Scripture Reflections for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"If we look at the political situation in Europe, and further afield, we witness the collapse of the centrist parties: traditional political certainties are falling apart. And as in politics..."

"With some Gospel passages you can relate to the experience of the Apostles and disciples immediately, but I have always struggled to understand when people have told me ‘they had..."

"Today’s readings talk a lot about shepherds and sheep. Lost sheep, shepherds who don’t tend their flock, God’s plan to appoint good shepherds through Christ who will save the remnants..."

"These four verses, the shortest gospel reading in the Sunday cycle, recount a fairly unremarkable circumstance. When the Twelve, sent out by Jesus to preach repentance, return and report to..."

"The Gospel of last Sunday told of Christ's first sending out of the disciples on a mission of preaching and healing. In the order of Mark's Gospel it was followed..."

"Today’s readings explain how God, like a good shepherd, redeems His people and provides for them. The readings also challenge us to use our God-given authority in the family, in..."

"Just in case we do not notice the first time, Mark repeats Jesus's suggestion to the Apostles that they go by themselves 'to a wilderness place' to get a break..."

"Various conflicts in recent years have reminded us that when civil war breaks out, the normal decencies of life are soon forgotten. The good relations built up between neighbours give..."

"Friends, our readings today center around the familiar biblical theme of sheep and shepherding. Both human and divine, it is Jesus who has come to lead us, walking in front..."

"In today’s first reading, God announces that he himself will shepherd his people. Yet a few sentences later, he suggests that he will raise up a righteous human king to..."

"We should never seek our final security in the things that worldly rulers and kings can provide. It is only through the shepherding of Christ that we find our way..."

"We continue our reading of Paul’s extraordinary letter to the Ephesians. We hear that the cross of Jesus has broken down the wall of enmity which divided Jews and Gentiles...."

"Another homily from Fr. Robert Barron and Word on Fire Catholic Ministries."