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.
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 12 (Year C) Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Psalm 12; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18
Joy is an essential and vital element in our religious faith and relationship with God. And yet it often seems to be lacking, for what is written on our faces sometimes belies the words that come from our mouths.
God's Word on Sunday: The power of God’s word never fades
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JSecond Sunday of Advent, Dec. 5 (Year C) Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6
The beautiful and soaring imagery of many prophecies usually collides with cold, hard reality. The utopian promises rarely seem to materialize, for our spiritual journey takes place on the earthly plane with its own laws and customs.
God's Word on Sunday: God will always accompany us
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JFirst Sunday of Advent, Nov. 28 (Year C) Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
“The days are surely coming” is a phrase often repeated in prophetic texts of the Old Testament. It is usually followed by a detailed description of what God is going to do for Israel — most often, it will be a glorious and prosperous future.
God's Word on Sunday: God will have ultimate victory
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JChrist the King, Nov. 21 (Year B) Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18: 33b-37
Much of our theology, religious imagery and prophetic visions are created at least in part by our experiences.
God's Word on Sunday: The faithful will be rewarded
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 14 (Year B) Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32
How do people respond when they feel that God is absent or has deserted them? Many give in to cynicism, despair and loss of faith and purpose, while others find new purpose and meaning.
God's Word on Sunday: Put fear aside, focus on aiding others
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 7 (Year B) 1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44
Elijah’s request might have seemed a bit presumptuous and insensitive to the poor widow at Zarephath.
God's Word on Sunday: All or nothing in our commitment to God
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 31 (Year B) Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Psalm 18; Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 12:28-34
The majority of the most beautiful and profound teachings in our world are brief, concise, and simple — but seldom easy.
God's Word on Sunday: God will give us strength to persevere
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 24 (Year B) Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52
Without hope people and nations wither and die. With a hope-filled vision, all things are possible.
God's Word on Sunday: Suffering Servant sets example for us all
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 17 (Year B) Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45
“It was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.” These words should leave us a bit — maybe even a lot — uneasy and puzzled.
God's Word on Sunday: We need gift of wisdom to see the light
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 10 (Year B) Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30
Daily financial reports are the lifeblood of the economy. We receive constant reports of the current market value of stocks, natural resources and precious metals. Fortunes rise and fall on fluctuations in their value. One quotation we will never find, however, is the value of wisdom.
God's Word on Sunday: Looking for the life message in Genesis
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 3 (Year B) Genesis 2:7ab, 15, 18-24; Psalm 128; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16
When the ancients wanted to teach about life, they told stories. These stories were well-seasoned with symbols and layers of meaning. And they were not at all bothered by inconsistencies, repetitions and apparent contradictions.