Echoing God’s Word
Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary
Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary by Rev. Clement D. Thibodeau (1932-2017)
Click on the date to read the reflection...
Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 2, 2026
Isaiah 55:1-3 - God invites us to “come, buy and eat.”
Romans 8:35-39 - No power can prevent God from loving us.
Matthew 14:13-21 -Jesus feeds the crowd with what the disciples offer.
Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 9, 2026
1st Kings 19:9-13 - God grants strength to Elijah in the silence of prayer.
Romans 9:1-5 - Paul suffers with the fact that Israel does not believe.
Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus holds Peter when Peter falters in the storm.
Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 16, 2026
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 - God will welcome even those beyond Israel.
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 - Separation from God for Israel is not permanent.
Matthew 15:21-28 - A bold Canaanite woman also receives mercy.
Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 23, 2026
Isaiah 22:15, 19-23 - God warns those who are unfaithful leaders.
Romans 11:33-36 - Paul breaks out in praise and worship.
Matthew 16:13-20 - Peter confesses the faith of the Church.
Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 30, 2026
Jeremiah 20:7-9 - God’s word is like a fire within me.
Romans 12:1-2 - Dedicate yourselves to God’s will, even in your bodies.
Matthew 16:21-27 - God’s will comes before self-will.
Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 6, 2026
Ezekiel 33:7-9 - You are responsible for warning the wicked.
Romans 13:8-10 - Love is the fulfillment of the law.
Matthew 18:15-20 - You are responsible for warning your brother and sister!
Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 13, 2026
Sirach 27:30 - 28:7 - Forgive your neighbor so you can be forgiven.
Romans 14:7-9 - Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Matthew 18:21-35 - Forgive in order to be forgiven by God.
Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 20, 2026
Isaiah 55:6-9 - God is near and rich in forgiveness.
Philippians 1:20-24,27 - For me to live is Christ.
Matthew 20:1-16 - God is generous beyond measure.
Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 27, 2026
Ezekiel 18:25-26 - Repentance does have an effect on us.
Philippians 2:1-11 - Christ humbled himself to become one of us.
Matthew 21:28-32 -Jesus promises that repentance makes a difference.
Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 4, 2026
Isaiah 5:1-7 - What more could God have done for his people?
Philippians 4:6-9 - Worry or anxiety does no good for the Church.
Matthew 21:33-43 - Jesus speaks of a new vineyard of farmers.
Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 11, 2026
Isaiah 25:6-10 - The Lord will prepare a feast for everyone.
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 - He strengthens us to do all things.
Matthew 22:1-14 - Invite to the wedding whomever you find.
Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 18, 2026
Isaiah 45:1,4-6 - Cyrus does not know he is an agent of God.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 - Paul knows about their faith, hope, and love.
Matthew 22:15-21 -Responsibilities to God and to the world.
Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 25, 2026
Exodus 22:20-26 - God will defend those who have no one.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 - Serve God and await his Son.
Solemnity of All Saints- November 1, 2026
We apologize but a reflection for All Saints Day is not available.
Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 8, 2026
Wisdom 6:12-16 -Wisdom is found by those who look for it.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - God will bring the living and dead to life in Christ.
Matthew 25:1-13 - The Bridegroom comes! Go out to meet him!
Matthew 22:34-40 - Love your God and love your neighbor.
Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 15, 2026
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 - A worthy wife is a great treasure.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 - The Day of the Lord is coming.
Matthew 25:14-30 - We are responsible for the gifts given.
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - November 22, 2026
Ezekiel 34:11-17 - He will judge between one sheep and another.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 - He will hand over the Kingdom to his Father.
Matthew 25:31-46 - He will judge those who have not served others.
First Sunday of Advent - November 29, 2026
Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1-8 - A Call Upon God to Come Down Again to Save.
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 - We Are Gifted by Christ as We Await His Coming.
Mark 13:33-37 - We Need to Be Alert to the Coming of the Lord.
Second Sunday of Advent - December 6, 2026
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 - God comes with power and gentleness.
2 Peter 3:8-14 - We live godly lives and hasten the day of God’s coming.
Mark 1:1-8 - John comes as God’s messenger. Another comes with fire!
Third Sunday of Advent - December 13, 2026
Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 - God’s year of favor is here. All nations will come.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 - Believers must be faithful.
John 1:6-8, 19-28 - The Baptist brings light into the darkness.
Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 20, 2026
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11,16 - God will build an eternal kingdom for David.
Romans 16:25-27 - What was a mystery for ages is now revealed.
Luke 1:26-38 - The Word of God comes to Mary.
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2026
Isaiah: 52:7-12 - Sing for joy. There is good news coming!
Hebrews 1:1-6 - Now God speaks to the people through the Son.
John 1:1-18 - The Word of God is one with us, living in our midst.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - December 27, 2026
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 - Respect for God requires that we honor our parents.
Colossians 3:12-21 - Christian life asks that we respect one another.
Luke 2:22-40 - Child Jesus grew to maturity and wisdom.
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - January 1, 2027
Numbers 6:22-27 - Aaron blesses the people of Israel in God’s name.
Galatians 4:4-7 - God blesses time by sending his Son in history.
Luke 2:16-21 - On the eighth day, the Child is named.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - January 3, 2027
Isaiah 60:1-6 - Gentiles will come to faith in the light of God’s people.
Ephesians 3:2-6 - Astonishing revelation: Gentiles are brought to Christ.
Matthew 2:1-12 - Wise men from the Gentiles follow a light to find Christ.
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 10, 2027
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 - God’s servant will bring sight to the blind.
Acts 10:34-38 - God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah and Lord.
Mark 1:7-11 - Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 17, 2027
1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 - Speak, Lord; your servant is listening.
1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20 - Our bodies are members of Christ’s body.
John 1:35-42 - They saw where Jesus lived.
