As we reflect on the cost and conflict that comes with proclaiming the word of God, the Letter to the Hebrews 12:1 (NABRE) reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Within the context of Christianity, bearing witness came to have a special sense, and the …

At liturgical celebrations of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, a reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans 8:15 (NABRE) contains language of prayerful address to God: “but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” This prayer shows us a common address for God, …

The parable from the Gospel According to Matthew 25:31–46 (NABRE) portrays the end of time and shows Jesus separating sheep from goats—those who have earned eternal reward from those going to eternal punishment. Ancient Greek has more than one word that can mean some sort of punishment. The word ποινή …

In the opening of his First Letter to the Thessalonians, Paul gives us an interesting and important insight into the attitude of the early Christian community and suggests a mentality and approach we should strive to continue today. The First Letter to the Thessalonians 1:2 (NABRE) reads: “We give thanks …

In the Gospel According to Matthew 14:19 (NABRE), Jesus blesses the bread and as a result it multiplies. This is a powerful act and one that triggers a miraculous intervention by God. Blessing remains a deeply important part of our religious practice today and one that we continue to hope …

Paul relies heavily upon the concept of spirit to explain to the Corinthians how the spirit of God operates. Throughout the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 2:10–16 (NABRE), the Greek word used is pneuma, which literally means a “breeze” or “wind,” and from that meaning the word also …

The Book of Isaiah 58:7–10 (NABRE) encourages God’s people to care for the needs of those who have no one to care for them. In verse 8, we encounter one of the key concepts in the Scriptures in the section translated as “Your vindication shall go before you.” While vindication …

The Acts of the Apostles 10:34–38 (NABRE), included in liturgical celebrations of the Baptism of the Lord, shows us that God is concerned about Jews and Greeks alike. In the Acts of the Apostles 10:34 (NABRE), Peter says: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.” The Greek word …

In the Letter to the Galatians 3:26 (NABRE) Paul writes: “For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.” This idea is central to Christianity, and much has been made of it over the centuries. A clear understanding of the meaning of faith as a theological virtue …