A key teaching in the Gospel According to Mark 1:21–28 (NABRE) is that Jesus teaches with authority and the scribes don’t. The evangelist identifies this as the key differentiator in Jesus’ teaching. The Greek word ἐξουσία (exousia) is translated as authority in this passage. It also can mean “power.” This …

As we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, we reflect on the importance of God’s word in changing lives and the world. In the reading from the Gospel According to Mark 1:14–20 (NABRE), Jesus has begun his public ministry by proclaiming the “Gospel of God.” The idea of …

Although the word ordinary usually is thought to mean common and run-of-the mill, that’s not the reason that the Church designates a large portion of the liturgical year as Ordinary Time. Following the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we once again enter the season of Ordinary Time. After …

In the sixth chapter in the Gospel According to Matthew (NABRE), we encounter the word “hypocrite” several times. This word comes up a fair amount in the Gospels, usually in reference to the Jewish leaders. What exactly is Jesus accusing these leaders of doing wrong when he calls them hypocrites? …

Epiphany occurs as a part of the Church’s celebration of the Christmas season. During this solemnity, we contemplate the three magi coming to Jesus and, by extension, the manifestation of God in human form to the Gentiles. The concept of Epiphany, however, has a broader meaning, and there is perhaps …

Transfiguration and transubstantiation are two words with the same prefix. Both describe religious mysteries that are difficult for us to understand. The transfiguration of Jesus occurs on a mountain where Moses and Elijah also put in appearances. There are a couple of related words deriving from Latin that are especially …

The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent look at the alarming statement found in the Gospel According to Luke 1:30 (NABRE): “Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.‘” This statement by the angel highlights the reason that Mary …

The Gospel According to Luke 2:35 (NABRE) contains one of the more difficult passages about our Blessed Mother: “(and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There’s an especially interesting image here around the idea of piercing, which is a bit …

The first chapter of the Gospel According to John (NABRE) contains John’s testimony about himself when priests and Levites are sent to question him about the basis for his ministry and baptism. This entire exchange is incredibly interesting, but one line in particular stands out in the Gospel According to …

Early in the liturgical season of Advent, the Church’s readings at Mass turn toward the witness of John the Baptist as “the voice of one crying out.” In the readings we see both the original prophecy from the Book of Isaiah 40:3 (NABRE) and also the restatement in the Gospel …