Mary M. McGlone

Scripture for Life: In Christ, the Lamb of God, we are called and therefore capable of bringing God's light to our world. Today, we are the ones Isaiah proclaims, formed from the womb to gather the people together.

Scripture for Life: Jesus' baptism reminds us that he was one of us. He revealed that we humans must allow ourselves to be fragile, seeking and willing to change course when love calls for it.

Scripture for Life: The feast of the Epiphany reminds us that the good news is for everyone of every age. Its proclamation can bring great joy or cause terrible consternation, depending on what each person or society values.

Scripture for Life: Family and community are webs of relationships in which we call forth one another's humanity. More than that, family and community exhibit what it means to be in the image and likeness of our Trinitarian God.

Scripture for Life: We, like Joseph, are invited to empty ourselves, choosing to abandon anything that can get in the way of our union with God or our collaboration with God's design for creation.

Scripture for Life: God has given birth to a creation capable of participating in divine life. Jesus gave a replicable witness to that truth. Like him, we need to pray without ceasing to open ourselves to grace.

Scripture for Life: The time is ripe; this is the moment to make straight the paths, to remind ourselves that Christ is alive and the Spirit is active among us.

Scripture for Life: Do we want salvation in the mode of Christ the King, or shall we look for another?

Scripture for Life: These are messianic times, the day of the Lord is here and coming. Jesus' command, "be not deceived," implies that as we discern, our prayerful judgment on our era must lead to giving witness.

Scripture for Life: Paul asked bluntly, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" If he asked the same of us today, with what depth of conviction could we say yes?

Scripture for Life: This Sunday's readings tell us we are capable of realizing how deeply united we are as God's creatures. We are created to live in full union with God and one another: here and hereafter, altogether, all at once.

Scripture for Life: We can pray in petition, praise, thanksgiving or repentance, but underneath every kind or style of prayer, the purpose is simply to grow in relationship with God and the people of God — which means everyone.

Scripture for Life: What's the difference between magic and asking for results in prayer? When we pray for the good that should happen, we can't do it like students at Hogwarts who only need to practice using their wands or find a good wizard.

Scripture for Life: The Samaritan found God's fire in his experience with Jesus. Namaan found a humbling, healing experience that left him worshiping Israel's God. Both found more than expected, because they were open to seeing more.

Scripture for Life: The mustard seed not only surges forth in growth, it also produces more seeds. In Jesus' vision, faith like the mustard seed is something exuberantly energetic and will not disappoint.

Scripture for Life: Today's readings are meant to provoke us to sharpen our senses and sensitivity. Jesus' parable asks us to judge where we choose to focus and what we intentionally block out.

Scripture for Life: Sometimes the kind of question a 5-year-old could answer helps us make a good judgment: "In Jesus' parable, who did the most good for others?"

Scripture for Life: The title of this feast, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, expresses the paradox of Christian faith. Christ's death revealed that evil is as dead as its works.

 Disciples are people who, like Jesus, have been captivated by God's love. In today's Gospel we hear Jesus describe three absolute impediments to being his disciple. 

Scripture for Life: This may sound presumptuous, but all Jesus is asking is that we share in the banquet God prepares for all of us together.