Carol J. Dempsey, Ph.D., a Dominican Sister from Caldwell, New Jersey and professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Portland, Oregon, is the author of eight books, editor of ten books, and is currently working on Isaiah for Liturgical Press’ Wisdom Commentary Series. She specializes in Prophets and feminist hermeneutics.
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Carol J. Dempsey
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Fourth Sunday of Lent: Reconciliation model
Scripture for Life: The themes of celebration and reconciliation come together in the parable of the prodigal son heard in this Sunday's Gospel from Luke. Jesus addresses this parable to a group of complaining Pharisees and scribes who take issue with Jesus' interaction with sinners.
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First Sunday of Advent
We are living in a time of global turmoil as we watch some democracies being taken apart while other ones erode socially, culturally and economically. In ancient biblical times, people faced similar crises to those we face today. In the midst of wars, with empires usurping power and lands from one another, the Israelites looked for good and just leadership. In this Sunday’s first reading, the biblical writer speaks about a divinely promised new leader who will do what is just and right and bring peace and security to the land of Israel and Judah.
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First Sunday of Advent: A time of peril and promise
Scripture for Life: In ancient biblical times, people faced similar crises to those we face today. The Christian community is to lead by example, and their power as a group of people is to be transformative and not oppressive.
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Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Elsewhere on the planet, poverty has a strangle hold on much of the world’s population. At least 80 percent of humanity lives on less than 10 dollars a day. A bi-product of poverty is hunger.