Br. Ed Van Merrienboer, OP

Delve into this scene of profound hospitality and foreshadowing. Contrast Mary's generous act with Judas Iscariot's duplicitous objection about selling the ointment for the poor. Br. Ed clarifies Jesus's famous reply, "The poor are always with you... she is anointing me for my burial," explaining how it references Deuteronomy 15:11 and actually reinforces our ongoing duty to care for the needy, while acknowledging the extraordinary moment at hand.

Discover why the common idea of a "fickle crowd" (cheering Sunday, condemning Friday) might be inaccurate, and focus on the Palm Sunday group's specific cry: "Hosanna!" Learn that this meant "Save us!" – a plea directed at Jesus from people burdened by Roman and religious oppression, seeking the salvation only the Messiah could bring. They saw Jesus as the healer and forgiver who could liberate them.

On this Solemnity of St. Joseph, we honor his trust in God, his role as protector of the Holy Family, and his obedience to divine guidance. Like Joseph, may we surrender to God’s will and live in faith.

Jesus warned against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging His followers to listen to their words but not imitate their actions. Today, we still face this challenge—learning to separate God’s truth from imperfect messengers.

4000 people (1000 from all four directions) came to hear Jesus preach for three days, and in the end, had no food. Before they left, Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fishes so that there was an abundance of food for all, symbolizing the abundance of God's blessings for all the world. We carry on this mission today when we as Church and individually feed those in need.

Jesus healed a man who could not hear nor speak, to extend to him the compassion of God. May we extend this compassion to the deaf in our day, but also to those who won't listen to the word of God or never speak about it.