Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
1st Reading – Isaiah 25:6-10a The first twelve verses of the 25th chapter of Isaiah are psalms (songs) of thanksgiving and prayer. The first of these psalms (verses 1 through 5) is a hymn to Yahweh for safe refuge. It celebrates the victory of Yahweh as something that has already taken place. The third (the last half of […]
Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
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: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
1st Reading – Ezekiel 18:25-28 The name “Ezekiel” means “may El (God) strengthen.” He grew up in a priestly family, in Jerusalem. He was familiar with the Temple, and must have known Jeremiah. During the second deportation to Babylon in 597 B.C., he was taken with others to Tel-Abib (near Nippur). He was married and had […]
Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
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
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 […]