Palm Sunday, Year B, Epistle (Philippians 2:6-11)

You can find a commentary on the Old Testament reading here https://biblestudystjosephsparis.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/palm-sunday-year-c-old-testament-reading-isaiah-504-7/ and on the psalm here https://biblestudystjosephsparis.wordpress.com/2023/03/31/palm-sunday-year-a-psalm-22-1-7-8-17-20/ Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found

Why Read the Letter to Philemon?

Being such a short letter, it is easy to overlook Philemon. Added to this, it focuses on only one subject which concerns the personal relationship between two people who died long ago. However, it has a very real importance for us. Certainly, the very fact that it is recognized by all scholars as one of

Conclusion (Philippians 4:20-23)

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Some commentators note that Paul wrote

“An Acceptable Sacrifice” (Philippians 4:14-19)

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than

Christian Gratitude (Philippians 4:10-13)

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know

Virtues (Philippians 4:8-9)

(The St. Joseph’s Bible Study blog will have a number of activities for Lent including specific prayers and thoughts for each day. Every Thursday there will be a reflection on one of the Seven Last Words that Jesus said on the cross.) You can find a commentary on the first reading for Ash Wednesday here: https://biblestudystjosephsparis.wordpress.com/2023/02/21/ash-wednesday-first-reading-joel-212-18/

The Peace That Passes All Understanding (Philippians 4:7)

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This is one of the most famous verses in the Bible. Earlier, Paul wrote about the need for prayer, and here we see the result of a strong prayer life, peace of mind. Jesus repeatedly tells us not

Rejoice (Philippians 4:4-6)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God At the end of verse three, Paul told the Philippians that their names were in

Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:1-3)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended

Fifth Sunday, Ordinary Time, Year B, Second Reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23)

16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may