Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading – Isaiah 5:1-7 Our reading for today has been titled “Song of the Lord’s Vineyard.” It is believed to have been composed during the early years of Isaiah’s ministry. This poem takes the form of a popular ballad that one might sing at a vintage festival. It is possible that Isaiah himself sang the song on […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading – Isaiah 55:6-9 We know very little about the details of Isaiah’s life. To distinguish him from other men of the same name, he was called “Isaiah, the son of Amos;” later “Isaiah the prophet.” According to Jewish tradition he was of royal stock. He was of the tribe of Judah and his home was […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading – Sirach 27:30-28:9 Sirach is one of the few books of the Old Testament where there is no question about the identity of the author. This book was written by one man: Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sira, who signed his name to the book. The book has two names: Ecclesiasticus (which means “church […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading – Ezekiel 33:7-9 There is no Old Testament writer who has received more varied, even diametrically opposed, interpretations of his person and his writings than Ezekiel. He has been psychoanalyzed and found to be a victim of catatonic schizophrenia, unconscious sexual regression, schizophrenic withdrawal, and having delusions of persecution and grandeur. He has been called “one of […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 3rd Sunday of Advent Cycle A

3rd Sunday of Advent

Introduction For the past two weeks we have heard of the Lord’s coming as judge of all at the end of time. The priest wears penitential purple during this season to help us realize our part in turning from God’s covenant and participating in acts of darkness (sin), although pink may be worn on this, […]