Theological Reflections

June 15, 2008 -- Third Sunday of Easter Prepared by Sam Stanton and Cecilia Espinoza, Maryknoll Lay MissionersExodus 19: 2-6 "You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. That is what you must tell the Israelites."Psalms 100: 1-3, 5; Know that the LORD is God, our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are, God's well-tended flock.Romans 5: 6-11 God's love is proven through the sacrifice of Jesus.

July 20, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Prepared by Jean Walsh, MKLM '97-‘07Oaxaca, Mexico and U.S. Eastern Region

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Those who are just must be kind. Psalms 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 The Lord is kind and forgiving, rich in faithful love for all who call out.Romans 8:26-27 The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness and intercedes for us. Matthew 13:24-43 or 13:24-30 A parable involving weeds being planted amidst good seeds. At harvest time the weeds are gathered first and burned and the harvest is gathered last and stored.

Sunday, June 22, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Prepared by Sr. Rose Bernadette Gallagher, Maryknoll Global Concerns office

Jeremiah 20:10-13 Jeremiah unburdens his heart to God. He had faithfully proclaimed God's word, but in return received only persecution and sorrow. Yet, when he, in fear, withheld God's message, it became as a burning fire in his bones that could not be contained.

Sunday July 27, 2008: 17th Sunday in Ordinary TimePrepared by Father Kenneth Thesing, MM - Uganda

First Kings 3:5, 7-12Soloman asks for an understanding heart to judge God's people and to distinguish right from wrong. Pleased with this request, God grants Soloman wisdomPsalms 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130God's teachings and commandments are more precious than silver and gold.Romans 8:28-30All things work for good for those who love God, and are called according to God's purpose.Matthew 13:44-52 or 13:44-46

June 29, 2008 - Feast of St Peter and St Paul, Founders Day Society of MaryknollPrepared by Fr. Thomas Goekler, MM

Acts 12:1-11 The story of Peter being freed from prison by an angel.

Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 "In my misfortune I called, the LORD heard and saved me from all distress."Second Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. Matthew 16:13-19 Jesus names Peter as the rock upon which he will build his church.

July 6, 2008 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Prepared by Eileen Charlton, Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Musoma, Tanzania Zechariah 9: 9-10 The Messiah will come, not as a conquering warrior, but riding on an ass - in lowliness and peace.Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.Romans 8: 9, 11-13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

July 13 - 15th Sunday in Ordinary TimePrepared by Father James Kofski, MM, Washington DC Program Associate for Asia and Middle East - Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

Isaiah 55: 10-11 "For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, ...So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it."

June 8, 2008 - Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Prepared by Father John McAuley, MM

Readings: Hosea 6:3-6; Psalm 50:1, 8, 12-13, 14-15; Romans 4:18-25; Matthew-13

May 18, 2008 - Feast of the Blessed Trinity Prepared by Sr. Peg Kilduff, MM with Fr. Tom Burns, MM, Lima, Peru

Provided by Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns 

First reading: Exodus 34: 4b-6-8-9; Psalm: Daniel 3: 52-56; Second reading: 2Corinthians 13, 11-13; Gospel: John 3: 16-18.

May 25, 2008 - Corpus Christi Sunday Prepared by Bro. Mark Gruenke, MM, Namibia and Brazil

Provided by Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

1st reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16; Responsorial psalm: Psalms 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; 2nd reading: First Corinthians 10:16-17; Gospel: John 6:51-58.