Scripture Reflections for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

“We live in a world where we can easily encounter many people that we ourselves don’t notice or respect...It is so easy to dismiss other people because they are not like us!”

"The dramatic scene presented in the Book of Nehemiah presents a people who had forgotten their identity and learned, as if for the first time, who they really are. It..."

"This week’s reading from the book of Nehemiah provides a reflection on the importance of keeping firm our religious identity and finding strength in our religious identity so we can..."

"Nehemiah, the 5th century governor of Judea, has an important spiritual lesson for us today. Nehemiah led the project of re-building the walls of Jerusalem after the return from exile...."

"Our first reading for this week is taken from the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Nehemiah returned from exile in order to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and..."

“As a Maryknoll Lay Missioner, I try to serve those in need, but also to realize my own needs and open my heart to receive in humble gratitude from my “siblings” in the “new family” of the reign of God”

“We are not baptised into an organisation that happens to be structured rather like a human body. We are baptised into CHRIST.”

“If we keep division in perspective and fully appreciate the unity around us, then Christ’s saving work will take place”

"The Church of Jesus Christ is not a club, not a social organization, not a collectivity of like-minded people. Rather, it is a living organism, a body composed of interdependent..."

"There is this picture on my wall, across from my prayer chair. It’s a picture my wife took, altered to have that antique, vintage look, and it’s of my son..."

“We all go through spiritual winters from time to time. Yet he’s always there, never leaving our side. It’s just about persistence through the struggle, and doing it together, as one body in Christ.”

“Christianity is centred around the living and crucified Lord who comes to us in word and in sacrament and also in the poor, the imprisoned, the hungry and the naked, the broken hearted and the lost”

“Let us find that excitement as we wait to listen to Christ. Let us find time and stillness to hear him speak to us. Let us embrace our liturgies and our prayer with joy as we see in ourselves the fulfilment of God’s promise.”

“It’s terribly important that we don’t overlook what God is doing in us just because it doesn’t fit in with our own ideas of how God should work in our lives”

"Katy Gilles MA Theology BA DipEd Japanese, Steeped in the Anglican tradition with strong community involved parents, her daily rhythm of reading the scriptures and prayer was encouraged. Studying at..."

“The recovery of understanding that came with truly hearing God’s Word meant they were returning to God and God’s way. That was cause for joy”

“His healing power, and specifically his offer of forgiveness of sin and freedom for those held captive by evil, is still available to us, if we will have faith in Him and in his promises”

“Perhaps what we need most, especially in the public domain, is a conversion from a shrillness and hardness of heart to a discerning and compassionate spirit”