According to the saying, the role of the prophet is to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” The prophet Joel has is own take on what that looks like. The people are definitely afflicted — apparently a locust plague has ruined their crops. But instead of offering an encouraging word Joel issues a dire… Read More »

The Book of Malachi responds to those who would ask of God, “What have you done for me lately?” How come if God is taking care of us our nation has been destroyed, my income has not risen, and plain old sickness and death stalk me? Malachi (the word simply means “the prophet” so the… Read More »

Jonah is listed as a prophet in the Bible but he is not a historical figure like Isaiah or Jeremiah. The Book of Jonah is a parable, a story told to illustrate a point. While written probably in the 3rd century before Christ it describes the hated villains of Jesus history, the Assyrians who destroyed… Read More »

If you come from a large family you can relate to the scene of Martha and Mary. Martha felt like she was doing all the work and wanted some help. Mary was ignoring her. Jesus chides Martha for her attitude: “You are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.”… Read More »

In Porgy and Bess Sportin’ Life sings that of some of the things you read in the Bible: “It ain’t necessarily so.” One of the things that he is skeptical about is that “Jonah he lived in da whale.” This serves as a good reminder that a true understanding of the Bible requires understanding what… Read More »

Having mustard seed faith means you begin with what you have. Do you say: “I can’t go to school today. I don’t know enough.” No, you say: “I only know a little bit. I’ve got to take what I have and learn more.” Do you say: “I can’t eat today. I don’t have enough food… Read More »

Jesus decided to give some of his followers “on the job” training. He sent seventy-two out “two by two” to proclaim good news. When they returned they told Jesus what an awesome experience it was. He warned them not to focus on what they were doing but what God could do with the likes of… Read More »

No one knows exactly what to do with the Book of Baruch. It is not in the Hebrew Bible and St. Jerome did not include it in his Latin version (Vulgate) of the Bible. Baruch was known as the secretary of the great prophet Jeremiah. It is due to the efforts of Baruch that we… Read More »

In the Book of Nehemiah you find a report of the mixed feelings the characterized the Jewish people returning from exile in Babylonia to the promised land. They had been away for thirty or so years and their nostalgic memories of the “good old days” were shattered by the reality of the need to recover… Read More »

On this day when we remember the Guardian Angels the reading is taken from these words of Jesus in St. Matthew’s Gospel: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” Even though the… Read More »