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.
The Birth of John the Baptist (Year C) June 24 (Isaiah 49:1-6/Acts 13:22-26/Luke 1:57-66, 80)
What will this child become? That question probably crosses the minds of many as they gaze into the faces of infants.
What will this child become? That question probably crosses the minds of many as they gaze into the faces of infants.
Who are we to question God’s ways?
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) June 17 (2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13, Galatians 2:16, 19-21, Luke 7:36-8:3 or 7:36-50)
Moral outrage and indignation can be very satisfying, but can also be a cover for our own darkness. David discovered this to his immense chagrin.
Moral outrage and indignation can be very satisfying, but can also be a cover for our own darkness. David discovered this to his immense chagrin.
The Body and Blood are never just for us
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
The Body and Blood of Christ (Year C) — June 10 (Genesis 14:18-20/1 Corinthians 11:23-26/Luke 9:11b-17)
How often we wish that certain passages in the Scriptures would say a bit (a lot!) more than they do. Who was Melchizedek? Obviously he was someone very important in spiritual terms, for he gives his name to an eternal priesthood fulfilled by Jesus. But in comparison to Abraham, Moses, David and others, he does not get much press. And he uses a different title for God — “El Elyon” — the Most High God rather than the usual Elohim or Yahweh.
How often we wish that certain passages in the Scriptures would say a bit (a lot!) more than they do. Who was Melchizedek? Obviously he was someone very important in spiritual terms, for he gives his name to an eternal priesthood fulfilled by Jesus. But in comparison to Abraham, Moses, David and others, he does not get much press. And he uses a different title for God — “El Elyon” — the Most High God rather than the usual Elohim or Yahweh.
The Spirit makes us aware of the truth
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
Trinity Sunday (Year C) June 3, (Proverbs 8:22-31/Romans 5:1-5/John 16:12-15)
Explaining the Trinity is a delicate undertaking. Utmost care and precision in wording must be taken to stay on the right track. The slightest fuzziness or carelessness can result in a statement that is not completely orthodox.
Explaining the Trinity is a delicate undertaking. Utmost care and precision in wording must be taken to stay on the right track. The slightest fuzziness or carelessness can result in a statement that is not completely orthodox.
The Spirit binds people to the Lord and to each other
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
Pentecost Sunday (Year C) May 27 (Acts 2:1-11/1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13/Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26)
Pentecost was not only the birth of the church, but the rebirth of humanity.
Pentecost was not only the birth of the church, but the rebirth of humanity.
We do not know the way in which God’s grace operates
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
Seventh Sunday of Easter May 20 (Acts 7:55-60, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20/John 17:20-26)
It is all too easy to pass judgment on the people found in New Testament crowds. Why can they not believe? Why do they react so negatively and violently to the proclamation of the apostles?
It is all too easy to pass judgment on the people found in New Testament crowds. Why can they not believe? Why do they react so negatively and violently to the proclamation of the apostles?
Love is the only path we can have to God
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JSixth Sunday of Easter (Year C) May 13 (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29/Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23/John 14:23-29)
They decided not to impose any burden greater than was absolutely necessary. It seems to be a case of obvious common sense, and yet so often common sense is not common at all — it’s in rather short supply.
Meet adversity with dignity, courage, hope
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year C) May 6 (Acts 14:21-27/Revelation 21:1-5a/Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35)
Paul is a hard man to keep down. He has just endured being stoned and left for dead, but he merely got up, dusted himself off and continued his journey and mission. He doesn’t seem disillusioned or discouraged — in fact, he spends time encouraging others in the faith.
Paul is a hard man to keep down. He has just endured being stoned and left for dead, but he merely got up, dusted himself off and continued his journey and mission. He doesn’t seem disillusioned or discouraged — in fact, he spends time encouraging others in the faith.
Discipleship is manifested in love
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
Third Sunday of Easter (Year C) April 22 (Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41/Rv 5:11-14/Jn 21:1-19)
The man who denied Jesus three times is now courting imprisonment and death by his unrelenting proclamation of the Good News. Peter is unfazed by threats and bullying. One’s life can be very different after having encountered the Spirit of God.
The man who denied Jesus three times is now courting imprisonment and death by his unrelenting proclamation of the Good News. Peter is unfazed by threats and bullying. One’s life can be very different after having encountered the Spirit of God.
Centered on God, we can face all challenges
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JFourth Sunday of Easter (Year C) April 29 (Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14-17; John 10:27-30)
An encounter between the old and the new is seldom peaceful or smooth. The old does not give way gracefully, and the struggle is often hateful and hurtful. The new is not necessarily correct, but often it is not even given a fair hearing.
He is always with us
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J
Second Sunday of Easter (Year C) April 15 (Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118; Revelation 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31)
Many in the crowd were thrilled at what they saw happening in the midst, but still they hung back. Some were afraid of persecution if they joined this strange band of miracle workers, others perhaps did not want to be let down or disappointed.
Many in the crowd were thrilled at what they saw happening in the midst, but still they hung back. Some were afraid of persecution if they joined this strange band of miracle workers, others perhaps did not want to be let down or disappointed.