This week Jesus tells another parable to challenge the chief priests in the temple; to teach them that they are being dishonorable and unjust, but they don’t understand his message. Through Ezekiel, God told the house of Israel that even an honorable man will die for his sins, but that a wicked man will live if he repents. Paul reminds us that though Jesus was honorable and just, he emptied himself for us, he humbled himself for us, he died – on the Cross – for us. Perhaps we should examine our own lives, our actions, our motives, to see whether we are honorable and just… or not; to see if we are repentant… or not. There’s still time to turn away from selfishness, to be humble, to repent, to be obedient. So, what are we waiting for?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 21: 28-32
1st Reading – Ezekiel 18: 25-28
Psalm 25
2nd Reading – Philippians 2: 1-11

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:02:20) - Gospel (Matthew 21) & Explanation
• (00:11:51) - First Reading (Ezekiel 18) & Explanation
• (00:21:23) - Psalm 25 & Explanation
• (00:24:29) - Second Reading (Philippians 2) & Explanation
• (00:43:21) - Closing & Credits

The Pharisees and the Herodians, groups that typically oppose each other, unite in this week’s Gospel to challenge Jesus; unfortunately, his response is often misinterpreted. We shouldn’t repeat their mistake by misunderstanding Jesus’ words, but all too often, we do that very thing! God, however, can use anything to bring about good things for us, just as he used the Persian king, Cyrus, to return the exiles from captivity and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. So, rather than misunderstanding God, we should strive to better understand what he teaches us. Rather than rejecting the good things he offers us, we should gratefully receive his blessings. Paul commends the Thessalonians for the faith, love, and hope they have shown to others. It would be wonderful if people spoke of us the way Paul spoke of the Thessalonians. That seems like something that should be within our grasp, so how do we make sure people speak well of us?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 22: 15-21
1st Reading – Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
Psalm 96
2nd Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5b

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:02:11) - Gospel (Matthew 22) & Explanation
• (00:13:37) - First Reading (Isaiah 45) & Explanation
• (00:31:02) - Psalm 96 & Explanation
• (00:34:22) - Second Reading (1 Thessalonians) & Explanation
• (00:47:04) - Closing & Credits

In this week’s parable, Jesus is still trying to reach the chief priests, but they still don’t understand. Jesus’ words echo Isaiah’s love song for God’s vineyard, but the chief priests don’t make the connection. Even the Psalm tells the Jewish religious authorities that they are the vine planted in God’s vineyard, but that God is unhappy with the fruit they produce, and he withdraws his protection from them. We cannot sit back and think Jesus speaks only to others in this parable, however, because we sometimes reject God’s servants… we mistreat God’s messengers… and we, too, will be judged for our wicked behavior. Paul reminds us, though, that it is never too late to repent. That we should have no fear or anxiety but turn everything over to God who loves us. So, let’s repent while we can and focus our attention on all the good God gives us!

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 21: 33-43
1st Reading – Isaiah 5: 1-7
Psalm 80
2nd Reading – Philippians 4: 6-9

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:02:34) - Gospel (Matthew 21) & Explanation
• (00:18:00) - First Reading (Isaiah 5) & Explanation
• (00:29:32) - Psalm 80 & Explanation
• (00:36:54) - Second Reading (Philippians 4) & Explanation
• (00:45:08) - Closing & Credits