Today’s Readings – Monday of Week 5 of Lent - First Reading

Commentary on Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41-62

The last two chapters of the Book of Daniel are not part of the Jewish canon of Scripture. The short stories in these two chapters may have originally been about some other Daniel or Daniels, different from the hero of the main part of the book. The texts exist now only in Greek, but probably were first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic. They do not appear in non-Catholic bibles, but the Catholic Church has always included them among the inspired writings.

They contain two famous stories, one of Susanna, who was falsely accused of adultery, and the other of the events which led to Daniel being thrown into the lions’s den.

A certain prudery has often led to the Susanna story being dropped or substituted by a more innocu … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Sunday of Week 5 Lent (A)

Commentary on Ezekiel 37:12-14; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45

As we approach Holy Week, we see Jesus come closer to the climax of his life and mission.  As he comes near to Jerusalem, the setting for the final drama of his life, the threats of his enemies increase by the … Continue