SUNDAY REFLECTIONS with
FR. Francis

Sirach 27: 30-28: 7; Romans 14: 7-9; Matthew 18: 21-35 (Rev. Dr. Francis Perry Azah) The readings today speak about anger and hatred. They offer us one of the most challenging themes of Christian life, namely turning away from anger and forgiving others. The key message is that we cannot receive forgiveness unless we too are ready to forgive our brothers and sisters. The first reading from the Book of Sirach links forgiveness to our prayer life. “Forgive your neighbor the wro

Ezekiel 33: 7-9; Romans 13: 8-10; Matthew 18: 15-20 (Rev. Dr. Francis Perry Azah) Today’s Scripture readings from both the prophet Ezekiel and St. Matthew’s Gospel mention the grave responsibility we have toward others. Therefore, the phrase "It's none of my business" is neither biblical nor acceptable in the practice of the Christian life. Such an expression echoes a passage that we are familiar with from the Book of Genesis, where it states, "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Wh

Jeremiah 20: 7-9; Romans 12: 1-2; Matthew 16: 21-27 (Rev. Dr. Francis Perry Azah) There is a common contrast running through today’s Readings between the life God calls us to and the many ways of not living up to that calling. St. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that suffering is an integral part of the earthly experience of God’s life. Jesus forewarns his disciples of his coming clash with the elders and the chief priests, and of his death and Resurrection. It is easy to imagine h