Mark 10:35-39 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (Mark 10:38) This passage describes the request of James and John, which is related to power. Jesus gives a new interpretation to power and discipleship. It happens before … [Read more…]
Ephesians 4:1-6 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all… through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6) Ephesians presumes that conversion leads to moral renewal. The exhortation to ‘lead a … [Read more…]
Matthew 3:8-12 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. “(Matthew 3:11) This chapter elucidates the ministry of John the Baptist, in the Province of Galilee, where the ruler was Herod. John the Baptist preached repentance … [Read more…]
Isaiah 60:1-2 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you”. (Isaiah 60:1) Isaiah spoke for the Lord to the people of Judah during the reigns of four of the kings of Judah. Isaiah warns the people that God will punish them if they keep on doing … [Read more…]
Philippians 2:1-11 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5) This second chapter of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians is one of the most poignant expressions on the nature of Christ and the immensity of the Incarnation. St. Paul urges the Philippians towards unity and … [Read more…]
Psalms 31:1-5 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. (Psalms 31:3,4) The most prominent feature of Psalms 31 is its frequent alternation between petition and trust. The … [Read more…]
Ephesians 5:15-21 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5: 15,16) Growing up, much of my parent’s conversation with me was about making the right decisions in life. Whether it was about the friends I made, the … [Read more…]
Romans 6:1-10 Do you know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death… (Romans 6:3) Baptism is the entry point to Christ. God’s initiative and people’s positive response leads one to partake in salvation. Salvation … [Read more…]
1 Peter 2:10-12 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:10) First Peter has the appearance of being a real letter because of its profuse use of baptismal liturgy. It has been considered as … [Read more…]
John 13:1-11 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:5) When we look into the context of the passage, the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth is very clearly portrayed. The last night of … [Read more…]