Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of May 6 and 13.

Those encouraging words from the second reading today are for everyone. Not just for Christians or for the pious but for everyone, even for those who either ignore Jesus or deny his essence as Son of God. I recall with delight that story of the homeless man who went about with a ragged sign proclaiming "You are forgiven!" Some passers-by laughed, some nodded in approval, and some got absolutely irate. Who is this man to be saying I am forgiven? How dare he do so!

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of April 22 and 29.

 When given the choice between John's version of the unveiling of the resurrection and Luke's lengthy story about how two people come to know Jesus again, I am at a loss. I find both versions to be attractive in reflecting on the resurrection. But, this year, I would like to concentrate on Luke's wonderful story.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of April 8 and 15.

As you know, after the final supper, Jesus and his apostles repaired to the garden of olives, but, in John's account, Jesus did not agonize in prayer with his Father's will. He exhibited no fear whatsoever; he was in total control. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, on the other hand, the Lord goes off by himself and struggles mightily with the nightmarish scenario of arrest, torture and death. Luke says further: "He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground." In Mark's Gospel, Jesus resignedly says, "Take this cup away from me, but not what I will, but what you will."

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of March 25 and April 1.

In some parishes, the alternate readings (Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-8, John 4:5-42) may be used today, in which case what I write here won't be of much help. Sorry about that!

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of March 11 and 18.

Noah (on Mt. Ararat?) in his newly landed ark, talking with the Lord, enjoying the beautiful, hope-filled rainbow, hearing God's promise for the first time. Jesus in the wilderness tempted by Satan, surrounded by wild animals, ministered to by angels. Lots of great images in today's readings. And St. Paul, of course, informing us that baptism is not just a shower to wash away the dirt, but an appeal to God from the resurrected and ascended Jesus Christ for each of us.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of February 26 and March 4.

Leprosy is not a pleasant topic to bring up; nor was it for Jesus either. The Holy Land, especially down south in Judea, is a very hot and dry place in the spring and summer months.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of February 12 and 19.

A parish I served at years ago had its fair share of street people showing up for Mass each Sunday, and we were never totally surprised when one of the brethren acted out at Mass. I recall one intense young man who used to come to Communion, but always with a unique response when I would say, "The Body of Christ." One Sunday, I almost lost it when he blurted out, "spaghetti and meatballs" instead of "amen" at that solemn moment of reception; and he didn't crack a smile. Some time before that in the same parish, I was presiding at a Sunday Mass in Spanish when a man jumped up in the first row and challenged me as I offered the homily. He shouted out words in Spanish and I didn't quite get the drift of his complaint. All I could do was shout back and demand that he be seated and keep quiet; in retrospect, it was a comical moment, but he did sit down and shut up, so I must have been a bit persuasive.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of January 29 and February 5.

Starting today, we move back into Ordinary Time for six weeks until Lent is on us once again. The Christmas season is history, though we hope its spirit lingers on.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of January 15 and 22.

I have to get used to typing out "2011" — whoops, I mean "2012" — from this point on. It's a whole new year, and I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year. The blessing recorded in the first reading today says it all: "The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace."

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of January 1 and 8.

Advent doesn't get any longer than it is this year; four full weeks before Christmas, next Sunday. It gives us plenty of time to reflect on what is about to happen. In this week's first reading, King David is ready to build a house for the Lord, a true temple. But God has other plans; he will build a house for David. Even powerful political leaders have to sit back and take orders occasionally.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of December 18 and 25.

Whenever I think of John the Baptist, it brings to mind a meeting I had with my brother, John, many years ago. John called me that day and asked if we could get together for a cup of coffee; he was especially happy and wanted to talk about his lovely wife and their new-born baby girl. We met at a sandwich shop located in my Southside Chicago parish at 26th and Wabash.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of December 4 and 11.

It all began with the reading from Ezekiel today: "'As for you, my sheep,' says the Lord God, 'I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.'"

 Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of November 20 and 27.

Be honest now. Do you have any sympathy for the five foolish bridesmaids in the parable Jesus relates today? From childhood, we are taught that our actions have consequences. Friends of mine have a 2½-year-old boy who is energy personified. He loves to swing a bat at an imaginary ball — or at anything else for that matter. When he does swing wildly and hits someone, even though the bat is only plastic, his folks will pull him aside and explain how his action causes hurt and pain. When and if the boy ceases and desists, does he really understand how his actions impact on others (no pun intended) or is he just being sensitive to his parents' displeasure? Whatever! He is learning, we like to think, and the lesson will stand him in good stead.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of November 6 and 13.

Most people would probably agree with Jesus in today's Gospel that to love God and our neighbor as ourselves is the most important commandment of all. Even the Pharisees in Jesus' time would not argue with that. General principles are often non-issues.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of October 23 and 30.