SUNDAY REFLECTIONS with
FR. Francis

Revelation 7:2–4, 9–14; 1 John 3:1–3; Matthew 5:1–12a (Rev. Dr. Francis Perry Azah) My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. This is a beautiful feast because it reminds us of two important truths: heaven is our final home, and holiness is our calling. When we hear the word saint, what comes to mind? Perhaps Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, or Saint Augustine. We think of holy people who lived extraordinary live

Exodus 22: 20-26; 1 Thessalonians 1: 5c-10; Matthew 22: 34-40 (Rev. Dr. Francis Perry Azah) There is a loose connection among today's readings that seems to center on the two outstanding precepts of the Mosaic Law: the love of God with all one's mind, heart, and will, and the love of one's neighbor as oneself. Jesus answers the scribe's question with a clarity that goes straight to the point. The purpose of the 613 specific provisions of the Old Law is summarized in the comma

Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5b; Matthew 22: 15-21 (Rev. Dr. Francis Perry Azah) In the first reading, Isaiah encouraged his contemporaries with the news that their political fortunes were changing for the better, not simply because one earthly power had prevailed over another but because God had so willed and provided. The Matthean Jesus, when confronted by adversaries, counseled his listeners regarding their proper and respective allegiances to civil authorities