First Reading

Commentary on Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

“Who knows? God may turn and change their mind, and [...]

Detail from 16th Century Russian Transfiguration Icon.
Commentary on Exodus 34:29-35

Have you ever wondered why many artistic representations of Moses show two horns painted or [...]

Man holding empty wallet
Commentary on Genesis 45:3-11, 15

This week’s first reading brings us to the climactic moment [...]

Grassy plain at the base of green foothills
Commentary on Jeremiah 17:5-10

Jeremiah 17:5–10 is strongly reminiscent of Hebrew wisdom literature, written [...]

Two old boats tied along shore
Commentary on Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13]

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of Hosts; the whole [...]

Hope Valley, UK
Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4-10

Jeremiah’s call to prophetic ministry recorded in chapter 1 gives us the language to articulate [...]

Detail from
Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

The Christmas season is easily equated with children.1 Children abound—from [...]

Broken crutches in park
Commentary on Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

The book of Nehemiah continues to tell the story of [...]

Detail from
Commentary on Isaiah 62:1-5

The book of Isaiah is traditionally divided into three sections: First Isaiah (chapters 1–39) corresponds [...]

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Commentary on Isaiah 43:1-7

The theme linking the first reading and the Gospel passage for this Sunday is chosenness. [...]