Scripture Reflections And Commentaries

Scripture reflection: But you . . . who do you say I am? You are the Christ!

5 September 2024

Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 15 September 2024.

Homily notes: Jesus' identity

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 5 September 2024

The moment has come for Jesus to draw from the disciples an explicit acknowledgment of his identity as Messiah. Homily notes for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

Homily notes: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 1 September 2024

In the sacrament, Jesus gives us the capacity to hear the life-giving Word, which he then speaks to us in the Scriptures as proclaimed by the Church. Homily notes for 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 5 September 2021

Scripture reflection: Say to all faint hearts, ‘Courage, do not be afraid!’

29 August 2024

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 8 September 2024.

Homily notes: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 25 August 2024

Like a torch that lights up a path on a dark night, for Jewish people the Torah is a body of wisdom and enlightenment showing how to live as the covenant people of God.

Scripture reflection: You must do what the word tells you

22 August 2024

God of might, giver of every good gift. put into our hearts the love of your name, so that, by deepening our sense of reverence, you may nurture in us what is good, and, by your watchful care, keep safe what you have nurtured. Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B, 1 September 2024.

Homily notes: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

17 August 2024

Joshua’s challenge and the Israelites’ unqualified commitment, “We also will serve the Lord,” makes its claim upon God’s people today, just as it did of old.

Scripture reflection: The Lord is close to the broken hearted

15 August 2024

O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B, 25 August 2024.

Scripture reflection: Anyone who eats this bread will live forever!

8 August 2024

O God, who have prepared for those who love you good things which no eye can see, fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love, so that, loving you in all things and above all things, we may attain your promises, which surpass every human desire. Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B, 18 August 2024.

Homily notes: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Fr Brendan Byrne SJ 8 August 2024

Along with participation in the Eucharistic sacrament, the language of “eating” and “drinking” continues to refer to absorbing through faith the revelation he has come down from heaven to impart.

Scripture reflection: I am the living bread which has come down from heaven

1 August 2024

Almighty ever-living God, whom, taught by the Holy Spirit, we dare to call our Father, bring, we pray, to perfection in our hearts the spirit of adoption as your sons and daughters, that we may merit to enter into the inheritance which you have promised. Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B, 11 August 2024.