Sermon on the Mountain, Károly Ferenczy,
1896, Magyar Nemzeti Galéria (Budapest)
(About this Image)

And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.
(Luke 6:20–21)

Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the Second Reading
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Cor 15:12, 16-20
February 13, 2022

The 15^th chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is so important that we will read it for five Sundays. Even then, we will examine only about half. Last week’s selection gave us a concise but clear statement of the creed:

that Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the scriptures
that he was buried
that he was raised on the third day
in accordance with the scriptures;
that he appeared to Kephas,
then to the Twelve

(1 Co 15:3–5)

This week, he will begin to examine what happens when this basic belief of Christianity is ignored or denied. The Corinthians were a flesh and blood community. They had concrete and specific concerns which affected how they interpreted doctrine and indeed how doctrine formed them.

Continue reading “Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Truly Accepting the Resurrection” →

The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew,
Caravaggio, c. 1603–1606, Hampton Court (London)

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.
(Luke 5:10–11)

Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the Second Reading
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time
1 Cor 15: 1–11
February 6, 2022

For the four weeks of February, our second reading for Mass will be from the 15^th Chapter of 1^st Corinthians. This is an unusual amount of time to be devoted to one chapter, but it is one of the most important parts of the New Testament. As we will see it is a clear, concise, and profound proclamation and examination of the basics of our faith. Last week, we read the great “Marriage Reading” from the 13^th Chapter of 1 Corinthians and noted that however powerful it is in itself, it is even more meaningful when we understand it in the context of the entirety of the letters to the Corinthians. We will find the same with examining this chapter. Paul’s intention is more than preaching solid doctrine but in forming a solid community.

Continue reading “5th Sunday of Ordinary Time – The Community that Hears the Good News” →