Tom Klocek

The Vineyard of the Lord: Reflections on the Readings for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Both Isaiah and Jesus give us the image of God's people as being part of the vineyard of the Lord. The question then becomes, are we bearing good fruit for the Lord? Take a look at yourself, your prayer life, how you are living your faith, then decide what you need to do to put obedience to the Lord above yourself.

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It is Right and Just: Reflections on the Readings for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

One of the recurring themes of the Bible is clearly a focus of today's readings: humility. We don't like to talk about it but, in one of my men's groups a brother commented that we don't talk about it enough. It's part of the first commandment in which God tells us the we are not Him and He is not us.

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Time to Change the License Plate

Abortion is an extreme example of self-love which is a violation of the first commandment, as well as the fifth commandment (Thou shalt not kill). And yet many states, Virginia among them, are pushing extreme policies permitting abortion throughout pregnancy, claiming it to be pro-women, which is a lie. Vote pro-life.

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Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: Reflections on the Readings for the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

The vineyard is where we labor for the love of God, who loves us unconditionally. Some come early, some come late, but the important thing is to get there. If we truly love God and others, we will find our way to the vineyard. Put away pride and envy; come to the Lord.

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Forgive From Your Heart: Reflections on the Readings for the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

When I had a Britbox subscription I used to like to watch the Father Brown series. One of his favorite bible quotes was, "vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Anger, by itself, is an emotion and therefore not sinful, BUT, it can lead us to sin, especially when we are unforgiving and prone to vengeance.

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Watchmen and Brothers: Reflections on the Readings for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

God appoints all of us to watch over our fellow man. One of the reasons for this is His love for us and the love He expects us to have for our brothers and sisters. Jesus tells us what to do when we are confronted with an errant brother. It's all part of being in the communion of saints.

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You Duped Me O Lord: Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

The world is troublesome. Worldly attitudes plagued the prophet Jeremiah who was commanded by God to warn the southern kingdom turn away from their idolatry and following the ways of the world of Canaan rather than the ways of the Lord. Similarly, St. Paul and Jesus warn us to turn away from worldly things and take up our crosses daily.

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Keys to the Kingdom: Reflections on the Readings for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

The keys of the kingdom are a sign of authority and trust, given to the person who will carry out the wishes and rules of the king. It establishes the recipient as above all others except the king. It is a privilege and a major responsibility (i.e., also a burden) and not given lightly. Jesus uses it in establishing His Church.

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A House of Prayer for All Peoples: Reflections on the Readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

In one of those rare circumstances there is a clear connection between all of the readings for this Sunday, and it centers on the Gentiles. God is the Creator of ALL the world, and that includes the Gentiles. They just weren't chosen to be the leader of salvation. We see some of their inclusion in God's plan this weekend.

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A Place for Valuables: Reflections on the Readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Solemnities are special occasions for honoring special people or events, even if they are not holy days of obligation. This year, in most parishes, the Assumption is not a holy day of obligation but it still deserves special consideration.

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The Sound of a Whisper: Reflections on the Readings for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

God speaks to us in many ways and not always in a loud voice. In today's readings He speaks in a whisper and in His actions. It is up to us to listen and heed His message.

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Come to the Water: Reflections on the Readings for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

One of the beauties of the Catholic faith is its Christocentrism. Everything leads to Jesus. This is most obvious in the Eucharist by which God feeds us with a royal feast, the Word of God. This theme runs through this weekends readings. God provides and He provides His Word, Jesus, in the Eucharist at every Mass.

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An Understanding Heart: Reflections on the Readings for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

The last few parables of Matthew chapter 13 are every bit as important as the first ones, although perhaps less familiar. The many ways Jesus explains these stories gives insights into Heaven ("the Kingdom of Heaven is like ...") and some might resonate better than others, thus reaching people in different ways.

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Hope for Repentance: Reflections on the Readings for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Jesus used stories to get his point across to those who listened to His preaching. These stories are called parables and most of us think of Jesus' teaching when we hear that word. Parables make us think about the message being presented. It is not always obvious but requires perception and thought. But they can be effective by making a strong point with few words.

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The Word Goes Forth: Reflections on the Readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

God's word is powerful. Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God, made things happen by His speech, visible proof of the power of God's word. And that Word has a purpose, which we are called to fulfill. But first we need to understand and accept that purpose, as detailed in today's readings.

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