Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

On this St. Patrick’s Day, we reflect on two powerful Gospel parables from Matthew 13:24-32 that reveal a profound truth about the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead of focusing solely on opposing evil, Jesus teaches us that true spiritual growth comes from nurturing faith, virtue, and holiness within ourselves.

When Abram believed God's promise, his role in God's plan became clear. How can we open our hearts to receive the clarity God offers?

Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP breaks open the readings for the first Sunday of Lent, Jesus being led out through the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil. The forty days serve as a chance for Jesus to solidify his faith so that he can easily resist the snares of the devil. May our Lenten journeys do the same.

Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4–10; Romans 10:8–13; Luke 4:1–13

(Photo of Second Temple in Jerusalem By Ariely - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4533576)

When asked if divorce was legal, Jesus responded that it was against God's plan for men and women, so that once yoked together, a man and woman should not be separated. There are many ways we do not live up the fullness of God's plan. Should Palestinians and Jews be divorced and separated from one another? Is it alright to have different worship styles at different masses, or should we all simply be one big church? Although it does not image the fullness of God's plan, are these separations always a failure, or are they sometimes the best way forward?

In the Gospel today, another Pharisee wants to get into an argument with Jesus. Instead of fighting, Jesus just leaves and goes to the other side of the lake.

In Luke's version of the Beatitudes, Jesus matches "blessed are you poor" with "woe are you rich," because riches obscure the Kingdom like a thick fog obscures a view. Jesus came to blow away the fog and reveal God's compassion which is available to all, but best seen by those who hunger for it.