Reflections on Daily Readings 2024
September 1st - September 28th, 2024
September 1 – September 7, 2024
Ordinary Time – The Twenty-Second Week | Readings: Sunday Cycle B; Weekday Cycle 2.
The Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 14; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
In the first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, we see that Moses has given the people the Ten Commandments and he encourages them to be faithful to them. By the people being faithful to them, non-believers will come to see that there is indeed a God to be followed – a God who is close to his people. In the gospel we see Christ admonishing the authorities for over-emphasising the letter of the Law and not adhering at all to the spirit of the Law. Our readings today remind us that the Commandments and the Law of God are there, not to make life difficult, but to give life, to improve the quality of life which we already have. Only by keeping the Commandments of God as he intended them can we grow and inherit eternal life.
Our second reading for the next five weeks comes from the Letter of St James and in today’s passage he is calling on the people to be faithful to the Lord and to follow the Word of God without making any changes to that Word for it is already perfect. The Word contains instructions for living under the law of God and inheriting eternal life.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Psalm 118; Luke 4:16-30
St Paul tells the Christians at Corinth today that he did not use big arguments and philosophy to prove that God exists. Instead he preached a crucified saviour and allowed the Holy Spirit to work in him. For the remainder of this liturgical year we read from St Luke’s Gospel and today we see Jesus preaching in his home synagogue in Nazareth (Nazara). Here he is rejected by the people because they think they know who he is and because they do not like his message. No matter who preaches or how they preach, the message of God is true and unchanging, but only with faith can the message have any impact in our lives.
1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Psalm 144; Luke 4:31-37
St Paul tells us that the message of Christ is for all people but unless we have faith and are disposed towards the Holy Spirit then the message will have no impact on us. The Holy Spirit will work in the Christian to reveal the mysteries of God and to bring understanding and acceptance of the message of the Good News. An important point in today’s Gospel passage concerns the authority of Christ. He has authority over all things including unclean spirits and the servants of Satan. Unlike many of those around him, the unclean spirits recognise his power and authority as the Son of God and so obey him. We too will be subject to his judgement on the last day and so we must make every effort to be found worthy through faith and right living.
Memorial of St Gregory the Great, Pope & Doctor of the Church
Gregory was born about the year 540 to St Sylvia and her patrician husband who was a Roman senator. He first became a monk and was later appointed papal legate to Constantinople. He was elected pope in 590 – the first monk elected to this office. He was tireless in his defence of the primacy of Rome and in his encouragement of monasticism and the spread of Christianity. Much of his work still has an effect on the Church today in terms of the liturgy and the discipline of the clergy which he enforced. He is the fourth of the Doctors of the Western Church. He died in 604.
1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 32; Luke 4:38-44
We read in the first reading from St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians that no matter who first brings the faith to us or who later nourishes that faith within us that it is God who does the work. Those who bring the word to others and help them in their faith are fellow workers with God and we are all called to do this work. So there should be no factions aligning themselves with different preachers. In the Gospel text, Jesus cures many people before going on to other towns which displeases the people for they wanted to keep him for themselves. However he tells them that his message is for all people. As Christians we have a duty to spread Christ’s message to those whom we meet by what we do and say and not simply keep it to ourselves – this is one precious treasure which only grows through sharing.
1 Corinthians 3:18-23; Psalm 23; Luke 5:1-11
St Paul tells us today that when it comes to Christ’s message it is foolish to pretend to be wise or to understand it all. If we apply too much learning to the message, or if we scrutinise it too much, we will miss the message completely. We need to approach it with an open mind and complete trust and confidence in God. In our Gospel we read of the call of Simon Peter along with James and John. Simon, because he acknowledged himself to be a sinner, did not want the Lord with him. But Christ still called him because he knew Simon’s potential just as he knows the potential of each one of us. Only when we truly acknowledge our weaknesses can we be true disciples for Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Psalm 36; Luke 5:33-39
In today’s first reading St Paul is addressing a group in Corinth who had been judging his work of spreading the Good News. Paul tells them that it is not for them to be his judge – that is God’s role alone. He is happy that he has been God’s faithful servant and is happy to be judged by God. In the Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees rebuke Christ because his disciples did not fast. We fast in order to purify ourselves and bring ourselves closer to God. The disciples did not fast because they were in the presence of God.
1 Corinthians 4:6-15; Psalm 144; Luke 6:1-5
St Paul tells the community in Corinth in the first reading that status in life and material possessions are of no importance when compared with Christ’s message. He contrasts the selfish lives of some Christians in Corinth with the humiliating treatment of other Christians in Rome because of their belief in Christ. Paul’s treatment as “the scum of the earth” is something of joy for him because it comes from his steadfast faith in Christ. In the Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees are again questioning Jesus because his followers do not strictly observe the Sabbath and so he tells them that he is Master of the Sabbath. He is reminding us not to be so caught up with the minute details of the Law that we miss the true reason for the Sabbath and so miss out on a lasting relationship with the Lord.
September 8 – September 14, 2024
Ordinary Time – The Twenty-Third Week | Readings: Sunday Cycle B; Weekday Cycle 2.
The Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalm 145; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37
In our first reading we see God speaking through the Prophet Isaiah and telling the people that the one who is to free them is coming. Those who are blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the land will once again become fertile. In our gospel text from St Mark we see Jesus restoring hearing and speech just as the Lord promised through the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s word and he does bring us salvation and freedom – freedom from all that would keep us separate from God. The Psalm, which is a song of praise, also reminds us that the Lord has done much for us – he protects us, he feeds us, he is faithful forever. And with that in mind we approach the Lord in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving.
In the Letter of St James we read that we should never judge people using different standards – we should always deal with people by using the same criteria for each person because everyone is equal in the eyes of God.
Readings
Micah 5:1-4 or Romans 8:28-30; Psalm 12; Matthew 1:1-6, 18-23
Our readings today may seem rather odd for the memorial of our Lady’s birthday because they speak about the arrival of Christ. In the first reading from Micah we read that the saviour will arrive and then his people will live secure. In the gospel text from St Matthew we have the genealogy of Christ. But the readings do serve to remind us that if it wasn’t for the generosity of Mary in answering God’s call then Christ would not have been born and world history could have been very different. The memorial also serves to remind us that Mary was a human being just like us and that she had a birth just like us.
1 Corinthians 5:1-8; Psalm 5; Luke 6:6-11
In the first reading today St Paul sternly rebukes the Corinthians for allowing sexual impropriety into their midst and for allowing pride to spoil them. There is a reminder in this that sin is not just a private thing but has a social dimension – what we do has an effect on the lives of others. Paul sternly calls the Corinthians to conversion, to return to the right path. Again in our Gospel today, we see the scribes and Pharisees trying to catch Jesus out on the Sabbath. However, he knows their thoughts and tells them that it is okay to do a good deed on the Sabbath. He then openly cures a man with a withered hand. We must keep all the commandments of God and not just our own interpretation of them. We should also never boast about being Christians but should boast about and proclaim the saving power of Christ.
Memorial of St Ciaran of Clonmacnois, Abbot
Ciaran (Kieran) was born in Connacht and went to the monastic school at Clonard before spending some time on Inishmore with St Enda. Following a vision he left the western isles and travelled across Ireland to Clonmacnois where he founded one of the most famous monasteries in the country and where he was noted for his virtues and miracles. He died between 549 and 556.
1 Corinthians 6:1-11; Psalm 149; Luke 6:12-19
In calling the faithful to conversion today, St Paul tells the Corinthians that they should always show a unified front to non-believers. There is nothing more divisive and off-putting than public in-house fighting. Better still, the roots of division should be dealt with swiftly and public fighting avoided. Their baptism means that they must act in a different way to others – a way which will spread the Gospel at every moment. In the Gospel, Jesus appoints his twelve most senior followers. It is worth noting that among those was Judas – who the Lord trusted as he did the others even – though Judas was to betray him. What is important for us is that before he made this important decision, Jesus spent the night in prayer. We too should pray for strength and guidance before making our own decisions, be they of great importance or everyday happenings.
1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Psalm 44; Luke 6:20-26
Today’s reading from St Paul to the Corinthians is a little unusual but he was writing to a group beset with scandals at a time when it was thought that the return of Christ was imminent. In any case the important message for us today is one of chaste living. Whether we be married or celibate – we must be faithful to our status in life. Paul was writing at a time which saw many heresies being preached and the one he is referring to today is that marriage was a sin. Today we read St Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, that radical blueprint for living which Christ taught his followers. To be true disciples we must strip away everything earthly from our lives and hunger for nothing but the word of God and the Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 138; Luke 6:27-38
At the time that St Paul was writing his letters to the various Christian communities he had established, there was the common practise of offering meat and other sacrifices to gods and idols. This meat was often sold in the market afterwards and some of the early Christians believed that in eating this meat they were as good as taking part in the sacrifice themselves. Paul reminds the Corinthians that there are no gods and idols – only the one true God – and so these sacrifices and scruples are meaningless. But he warns the people about taking advantage of those who are not as wise as they are in such matters because in doing so they are injuring the Body of Christ and so weaken rather than strengthen it. Our Gospel is a continuation of the account of the Beatitudes in which Christ gives us some practical tips on how to live life properly as his followers. Above all he reminds us to be compassionate just as the Father is compassionate.
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27; Psalm 83; Luke 6:39-42
St Paul in our first reading talks of contestants in a competition who train for their event just so they can win a laurel wreath which withers. The wreath we are after is infinitely more valuable as it is the kingdom of heaven and so we must never become complacent but must always strive to attain that goal. In the Gospel, Christ tells us that before we help others we must first take care of ourselves. We are called to spread the Gospel but before we can do that we must acquaint ourselves with and believe in that Gospel.
Memorial St John Chrysostom, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Born about the year 347-349 in Antioch, John was ordained in 386. His gifts of speech and eloquence gave rise to the name “Chrysostom” – “Golden Mouth.” He was made archbishop of Constantinople in 398 and was one of the greatest of the four Greek Doctors of the Church and one of the Three Holy Hierarchs along with Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen. He worked tirelessly for the spread of the faith and its defence against heresies. His courage brought him many enemies and he was banished from Constantinople by civil decree on a number of occasions, which the Western Church tried to resolve but in vain. He died in 407 during one such banishment.
Feast of the Triumph of the Cross
St Helena was, for a time, wife of Emperor Constantius and was the mother of Emperor Constantine I – the first emperor to become a Christian. With her son’s approval she travelled to the Holy Land in search of the sacred places and relics associated with our Lord. Among the relics she discovered was the True Cross which she is said to have discovered on this day in 320 and in 335 had churches dedicated on Calvary and the True Cross venerated there. This annual feast is a chance for us – outside of the Easter Season – to reflect on the significance of the cross in our lives and of the redemption which Christ won for us by his death and resurrection.
Readings
Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 77; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17
The first reading from the Book of Numbers recalls how the people in the wilderness had complained against God. For their ungratefulness, the Lord sent serpents among the people to punish them. Moses fashioned a bronze serpent to save those who were bitten by the serpents. The second reading from the letter to the Philippians is one of the most beautiful passages in scripture for it tells us of how Christ humbled himself to become one of us in order to save us. Through his humility he was raised above all other creatures and won our salvation. In the gospel, Jesus tells us that he had to be raised high, just as Moses raised the serpent, so that all peoples may be saved and brought to eternal life. In the cross is our salvation and the salvation of all peoples and it is this redemption which we celebrate today.
September 15 – September 21, 2024
Ordinary Time – The Twenty-Fourth Week | Readings: Sunday Cycle B; Weekday Cycle 2.
The Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 50:5-9; Psalm 114; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35
In the first reading we read a passage from Isaiah which we usually associate with Christ for he did offer his cheek to those who tore at his beard and he willingly accepted insult and injury for he knew that God was with him. In our gospel text from St Mark we see Jesus questioning the disciples as to who they think he is. St Peter makes his great profession of faith by saying that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus then goes on to tell them that he is to suffer and die, in fulfilment of the text we read from Isaiah, but the apostles do not fully understand what he is saying and so Peter tries to persuade him not to go to Jerusalem. Jesus rebukes him because he was, albeit through a lack of understanding, preventing Christ from carrying out his salvific mission. When we too prevent the kingdom of God from being realised on earth – even if it is simply because we do nothing – then we are no better than Satan who does not want the kingdom of God to become a reality.
In our second reading from St James the apostle reminds us that faith without good works is dead. It is not enough to say that we love God – we must let that faith be seen by the way in which we live our lives but without showing off or drawing attention to ourselves. In this way the faith of others and our own faith may be strengthened and renewed.
1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33; Psalm 39; Luke 7:1-10
In our first reading for today St Paul is admonishing the Corinthians for the manner in which they celebrate the Eucharist. They had not been doing so in a fitting manner, but, as they moved from house to house, the parties had become more lavish while the Eucharist was an almost “by the way” happening. He reminds them of the true significance of the Eucharist. This passage is also the earliest record in the New Testament of the institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday night. Jesus meets a centurion in our Gospel today whose faith is far stronger than many of those who follow him. He does not need Jesus to come to his house for his servant to be cured but only wants Jesus to will it or say it. This is the faith which we are all called to have – complete trust and belief in the Son of God no matter what.
Memorial of St Cornelius, Pope, & St Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Cornelius was elected pope in 251 and was martyred two years later under the persecutions of Emperor Gallus. During the persecutions under the Roman emperors many Christians left the faith to save their lives eventually returning to the faith before they died or when the persecutions eased. Cornelius and Novatian clashed over this with Novatian saying they should not be re-admitted and Cornelius being more pastorally sensitive and forgiving. Part of this clash saw Novatian have himself elected as pope in opposition to Cornelius (Novatian was anti-pope from 251 to 258). Caecilius Cyprianus was born in North Africa at the start of the third century and became a lawyer before converting to Christianity and became a bishop in 249. He is remembered with Cornelius because he supported Cornelius in the struggle against Novatian and was beheaded on the 14th of September, 258 on the instruction of Emperor Valerian. Both of these men are named in the Roman Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer I).
Feast of St Albert, Patriarch of Jerusalem & Lawgiver of Carmel
Albert Avogadro was born in the middle of the twelfth century in Castel Gualtieri, in the plains of northern Italy. He became a Canon Regular of the Holy Cross, at Mortara, and was elected their prior in 1180. He was appointed Bishop of Bobbio in 1184, Bishop of Vercelli in 1185, and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1204. For nine years he was also a papal legate for Pope Clement III. Given the troubles in the Holy Land at the time of his appointment, he spent his time as Patriarch living in the northern coastal town of Acre where he was murdered by an unhappy Hospitaller on September 14, 1214. He is an important figure for the Carmelite Order because during his time as Latin Patriarch he was approached by the hermits living near the Spring of Elijah who asked him for a Rule of Life, a rule to govern their living in community. This he wrote in the form of a letter sometime between 1206 and 1214 and, in so doing, gave the formal beginnings to what is the Order of Carmelites.
Readings:
Ephesians 6:11-18; Psalm 118; Matthew 20:25-28
The first reading from the letter to the Ephesians is one which was quoted by St Albert in the Rule of Life he left for the first Carmelites. The passage reminds us that even though salvation has been won by Jesus Christ, the Christian is to remain vigilant because evil forces are still at work, trying to lead people away from God. The idea of God’s armour has its origins in the Old Testament (Isaiah 11 and 59, and Wisdom 5) and it is to be worn by the Christian if they are to be successful in the struggle. In his Rule, Albert exhorted the early hermits to be aware of the presence of the evil one and to arm themselves against him. For Albert, the devil or the evil one was no mere symbol, but a living being who works against God.
The gospel text from St Matthew reminds us that we are servants to one another, and we are not to be served. We are servants of God, servants of the Gospel, and servants of one another. This is very much found in the Carmelite Rule where the Prior is first among equals, not their lord or master, but simply their leader for a time. These readings are particularly important for us as Carmelites as they give scriptural grounding to our way of life.
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Psalm 32; Luke 7:31-35
Today’s first reading is St Paul’s beautiful passage on love from his first letter to the Corinthians. The greatest force we have is love and if we act and do everything from the principle of love then the kingdom of God will be ours. If we fail to act with love then nothing we do will matter at all. Paul writes about what love is not and then tells us what love is. In the Gospel, Christ is rebuking the people because they do not listen to him because he does not act as they would have the Messiah act. John the Baptist did and they did not listen to him either. Christ has taught us to love one another following his example and that is the challenge for us today.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 117; Luke 7:36-50
The message that St Paul preaches is the true message of Christ and he reminds the Corinthians of what it is he is preaching. He preaches about Christ crucified but also Christ risen from the dead. This latter part he backs up by talking about Christ appearing to himself but also to others following the resurrection – in some cases these accounts are found nowhere else in the Bible. In the Gospel we read of Jesus forgiving a woman her many sins because of the way she treated him. The woman acknowledged her sins and bowed before Christ while the host who was giving the dinner failed to treat Jesus with such respect and reverence but continued to judge others according to his own standards and, in so doing, ignored his own sinful ways and his own need for conversion. We are called to repent of our sins, to forgive others and to love much.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Psalm 16; Luke 8:1-3
Today, St Paul reminds the Corinthians that Christ has in fact risen from the dead and that this is a pillar of the faith. It is also our salvation for if it did not take place then our faith would be in vain for there would be no hope and no salvation. In our Gospel, Luke speaks of some of the women who followed Jesus on his travels and who had been cured by him. These women also witnessed to the events on Calvary, were present at his burial and saw the Risen Lord.
Memorial of St Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest & Martyr, St Paul Chong, Martyr & Companions
Andrew and his Companions are known as the Korean Martyrs for they were martyred in that country. Andrew was born in 1821 and ordained in 1845, just one year before he became the first Korean priest to be put to death for the faith. In all it is thought that up to 10,000 Koreans were martyred for the faith between 1791-1867, many of whom were lay-people. Pope John Paul II canonized a representative 103 martyrs in Seoul Cathedral on May 6, 1984.
Feast of St Matthew the Apostle
Very little is known about Matthew other than the fact that he was a tax-collector and wrote one of the Synoptic Gospels, which he wrote in Hebrew. Accounts of his martyrdom are unconfirmed.
Readings
Ephesians 4:1-7; Psalm 18; Matthew 9:9-13
Our first reading today from the letter to the Ephesians speaks of the different gifts of God which have been given to the Ephesians, and how they should all be used for the building up of the Body of Christ. First among those are the apostles who gave their lives for the building of the kingdom – Matthew being today’s example. The gospel passage tells the story of the call of Matthew from being a tax-collector to being a follower of Christ.
September 22 – September 28, 2024
Ordinary Time – The Twenty-Fifth Week | Readings: Sunday Cycle B; Weekday Cycle 2.
The Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; Psalm 53; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37
In our first reading from the book of Wisdom we see the people plotting the downfall of a virtuous child of God. Much of what is said brings to mind the Passion of Christ and the suffering he went through in silence for us. In the opening part of the gospel we see Jesus speaking about his forthcoming sufferings while we also see the disciples arguing on the road about who is the greatest. They had misinterpreted Christ’s teachings about the kingdom and presumed that it would be a kingdom in which they would have honour and prestige. Ambition is a good thing but only if it is kept in check and if pursued for the right reason.
In the second reading St James reminds us to be peacemakers and never to allow our ambition to go unchecked for it can lead us far from the love of God. Peacemakers live out every aspect of the Gospel and this brings others to the faith.
Proverbs 3:27-34; Psalm 14; Luke 8:16-18
Today we return to the Old Testament and to the Book of Proverbs in the section known as Wisdom Literature. The Book is attributed to the wisdom of King Solomon and is aimed at the young and immature. We are warned in our passage for today that those who wilfully do what is wrong and who do not show kindness have no place with God. The Psalm speaks of the sort of person who is pleasing to the Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us in the parable of the lamp that nothing is hidden from God – everything is seen by him. Therefore we must be careful to always act justly and righteously in all things.
Memorial of St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest
Francesco Forgione was born in southern Italy in 1887. He joined the Capuchin Friars and was ordained priest in 1910. He suffered from ill-health and was thought to have tuberculosis at one stage. While praying before a cross he received the visible stigmata on September 20, 1918. His fame spread far and wide after the end of the Second World War and crowds flocked to hear and see him. Many miracles have been attributed to him and he was a gifted confessor. He founded a hospital in 1956. He died on September 23, 1968, and was canonized in 2002.
Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Psalm 118; Luke 8:19-21
We have a number of little proverbs in today’s first reading from the Book of Proverbs which give pointers to the way we should think and act. The general theme is about the ways of evil men in comparison to those who are good-living. In the Gospel we see Jesus being looked for by his family. He tells us that those who do his will are members of his family. If we are Christians then we should take every care not to let our family down, and in particular our brother, Christ, by doing or saying anything that is against his will.
Proverbs 30:5-9; Psalm 118; Luke 9:1-6
In the first reading from the Book of Proverbs we see the author remind us about the trustworthiness of God’s promises. He then goes on to pray for sincerity and finally he asks to be protected against poverty but also against excessive wealth, for wealth can put a barrier between us and God. The Psalm is a prayer to God to be guarded from evil ways. In the Gospel we see Jesus sending out his Twelve Apostles to preach and to cure in his name. As Christians we too have an obligation to spread the Good News of the kingdom.
Ecclesiastes 1:2-11; Psalm 89; Luke 9:7-9
Today we begin reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes written by an author named Qoheleth about the third century before Christ. He tells us that there is nothing new to be found in the world – everything there is has already existed but we do not have any memory of them. It is in the mind of God the Creator and the works of man are but mere vanity. In our Gospel text, the works and teachings of Christ have come to the attention of Herod. He is unsettled because some people thought that Jesus was the Baptist – whom Herod had beheaded – come back to life. Herod had listened to John with curiosity but had not done as John had instructed. Now he is getting a second chance to do the right thing. We too get second chances though we do not always acknowledge or grasp them. However, we do not know when our time on this earth will end and so we need to listen to the word of God today and act upon it.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Psalm 143; Luke 9:18-22
In our first reading today from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth tells us that there is a time for everything. The reading reminds us that there is a rhythm in life and a cycle of change to all things. In our Gospel, St Peter makes his great profession of faith when Christ asks his followers who they think he is. He also tells them that he is to suffer and to die. Today we are asked to look into our hearts and, for ourselves, answer the question – “Who do you say I am?” We are also told that this event took place while Jesus and the Apostles were at prayer, again showing us how central prayer was in the life of Christ.
Memorial of St Vincent de Paul, Priest
Vincent was born in France in 1581. He became a priest in 1600 and, on a visit to Paris, he met with Fr Bérulle and Mme de Gondi who changed his heart forever. He then became totally immersed in the plight of the poor and destitute. In 1625 he founded the Congregation of the Missions (the Vincentians) and, in 1633, the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul to carry on his work. He died in 1660 and is the patron saint of all charitable societies and in particular the society which bears his name.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12, 8; Psalm 89; Luke 9:43-45
Today, Qoheleth – the author of the first reading – is reminding us of how foolish we can be, especially in our youth. It is in our young days that we should acknowledge the power of God and begin building up our faith so as to be able to bear the trials of the “evil days” which come later in life. In our Gospel text, Jesus again tells his disciples that he will be handed over to the power of men, though they do not understand what he is saying and were too afraid to ask. Yet he tells them to keep this always in mind and we are told elsewhere in the Gospels that all these things fell into place for them following the resurrection.
