In the book of Genesis 9:8–15 (NABRE), God makes a covenant with Noah that he never again will seek to destroy humanity and all other creatures by means of flood—perhaps not the most comforting of promises considering how many other options God has available. As a sign of this covenant, …

In the Gospel According to Mark 1:40–45 (NABRE), Jesus heals a leper. This instance is remarkable because it shows us how Jesus performs signs and miracles described in Scripture. Even the leper’s request of Jesus in the Gospel According to Mark 1:40 (NABRE) is remarkable. The role of priests traditionally …

In the first chapter of the Gospel According to Mark (NABRE), Jesus’ ministry is accompanied by healing many who are ill. While in a few special cases we’re given insight into the logistics and the “how” of these signs and miracles, in far more cases such as this, they’re treated …

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 …