Today’s Readings – Monday of Week 12 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on 2 Kings 17:5-8,13-15,18

We continue today with the tragic tale of the kings and the punishments they and their people experienced for their serious violation of the Lord’s will for them. We see in today’s reading the fall in 721 BC of the Northern Kingdom (variously called Israel, Samaria or the Ten Tribes, as opposed to the Southern Kingdom known also as Judah).

This all happened in the reign of King Hoshea, who reigned for nine years altogether. However, “he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord,” although his behaviour was not as bad as some of his predecessors. He fell victim to an Assyrian invasion and became a vassal of the Assyrian King Shalmaneser. However, after violating the terms of his vassalage by sending envoys to the king of E … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Sunday of Week 12 of Ordinary Time (Year A)

Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the Twelve:

...have no fear...


In times of uncertainty about the future it is not surprising that many show signs of fear and anxiety. The words of Jesus may sound good, but do … Continue