Reflecting on the Gospel for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ The King

From The Gospel of Matthew by Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri, commenting on Matthew 25:32-33:

The Son of Man’s first action is to assume the role of a shepherd who divides the sheep of his flock from the goats. It is often pointed out that Middle Eastern herdsman normally allow their animals to graze together and that sheep and goats tend to be valued equally. This makes it difficult to say for sure why the judgment is depicted as a separation of sheep from goats. Nevertheless, it is clear from the outset that the sheep represent the saints, for they are placed at the Lord’s right, which in ancient cultures represented the good, fortunate, or honorable place (see 1　Kings 2:19; Ps 110:1), while the left represented the bad, unfortunate, or dishonorable.

© 2010 Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri and Baker Academic. Unauthorized use of this material without express written permission is strictly prohibited.

What Is Our Lord Saying to Catholics About Marriage?

We have been reflecting on what God is saying to the Church today through the prophet Malachi.  After reproving priests for their failure to teach, Malachi turns his attention to the state of marriage among God’s people, focusing on two problems. 

Reflecting on the Gospel for the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

From The Gospel of Matthew by Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri, commenting on Matthew 25:24-27:

Confining ourselves to the storyline of the parable, the master’s rebuke seems excessively harsh. But if the talents represent each servant’s “knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (13:11), then the severity of the charge is understandable. Being entrusted with the message of salvation entails great responsibility. To sit on that message or to bury it for ourselves is a serious breach of responsibility to the Lord, who calls us to share his good news with the world. He does not want us to give it back to him unshared and unfruitful.

© 2010 Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri and Baker Academic. Unauthorized use of this material without express written permission is strictly prohibited.

Reflecting on the Gospel for the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

From The Gospel of Matthew by Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri, commenting on Matthew 25:13:

The lesson of the parable is summed up in the injunction: stay awake. Many find this a strange ending to a parable in which all ten virgins, the wise and foolish alike, fall asleep while waiting for the bridegroom (v. 5). Jesus, however, it talking about spiritual vigilance. One makes oneself ready for the Lord’s arrival by dutiful fulfillment of responsibilities. Failure to exercise prudence and diligence is dangerous in the spiritual life. After all, no one knows the day or the hour when the bridegroom will come.

© 2010 Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri and Baker Academic. Unauthorized use of this material without express written permission is strictly prohibited.