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.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 12 (Year B) Isaiah 50:5-9; Psalm 116; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

Insults, invective and torrents of verbal and psychological abuse have become frequent forms of communication in our time.

God's Word on Sunday: In God there is only light, love and joy

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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 5 (Year B) Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalm 146; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37

“Be strong, do not fear. Here is your God.” For whom were these words intended? For the contemporaries of Isaiah to be sure, but also for every human being on this planet.

God's Word on Sunday: Community needs a spiritual centre

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 29 (Year B) Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

The teaching of Deuteronomy left no wiggle room at all.

God's Word on Sunday: Being faithful requires daily commitment

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21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 22 (Year B) Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17,18b; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4:32-5:1-2, 21-32; John 6:53, 60-69

Each day, billions of people on this planet make choices. Some of them are quite mundane — what to have for dinner or what to wear. For far too many, these are not choices — it is a matter of having something, anything, to eat or wear.

God's Word on Sunday: Battle continues to overcome darkness

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Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15 (Year B) Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a; 10ab; Psalm 45; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56

Revelation is the most puzzling and enigmatic book in the entire Bible.

God's Word on Sunday: God is source of strength and sustenance

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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 8 (Year B) 1Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

Elijah could not take another step — he was finished. At that point, all he wanted was a swift and painless death. There are many who reach that point in their lives. They are overwhelmed, exhausted and discouraged, and just want an end to their suffering. But this is usually where God steps in — that is, if we are open to God’s intervention.

God's Word on Sunday: Are we ready to meet our faith challenge?

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18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 1 (Year B) Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15, 31a; Psalm 78; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; John 6:24-35

The story of the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness is not pretty or inspiring.

God's Word on Sunday: God steps in at moments of great need

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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 25 (Year B) 2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15

God was revealed in many ways in the Scriptures. Throughout the Old Testament, God was often portrayed as the sustainer and provider.

God's Word on Sunday: The Good Shepherd will not let us down

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16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) July 18 (Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34)

Shepherds appear countless times in the Bible but often in an ambiguous or negative way.

God's Word on Sunday: God prepares us for incredible blessings

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15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 11 (Year B) Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13

The message of Amaziah the priest to Amos the prophet was clear: You are intruding on our turf — go back to your own territory.

God's Word on Sunday: There are no shortcuts on divine path

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14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) July 4 (Ezekiel 2:3-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6)

A nation of rebels and transgressors, filled with the impudent and stubborn! That is quite a sweeping indictment and does not leave much room for hope. But that is the message that Ezekiel had been missioned to proclaim to his own nation and people.