Search the Scriptures Live

One of the most uncomfortable scenes in the gospels is when a Canaanite woman follows Jesus, begging for his help. First, he ignores her. Then he insults her. Why? The story is actually a wonderful one, with great spiritual lessons that are especially useful as we begin Lent.

The Pharisees challenged Jesus to explain why he ignored "the traditions of the elders." His disregard for their customs has fueled Protestant criticisms of Holy Tradition. Which traditions did the Lord reject and why?

We all know about the Lord walking on water. But only Matthew has the story of Peter joining him amid the waves and storm. The Fathers have much to say about this story and its lessons for us about the importance of faith and challenges to our faith.

This amazing story of the disciples' experience of the Lord is more than just a miracle, but a deep expression of theology. In Matthew's Gospel, Peter's attempt to join him on the water is added to this story. Both events provide many spiritual lessons from the Fathers.

This miracle is the most widely attested but also among the most commonly disputed. Why? The story seems simple, and we all know it well. But it has great theological depth and spiritual meaning, which we will discover with the help of the Fathers.

Information, and even intrigue, exists about the beheading of St. John, including the discovery of his head, which the Church also remembers. We'll take a historical and patristic look at the lives, motivation, and ultimate fates of those involved in this diabolical act.

More parables in Matthew 13 teach us about the nature of the Kingdom, its hidden and dynamic qualities, the power of the apostles despite overwhelming opposition by the world, and the tenacity required by the faithful and their ability to acquire the Kingdom.

This strange statement actually appears in all four gospels and Acts of the Apostles and is a prophecy about Christ. Why was this prophecy so crucial in the early Church, and why didn't Christ just explain or enlighten people so they could see and understand?

Christ told the disciples they would understand the mysteries and receive more. Others "seeing would not see and hearing would not understand" and would receive less. Why aren't the mysteries of heaven understandable to all? Does God choose some people over others?

The Lord's teachings were enigmatic at times, especially when He used parables. He said, "Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand." This sounds strange and unfair. Did the Lord truly want people not to understand him?