The people of ancient Israel believed that they were God’s Chosen people; they were special and holy in God’s eyes.  They were forbidden to associate with Gentiles.  They were not to do business with them or even pass through their towns.  And yet, we hear in all four of the Gospels that Jesus often associated with Gentiles.  It was one of the many strikes against him by the time he was led out to the cross.  But, it was also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and clearly an essential […]

Last week, we heard in the gospel that Jesus fed the thousands after they followed him to a deserted place; you will recall that he had gone to this deserted place to pray.  Today, we hear that, after he had fed the people, he dismissed them and even made his disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the lake so he could finally get some time to pray.  He knew that he had to spend some time by himself to commune with his heavenly […]

“When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.”  As we hear, once again, the well-known account of Jesus feeding the hungry crowds, I’d like to call your attention to this first line of today’s gospel account.  Remember how it came about that John the Baptist died.  He was beheaded at the whim of King Herod during a banquet that he was holding in his opulent palace to celebrate his birthday.  Notice, Herod’s feast is marked by brutal […]

Imagine that you have just won the lottery – a multi-million dollar jackpot.  Imagine unearthing a large metal box while digging in your garden, and finding it filled with cash – all big bills.  Imagine you fall asleep and God comes in a dream and offers you anything you want.

Stories of buried treasure, sudden wealth and dreams that come true are among the oldest and most universal fables in every human culture.  Even the thought of sudden wealth quickens the pulse and stirs the imagination.  What if?  Would all our […]