Jesus bashed hypocritical scribes and Pharisees. They paid tithes but indulged themselves. They did much for show but failed to show mercy. In a parable, Jesus described a man who assigned stewardship of significant wealth to three servants in accordance with their capabilities. Two doubled the amounts entrusted to them, but the third only kept the master’s money safe, instead of doing something productive with it. John the Baptist stood up to Herod, who found John both fascinating and fearsome. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, gave thanks in p

Jesus advised a young man to do more than follow the Commandments, but giving all of his wealth to the poor seemed like too much for the Lord to ask. Peter wanted to know what perks lay in store for the Twelve, who had given up a lot. Jesus answered that they could anticipate rewards one hundred times greater—and eternal life besides. In a parable, Jesus compared the Kingdom of heaven to a vineyard owner who hired laborers throughout the day but gave them all the same pay. If a pat on the back would mean the world to us, have we become a bit

In the Old Testament, Moses dealt with “stiff-necked” conduct. God’s “Chosen People,” proud of that heritage, wanted God to bend to their desires. When the Twelve objected that Jesus bothered to bless little children brought to them, the Lord set things straight. If they hoped for heaven, the Disciples had to become like little ones, who reach up to big people who love and help them. While correcting somebody in matters of morality can prove productive, Jesus taught that forgiveness remains paramount. Hoping to meet the Lord, how coul

Manna provided food, but people groused to Moses that they still felt famished. Moses, in turn, complained to God for expecting what really seemed like too much from him! Saint Peter miraculously walked on water until fear got in the way of faith, but Jesus saved him. Our Lord understands our fears and our need for His help! Having received the authority to forgive sins—one of the keys to heaven, Peter did not want to hear about Jesus’ impending Passion and death—the master key to our salvation. Peter, James, and John saw the Transfigurat

When Moses returned with the Commandments engraved by God on two stone tablets, he discovered the Israelites worshipping a golden calf! When Jesus returned to His hometown, people took offense that a carpenter’s son would presume to teach in their synagogue. Martha became exasperated as she did the work of a busy hostess while her sister sat and listened to Jesus. Later, the Lord rewarded Martha’s faith in Him by bringing the siblings’ brother back to life. Small gestures can have great worth in heaven. Jesus compared the Kingdom to a tin

When Pharisees and scribes challenged Jesus to give them a sign, the Lord suggested that they look instead to Jonah, a reluctant prophet who had three days in the belly of a huge fish or whale to contemplate doing God’s will. People of Nineveh heeded the warning spread by Jonah to repent or perish. Rather than preaching complex theology, Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables that used everyday images. Growth of seeds, like words, depends a lot on where they land. Comparable to weeds cropping up in a sabotaged wheat field, evil and goodness ex

Jesus told the Apostles that even family members would experience division over whether to have faith in Him or not. Believers had to put Him first, but even small acts of kindness to support disciples of the Lord would get rewarded. Miracles did not always lead to repentance, and educated leaders did not always realize the ranking of priorities that Jesus set. For example, He put mercy above manmade rules when allowing the Disciples to pick and eat heads of grain while walking on a Sabbath day. Jesus also taught love of neighbors. Why do we pu