of the human person from conception until natural death
In an apparent contradiction to what Jesus had said earlier that He had made known to the disciples all that He had heard from the Father (Jn 15:15), at the outset of this weekend’s Gospel Jesus tells them, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.”
In this week’s Gospel, there is one of the several references to the Paraclete (Jn 14:26) rendered, in English, as Advocate. All references to the Paraclete (or the Spirit of Truth) occur multiple times in the Farewell Discourse of John’s Gospel (Jn 13:31–17:26) that are the extensive teachings and promises…
According to one biblical scholar, while Jerusalem is the focus of Jewish identity, faith, and hope, in the Book of Revelation, Jerusalem signifies “the election of a new people and the sealing of a new covenant” (Wilfrid J. Harrington, Sacra Pagina: Revelation, p. 209). John the Revelator writes, “Then I…
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (phileo) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me?”…
Seemingly mundane, the conversations Jesus often has with various people, such as the Woman Caught in Adultery and the Samaritan Woman at the Well, frequently involve Jesus asking questions that reveal a deeper truth. Since conversations are more concrete and direct, unlike parables, they show Jesus engaged with real, historical individuals.
Scripture refers to Joseph as a righteous or just man (Mt 1:19). The adjective for “just” that is used in the original Greek text of Matthew’s gospel to describe Joseph is the word dikaios (Gk. δίκαιος), which can be translated either as “just” or as “righteous”. Dikaios can be used…
The biblical account of the Transfiguration is recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels: Mark 9:2–13; Matthew 17:1–13; Luke 9:28–36 [37-43]. Among those three, only Saint Luke provides the content of the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
Both Moses and Elijah held crucial positions salvation history: Moses as the amasser…
This weekend’s Gospel opens with the parable asking if someone who is blind can lead others who are blind? It refers to the obvious fact that someone who is ignorant or misguided themselves cannot effectively guide others, as both of them will end up in trouble. No student is better…
Nature and dignity 