Author: kyriss

‘O Lord, Open my lips…’ a beautiful prayer of the faith

Jesus Healing a Deaf-mute by Bartholomeus Breenbergh

Hear that which Jesus still says to cast off the bindings the ancient jailer of mankind had locked upon those whom God names with His Name: “!” [Ephphatha] (That is, be opened).
In the ancient Baptismal Rite, since before AD 1526, as the third of three exorcisms, a pastor was given to declare those words of Jesus over those whom God is preparing to baptize. Historically, the pastor then followed that command with a phrase like this, “But thou, devil, flee, for God’s judgment cometh speedily.” Then, having heard a blessing from the pastor, the candidate was, and still is, led through renouncing the devil, and all his works and ways. …For more, click on the title above.

The Pharisee and the publican

The Pharisee And Publican by Siegfried Detler Bendixen

At first glance, it appears that there are many different religions in the world. In fact, I was watching the launch and 90-minute flight—3 of those experiencing weightlessness—of the Virgin Galactic the other day and one of the reporters said it was a spiritual…almost religious experience…one you, too, can have for $450,000.
But we already have Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism…the list goes on, and on, and on. What surprises most people is that, even when you just look at Christianity, there are more than 44,000 different denominations of Christianity in the world.
But, in fact, and you really need to hear this: there are only two religions—the right one, and all the rest. …for more, click on thr title above.

Jesus is the true merciful Master

The Unjust Steward by Nelly Bube

The Gospel reading for today has long been thought of as being one of the difficult sayings of Jesus. At first hearing, it may seem to indicate that Jesus is teaching that good stewardship of God’s gifts should be done by whatever means may be expedient, even if they are not honest! If that were the point of the narrative, we could hear the sermon’s apostolic benediction and get on with receiving God’s gifts.
But God’s approval of dishonest stewardship to preserve one’s own standard of living is not the point of the text. …For more, click on the title above.

The Word calls, the faithful respond

Jesus with Fishermen by Jean van Orley

It is through the continual hearing of God’s Word that God joins together for Himself His Holy Family. That is particularly true of the sayings which Jesus, the Word Incarnate, continues to speak to His chosen family members out of the inspired Scriptures. He is the One Who in every generation, continues to call to the hearers of His Holy Word: “Follow Me.” We are to hear Him, at His Word, and follow His directions…for more, click on the title above.