Point Loma, San Diego, CA
Point Loma, San Diego, CA
In the Gospel of Matthew (22:15-21), the religious leaders like the Pharisees, high priests and elders conspired to destroy Jesus’ influence and to find ground to accuse Him. They sent their disciples to entrap Him in speech. They presented to Him the question of taxes. They asked, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Poll …
The parable of the wedding banquet in the Gospel of Matthew (22:1-14) reveals the essential dynamics of spiritual life. It is a story of grace depicting God’s initiative to invite His people to participate in His life. It is grace first. The wedding banquet is an image of love, intimacy, covenant, relationship, fellowship and friendship. The goal of life is …
The Parable of the tenants in the Gospel of Matthew ((21:33-43) reveals a deep spiritual truth: that we are tenants not owners. We are not owners of our lives. We are not in control. Everything comes from God. We mature in our faith when we are able to acknowledge that our life is not anymore about ourselves. Our task is …
The Gospel of Matthew (21:28-32) narrates the parable of the two sons who are called by their father to work in his vineyard. It is a story of two responses to God’s call. It is about the urgent need to belong to God’s heavenly kingdom. It is about the necessity of making a continual yes to the saving act of …
The Justice of God is manifested in His infinite mercy and in His enormous, excessive and extravagant love. This is the holiness of God. The psalmist declares that God is kind, slow to anger and rich in compassion. Our God is a forgiving God who is merciful and just. He wants all to be saved. We are equal in His …
The English poet Alexander Pope wrote the phrase, “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Forgiveness is a difficult task. It is not weakness. In fact, it takes strength to forgive when we have been deeply hurt. Receiving and giving forgiveness is central to our Christian faith. We are called to mirror God’s unlimited forgiveness in our lives especially …
One of the most difficult and delicate duties of a Christian is fraternal correction, that is, to correct a sin-ful member of the community. It is because we are called to be prophets and to speak the truth. Truth will set us free. All of us are brothers and sisters in Christ and we are called to imitate Him who …
In the Gospel of Matthew (16:21-27), Jesus reveals the true meaning of Messiahship and discipleship. He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. He teaches His disciples that He is not a triumphant Messiah but a Suffering Servant. He is determined to …
In the Gospel of Matthew (16:13-20), Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” The disciples already saw Jesus casting out demons, walking on the sea and feeding the five thousand people. This is a turning point in the life of the disciples recognizing the true identity of Jesus. Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son …
The encounter of Jesus with a Canaanite woman in the Gospel of Matthew (15:21-28) teaches the disciples and us about the universal mission of Jesus. He is the Savior of all nations. He is sent to reveal that God’s love and mercy are extended to all. He is the sign par excellence of God’s love. His love is inclusive and …