The main message of the parable of the Prodigal Son is the contrasting attitude of the elder son, which is told for those who contest Jesus’ welcoming attitude to sinners. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘Unless you repent you will all perish as they did’
In the first part of this gospel passage Jesus makes it clear that suffering is not necessarily brought about by sin, before stressing the need for repentance when we, like the fig tree in the parable, are lacking in ‘fruitfulness’. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him’
The story of the Transfiguration invites us to accompany Jesus as he journeys through death to the life of the resurrection, a life which God prepares for us too, a life we can scarcely imagine. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone’
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.
‘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.