Jesus’ encounter with the devil mirrors what his ministry is all about – to overcome evil with goodness is the constant challenge of the gospel. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘Take the plank out of your own eye first’
In this reading Jesus speaks about the need to recognise our own faults before criticising others. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Treat others as you would like them to treat you’
In this reading a radical new teaching is given to all the disciples of Jesus, that we should love our enemies. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God’
It is quite clear from the beatitudes that Jesus challenges the opinions of his own day, and indeed of ours – making clear that suffering and loss are an extraordinary channel of blessing. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘From now on it is men you will catch’
In this reading about the call of the first disciples, Jesus tells Peter not to be afraid, words repeatedly heard in the Scriptures when a person is called to take up a mission for God. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘A light to enlighten the nations’
This week’s gospel finds Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, where his future path is foreseen by Simeon and Anna and his mother’s pain foretold.
‘He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor’
Luke begins his gospel with the visit of Jesus to the synagogue in Nazareth because he wants us to recognize that Jesus is the long-awaited anointed one of God. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘He let his glory be seen’
In this week’s reading, the transformation of the water into wine tells us that Jesus brings a new time, a time of richness and fulfilment. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals’
In this week’s reading, John makes it clear that he is not the Christ, while Jesus himself shows solidarity with those who have been baptised. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’
The story of the magi demonstrates that Jesus is Messiah not only for his own people, but for all the peoples of the earth. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.