will not only lead back Jacob and reassemble and teach Israel, but also be a light for all...
by Richard Houwing | 10 Jan, 2020 | Reflections
First Reading (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7). This passage is from the first of the four Servant Songs of Second Isaiah. Though the identity of the Servant remains a mystery, the early Christians saw the ‘servant songs’ as being perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. This reading is...
by Richard Houwing | 3 Jan, 2020 | Reflections
First Reading (Isaiah 60:1-6). The exiles returned to Jerusalem to find the city in ruins. Here the prophet cheers them with a vision of a restored city that will become a beacon of light for all the nations. The nations will come from afar to pay tribute to and...
by Richard Houwing | 28 Dec, 2019 | Reflections
First Reading (Sirach or Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6, 12-14). This is a brief commentary on the commandment: Honour your father and your mother. Too often we think of this commandment merely in terms of obedience on the part of younger children. This reading stresses the...
