Fr. Scott Lewis is an associate professor of New Testament at Regis College, a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology.
He is a past president of the Canadian Catholic Biblical Association.
First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 29 (Year B) Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3-8; Psalm 80; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
Who has not wished at one time or another that God would make an appearance? This would solve definitively so many problems: whether God exists; what God is like; why there is injustice and suffering in the world; and who is “right.” God could also remake the world and put everything the way it should be.
God's Word on Sunday: Justice, mercy are God’s ruling principles
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JChrist the King (Year A) Nov. 22 (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46)
Sometimes the only way to ensure that an important job is done correctly is to do it yourself. God usually called on others to carry out the divine will, but often they failed miserably in the performance of their duties.
God's Word on Sunday: Spiritual growth requires taking risks
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 15 (Year A) Proverbs 31:10-13, 16-18, 20, 26, 28-31; Psalm 128; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30
Who can ever live up to their job description or Internet profile perfectly?
God's Word on Sunday: Wisdom is found in our daily struggles
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 8 (Year A) Wisdom 6:12-16; Psalm 63; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
There is no self-help book or weekend seminar for gaining wisdom.
God's Word on Sunday: Revelation takes broad view of universe
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JAll Saints, Nov. 1 (Year A) Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a
In our quest to understand the mysteries of life and death, perspective is everything. It is easy to see everything through the lens of our own personal experience and, in some respects, this is normal and desirable. But sometimes we need to climb the mountain and take in the view from above, so that we can get a bigger and broader picture.
God's Word on Sunday: Exodus reveals a lesson in social justice
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 25 (Year A) Exodus 22:21-27; Psalm 18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-40
People have very short memories, especially when there is a past they would prefer to forget. Experiences of poverty, insecurity and injustice seem to fade after one’s circumstances have improved dramatically. Unfortunately, many also forget the kindnesses and breaks they received along the way.
God's Word on Sunday: We all have a part to play in God’s plan
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 18 (Year A) Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a; Matthew 22:15-21
King Cyrus of Persia was an unlikely candidate for the title 'messiah' (anointed one) in the Hebrew Scriptures. But the text is clear: Cyrus was the anointed of God. Not only that, God gave him the power necessary for his long string of military victories.
God's Word on Sunday: God’s gracious care for us never wavers
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 11 (Year A) Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14
The fullness of God’s blessing is often portrayed in the Scriptures as a sumptuous feast.
God's Word on Sunday: Survival depends on walking God’s path
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 4 (Year A) Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43
In ancient Israel, a vineyard was far more than just a place to grow grapes. It was a rich symbol embedded in much of Israel’s religious literature, signifying God’s abundance and gracious generosity. It played a key role in the economy and often defined one’s wealth.
God's Word on Sunday: We have the blueprint to remake world
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 27 (Year A) Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32
God is so unfair. The just suffer, the wicked prosper and the world is not a just or peaceful place.
God's Word on Sunday: God must be sought in mind and heart
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 20 (Year A) Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20-24, 27; Matthew 20:1-16
Understanding the ways of God is not a project for human reasoning or intellect. God can only be understood on God’s own terms.