Last Sunday, we heard the story of the Good Samaritan.  In that story, Jesus contrasts the behavior of two members of the Jewish clergy, a priest and a Levite, with the behavior of a despised outsider, the Samaritan.  Even though the Samaritan may have lacked the knowledge of God’s law – as the priest and the Levite certainly did – the Samaritan fulfilled the law’s spirit better than these legal experts.  That parable shows the futility of a religion that has no application to daily life.  Today’s story of Mary […]

We all know that Jesus is God. He can do all things.  While he was in our midst, he healed the sick, fed the hungry, brought the dead back to life and even overcame the power of the devil as he rose from the dead.  So, why did he need the help of the seventy-two who we hear him send out two by two in today’s Gospel?  Actually, he didn’t need their help.  Jesus saves the world all by himself.  However, God, in his divine providence, calls on us to […]

So, why were Peter and Paul so passionate about continuing the hard and dangerous work that Jesus had begun?  Why would they risk life and limb and dare to walk into the lion’s den – that is, go to Rome – with such boldness?  What motivated them to give up everything and go on this mission that would ultimately lead to their death – Peter by crucifixion, upside down, at that – and Paul by being beheaded? 

To grasp the depth of their passion, we need to look at their […]

We just heard the well-known account of Jesus feeding five thousand men and who knows how many women and children.  After teaching them, he takes five loaves of bread and two fish, blesses them, breaks them and gives them to the disciples to set before the crowd.  Having filled their minds and hearts with his teachings, he fills their stomachs before sending them home – with leftovers.  We learn in this powerful event that our God is a God of compassion and provision.  He will always take care of us […]