May 31, 2026

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1ST READING2ND READINGGOSPEL

Most Holy Trinity (A)

Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9

Fr. Tim Peters, S.T.D explores the scriptural context and theological significance of the first reading according to the following thematic outline.

FIRST READING OUTLINE

Coming May 25, 2026

The Period of Preparation and
the Promise of the Father

The transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the era of the Church is marked by a specific period of instruction and the promise of divine empowerment.

The Significance of Forty Days: Just as Jesus prepared for His ministry with forty days in the desert, He spent forty days after His resurrection appearing to the disciples to prepare the Church for its upcoming trials.
The Apostolic Foundation: Jesus presented Himself alive by many proofs and spoke specifically about the Kingdom of God to those He had chosen (Acts 1:2-3).
Waiting for the Spirit: The disciples were commanded to remain in Jerusalem to receive "the promise of the Father," which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5).
Theological Precision: The Spirit is described as the "Spirit of Truth," through whom the faithful can know, love, and serve the Father.

The Restoration of the Kingdom and
the Great Commission

The disciples' focus on a temporal, political restoration is redirected by Jesus toward a universal, spiritual mission.

Temporal vs. Eternal Kingdom: The apostles asked if Jesus would "at this time restore the kingdom to Israel" (Acts 1:6), likely envisioning an earthly, political reign.
Divine Authority: Jesus clarified that the timing of the Father's plans is held by His own authority and is not for man to know (Acts 1:7).
Empowerment for Witness: The purpose of the Holy Spirit's power is to make the disciples witnesses "in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
The Universal Scope: This mission mirrors the "Great Commission" found in Matthew 28, moving the Gospel beyond national borders to all nations.

The Ascension and
the Imagery of the Cloud

The physical departure of Jesus is not merely an exit but a manifestation of His divinity and the completion of His earthly mission.

The Cloud of Glory: As Jesus was lifted up, a cloud took Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). In Scripture, the cloud signifies the presence of God, recalling the pillar of cloud in Exodus 13:21 and the glory filling the Temple in 1 Kings 8:10.
Prophetic Fulfillment: The imagery evokes the prophecy of Daniel 7:13-14, where "one like a son of man" comes on the clouds to receive an everlasting kingdom.
The Return to the Father: The Ascension marks the "mission complete" status of the obedient Son returning to take His place at the right hand of the Father.

The Angelic Message and
the Call to Action

The disciples' contemplative gaze toward heaven is redirected toward the practical work of the Church on earth.

The Angelic Question: Two men in white robes (angels) asked, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?" (Acts 1:10-11).
The Promise of Return: The angels declared that Jesus "will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
The Mandate to "Get Busy": The message serves as a reminder that the Church must not remain idle in contemplation but must be actively engaged in the work of the Lord until His return.
Liturgical Context: This event is celebrated 40 days after Easter, emphasizing Christ's universal kingship over all rule, authority, and dominion.

FIRST READING BULLETIN INSERT

Coming May 25, 2026

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY
PREPARATION

Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9

The God of Compassion

Are you looking for a way to breathe fresh energy into your preaching this week? Connecting the Sunday readings to the lived experiences of your congregation is a powerful task, and Larry Broding’s Word-Sunday commentary is an invaluable tool to help you do just that. In his analysis of Exodus 34, Broding masterfully unpacks the profound moment when Moses climbs Mt. Sinai with two new stone tablets, setting the stage for one of the most beautiful self-revelations of God in the Old Testament.

Why this commentary matters for your homily:

Unpacks True Divine Identity: Broding highlights that God did not reveal Himself as a deity of war, harvest, or nature, but fundamentally as a God of compassion whose love transcends all earthly categories.
Contextualizes Ancient Symbolism: The commentary helps you explain the cultural weight of the cloud, thunder, and the proclamation of the name YHWH, making these ancient signs vivid and relatable for a modern audience.
Focuses on the Power of Relationship: It explores Moses’ posture of worship and his crucial ultimate request—asking God to claim the people as “his inheritance”—which provides a perfect bridge to discuss our own unique relationship with the Father.
Provides Direct Pastoral Application: Broding beautifully connects the text to the present day, offering a comforting reminder you can share with your flock: we remain God’s people, wrapped in His compassion even in times of darkness, opposition, or trial.

Read Larry Broding’s full commentary to help your congregation experience the depth of God’s comforting love and transform your prep time into a powerful message of grace.

AI THOUGHT STARTERS

To strengthen key sections of your homily, here are questions you might ask the AI assistant (simply copy and paste a question into chat bot in the lower right corner of the page):

Contextualizing the Divine Encounter

How can I visually explain to my congregation what the cloud and thunder represented in Exodus 34:5, and how do these ancient signs of divine power contrast with the gentle character God actually proclaims?
The reading refers to God proclaiming his name in Exodus 34:5-6; what is the deeper theological significance of the name YHWH as the sound of thunder for the Israelite people?
Moses cut two new stone tablets in Exodus 34:4b after the first ones were broken; how can I preach on this as a sign of God’s willingness to give humanity a second chance?

Unpacking the Character of God

Exodus 34:6 suggests God is not a deity of war, harvest, or the desert, but a compassionate God; what are some modern idols or false images of God my congregation might hold that contrast with this true identity?
How does the revelation of a compassionate and loving God in Exodus 34:6 bridge the gap for parishioners who mistakenly believe the Old Testament God is only angry and vengeful?
What specific historical context can I share to show how radical it was for a deity in the ancient Near East to transcend natural categories through pure love for his people?

Pastoral Application and the Posture of Faith

Moses reacted in the posture of worship and with a prayer in Exodus 34:8-9; how can I use his immediate response to teach my parish about the proper attitude we should have when experiencing God’s presence in the sacraments?
In Exodus 34:9, Moses prays for a unique relationship, asking God to make the people “his inheritance”; how does this Old Testament request find its ultimate fulfillment for us in the Catholic Church today?
The reading suggests God’s love comforts us even in the dark times; can you provide a couple of concrete, relatable modern examples or stories of finding God’s compassion in the face of opposition and oppression to include in my homily?
How can I use the dialogue between Moses and God in Exodus 34:4-9 to encourage parishioners who feel unworthy of God’s mercy because of their own past stumbles?

Most Holy Trinity (A)

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Fr. Tim Peters, S.T.D explores the scriptural context and theological significance of the second reading according to the following thematic outline.

SECOND READING OUTLINE

Coming May 25, 2026

The Spirit of Wisdom and
Revelation

St. Paul emphasizes that spiritual understanding is a gift from God, granted to the believer to deepen their relationship with the Divine.

The Source of Knowledge: Paul prays to the "Father of glory" to grant a spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17).
The "Eyes of the Heart": This metaphorical phrase suggests a deep, internal discernment and insight into God’s will that goes beyond mere intellectual learning.
Purpose of Enlightenment: The goal of this gift is the "knowledge of him," moving the believer from abstract concepts to a personal encounter with Christ.
Active Discernment: As believers turn away from sin and share the love of Christ, they gain greater insight into how Christ reigns over their daily lives.

The Hope of the Calling and
Glorious Inheritance

Paul outlines the spiritual riches available to those who are "called," focusing on the future promise and current identity of the saints.

The Hope of the Calling: This refers to the vocation or specific "call" each person has in Christ, whether to marriage, consecrated life, or service (Ephesians 1:18).
Riches of the Inheritance: Paul highlights the "glorious inheritance" found among the holy ones, emphasizing the abundance of spiritual grace provided to the Church.
Discovery through Service: One discovers their specific vocation by giving their life to Christ in service; the "call" becomes clear through action and faith.

The Immeasurable Greatness of Divine Power

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power at work within the community of believers.

The Resurrection Standard: God’s power is defined by the "working of his great might" when He raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19–20).
The Session at the Right Hand: Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father in "heavenly places," a position of ultimate authority and victory.
Victory Over Spiritual Forces: Christ is placed far above every "rule and authority and power and dominion" (Ephesians 1:21).
Context for Ephesus: This was particularly significant for the Ephesians, who lived in a polytheistic culture; Paul clarifies that Christ’s authority surpasses every other named power in this age and the next.

Christ as Head of the Body

The passage concludes by defining the intimate and authoritative relationship between Jesus and the Church.

All Things Under His Feet: God has put all of creation under Christ’s dominion (Ephesians 1:22).
Headship over the Church: Christ is specifically made the "head over all things for the church," guiding it as its supreme authority.
The Church as His Body: The Church is described as "his body, the fullness of him who fills all things" (Ephesians 1:23).
The Theology of Unity: This concept links to the wider theme of the letter—that the Church is a unified organism that imitates the self-sacrificial love of Christ.

SECOND READING BULLETIN INSERT

Coming May 25, 2026

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY
PREPARATION

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

The Blueprint for Christian Living

Are you looking to deliver a homily that moves beyond abstract theology and truly transforms how your parish lives out their faith each week? In his Word-Sunday commentary on 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Larry Broding explores Saint Paul’s poignant farewell to the Corinthians, revealing that the Trinity is far more than an intellectual article of faith. Broding beautifully unpacks how the intimate union of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit serves as a practical, everyday blueprint for building a vibrant, loving Christian community.

Why this commentary matters for your homily:

Reframes the Holy Trinity: The commentary shifts the focus from complex dogma to pastoral reality, showing how the Father of love, the Son of grace, and the Spirit of fellowship model exactly how a parish community should function.
Defines Distinctive Christian Living: Broding highlights Paul’s call for Christians to live with one mind and one heart, offering you a clear framework to preach on the virtues of joy, uprightness, and constant awareness of God’s presence.
Provides a Model for Imitation: It explores the powerful implication that because God exists in an eternal exchange of love, we are called to do as God does—freely giving, treating others with authentic charity, and deepening our fellowship.
Spurs Practical Reflection: The commentary concludes with challenging, concrete questions that you can pose directly to your congregation to help them audit their own lives and look for ways to better reflect God to the world.

Read Larry Broding’s full commentary to help your congregation see the Trinity not just as a mystery to contemplate, but as a living blueprint for their daily lives and relationships.

AI THOUGHT STARTERS

To strengthen key sections of your homily, here are questions you might ask the AI assistant (simply copy and paste a question into chat bot in the lower right corner of the page):

The Trinity as a Blueprint for Community

Saint Paul refers to an exhortation to live as a community of one mind and one heart in 2 Corinthians 13:11; what are some concrete, modern examples of parish life that reflect this standard?
The text suggests the Trinity is more than an article of faith but a blueprint for Christian living; how can I help my congregation transition from viewing the Trinity as an abstract doctrine to an everyday model for their relationships?
2 Corinthians 13:13 refers to a final blessing invoking the Father, Son, and Spirit; how can I preach on this verse to show how the intimate union of the Triune God should shape our families?

Imitating the Character of God

Saint Paul implies the God of grace, love, and friendship is the model for Christian community; how can I challenge parishioners to do as God does in their workplaces and neighborhoods?
The text suggests Christians should always assume they live in the presence of God; what spiritual practices or habits can I recommend in my homily to help busy people maintain this awareness?
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 refers to a God who sent his Spirit to be a consoler and friend; how can I use this to offer comfort to parishioners who are currently experiencing loneliness or isolation?
Since Saint Paul refers to a God who gives the gift of his Son, how can I use the theme of divine generosity to encourage more radical charity and free giving within our parish community?

Homiletic Reflection and Application

The commentary asks how our lives and communities reflect God; what are some self-examination questions I can pose during the homily to help people honestly assess how they treat others?
2 Corinthians 13:11 refers to an exchange of personal greetings and a call to rejoice; how can I address the tension between this biblical command to rejoice and the real-world suffering many in the pews are facing?
The text asks how we can improve to reflect God to others; can you help me brainstorm a practical, week-long challenge for the parish that focuses on building fellowship based on this reading?

Courtesy of Larry Broding

Most Holy Trinity (A)

John 3:16-18

Fr. Tim Peters, S.T.D explores the scriptural context and theological significance of the Gospel reading according to the following thematic outline.

GOSPEL OUTLINE

Coming May 25, 2026

Divine Authority and
the Son of Man

The climax of Matthew’s Gospel reveals the true nature of Jesus’ power following His resurrection, linking Him to ancient prophecy.

Universal Sovereignty: Jesus declares that "all authority in heaven and on earth" has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18).
Fulfillment of Daniel: This claim directly mirrors the prophecy in Daniel 7:13–14 regarding the "Son of Man" who receives an eternal kingdom and dominion over all nations.
The Basis for Mission: The Church’s mission is not based on its own strength but on the absolute kingship of Christ.
Response to Doubt: Even as some disciples struggled with doubt during the encounter, Jesus responded by affirming His total authority, inviting them to trust in His power over their uncertainty (Matthew 28:17).

The Command to "Go" and
the Call of Abraham

The Great Commission is presented as a movement—a requirement to leave comfort behind to fulfill a global purpose.

Lekh Lekha (Go Forth): The command to "Go" (Matthew 28:19) echoes God's call to Abraham in Genesis 12, where he was told to leave his homeland based on a promise.
Universal Scope: While Abraham’s call was the beginning of God’s plan to bless the world, the Great Commission is the fulfillment, sending the disciples to "all nations."
The Role of the Mass: The "Ite, missa est" (the dismissal at Mass) serves as a modern continuation of this command, sending the faithful out to be witnesses in the world.
Patience in Mission: Making disciples is described as a lifelong process that requires walking with people, listening to them, and guiding them toward the faith with perseverance.

The Trinitarian Formula and
the Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is identified as the essential gateway into the life of the Church, marked by a specific divine invocation.

The Trinitarian Name: Jesus instructs them to baptize "in the name [singular] of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
The Work of God: The sacrament is not merely an emotional experience but an objective work of God that makes a person a "new creation."
Unity of Baptism: Following the teaching in Ephesians 4, there is "one baptism," emphasizing its permanent effect on the soul.
Sacramental Teaching: The Church must teach the importance of God’s grace working through these outward signs.

The Promise of Presence and
the New Exodus

The mission concludes not with a goodbye, but with a promise of perpetual companionship through every trial.

"I Am With You Always": Jesus promises His presence "until the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Scriptural Precedent: This same promise was given to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:12) and to Jeremiah during his difficult mission (Jeremiah 1:8).
Protection Against Trials: Just as Israel faced destruction at the Red Sea but was saved, the Church will face many tribulations but is protected by this divine promise.
The Teaching Mandate: The disciples are tasked with "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you," ensuring the full deposit of faith is passed down to every generation.

GOSPEL BULLETIN INSERT

Coming May 25, 2026

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY
PREPARATION

John 3:16-18

Is Trust in Jesus
Worth The Cost?

Are you looking for a way to help your congregation move past a rigid, duty-bound faith and step into a life-changing relationship with Christ? In his Word-Sunday commentary on John 3:16-21, Larry Broding uses a brilliant contemporary contrast—comparing the scientific, data-driven “faith” of Star Wars with the deep, personal trust demanded by the Gospel. Broding masterfully unpacks the tense encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus to demonstrate that salvation is not about passing a test or flawlessly keeping a law, but about surrendering to a love relationship with the Son of God.

Why this commentary matters for your homily:

Reframes the True Nature of Faith: The commentary provides a powerful opening analogy to help you explain how Christian faith differs fundamentally from intellectual assent or legalistic duty, anchoring it instead in radical trust.
Unpacks Key Greek Verbal Tenses: Broding provides excellent linguistic insights into John 3:18, breaking down the present and past perfect tenses of “judgment” versus “trust” to show how our spiritual state in the present echoes into eternity.
Contextualizes the “Us vs. Them” Temptation: It offers valuable historical background on the isolated Johannine community, helping you address a modern pastoral challenge—how parishes can avoid spiritual narcissism and instead mimic Jesus by inviting outsiders in rather than condemning them.
Illuminates the Light vs. Darkness Analogy: The text clarifies the parting analogy of John 3, showing how Christ the Light exposes the secret, dark plots of the world, providing comfort to parishioners who feel rejected or subverted for living out their faith.

Read Larry Broding’s full commentary to help your congregation experience the radical, non-condemning love of God and inspire them to build their lives on a foundation of authentic trust.

AI THOUGHT STARTERS

To strengthen key sections of your homily, here are questions you might ask the AI assistant (simply copy and paste a question into chat bot in the lower right corner of the page):

Moving from Legalism to Personal Relationship

The text suggests that trust of a person, not knowledge of the facts or obedience demanded by duty, defines the Christian life; how can I use the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:1-21 to help parishioners who view their faith purely as a checklist of rules?
In John 3:16-17, the reading refers to God giving His Son out of love so the world might be saved; what homiletic strategies can I use to contrast this radical love with the data-driven, transactional view of faith common in our modern culture?
John 3:5-8 refers to a spiritual rebirth initiated by God’s Spirit; how can I explain this concept of being born again from a distinctly Catholic, sacramental perspective during my sermon?

Overcoming Isolation and the Temptation to Condemn

The commentary suggests that John’s community lived a sheltered existence in fear of authorities, leading to an us-versus-them mentality; how can I address similar trends of modern parish narcissism and tribalism?
Jesus states in John 3:17 that God did not send His Son into the world to judge it; how can I challenge my congregation to mimic this non-condemning posture when interacting with those who have fallen away from the Church?
The text suggests that a community built on faith in God’s love rejects narcissism and opens vistas to new possibilities; can you help me brainstorm two practical parish initiatives that move us from a spirit of isolation to one of radical invitation?

Unpacking the Theology of Judgment and Light

In John 3:18, the reading refers to the one who trusts not being judged, while the one who does not trust is already judged; how can I explain the grammatical weight of these present perfect and past perfect tenses in an accessible way from the pulpit?
The commentary suggests that those who do not build their spiritual life on trust pretend to be self-reliant but are ultimately self-centered; how can I preach on this definition of judgment as the tragic self-loss of being unable to be found by the Son?
John 3:19-21 refers to an analogy where Christ is the light and those who oppose Him plot in secret darkness; what comforting insights can I share with parishioners who are currently facing rejection, gossip, or subversion for standing up for their faith?
Because John 3:16 refers to love requiring sacrifice, what concrete examples of sacrificial love can I include in my homily to show that true faith requires active, costly vulnerability?

The Word This Week

COMMENTARY – Most Holy Trinity (A)

Commentary Intro to Mass Readings Sunday Readings

CommentaryIntro to Mass Readings Sunday Readings

Commentary Intro to Mass Readings Sunday Readings

CommentaryIntro to Mass Readings Sunday Readings

⭐⭐⭐ Hearers of the Word—PDF | VIDEO

Hector Molina

Matt Zemanek

Kevin Aldrich

Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9

use

instead. Give a title for whole outline.Please insert verses when appropriate (Book, Chapter, Verse)

The Period of Preparation and the Promise of the Father

The Restoration of the Kingdom and the Great Commission

The Ascension and the Imagery of the Cloud

The Angelic Message and the Call to Action

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY PREPARATION

The God of Compassion

Why this commentary matters for your homily:

AI THOUGHT STARTERS

Contextualizing the Divine Encounter

Unpacking the Character of God

Pastoral Application and the Posture of Faith

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

use

instead. Give a title for whole outline.Please insert verses when appropriate (Book, Chapter, Verse)

The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

The Hope of the Calling and Glorious Inheritance

The Immeasurable Greatness of Divine Power

Christ as Head of the Body

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY PREPARATION

The Blueprint for Christian Living

Why this commentary matters for your homily:

AI THOUGHT STARTERS

The Trinity as a Blueprint for Community

Imitating the Character of God

Homiletic Reflection and Application

John 3:16-18

use

instead. Give a title for whole outline.Please insert verses when appropriate (Book, Chapter, Verse)

Divine Authority and the Son of Man

The Command to "Go" and the Call of Abraham

The Trinitarian Formula and the Sacrament of Baptism

The Promise of Presence and the New Exodus

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY PREPARATION

Is Trust in Jesus Worth The Cost?

Why this commentary matters for your homily:

AI THOUGHT STARTERS

Moving from Legalism to Personal Relationship

Overcoming Isolation and the Temptation to Condemn

Unpacking the Theology of Judgment and Light

The Period of Preparation and
the Promise of the Father

The Restoration of the Kingdom and
the Great Commission

The Ascension and
the Imagery of the Cloud

The Angelic Message and
the Call to Action

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY
PREPARATION

The Spirit of Wisdom and
Revelation

The Hope of the Calling and
Glorious Inheritance

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY
PREPARATION

Divine Authority and
the Son of Man

The Command to "Go" and
the Call of Abraham

The Trinitarian Formula and
the Sacrament of Baptism

The Promise of Presence and
the New Exodus

INSIGHTS FOR HOMILY
PREPARATION

Is Trust in Jesus
Worth The Cost?