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 […]

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus told his disciples to remain in Jerusalem and await the coming of the Holy Spirit. We heard that on Ascension Thursday just ten days ago.  The disciples did this, and in today’s first reading we hear an account of that powerful day when the Holy Spirit descended upon them.  With a noise like a strong driving wind, and tongues as of fire that came from the sky, the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples and gave birth to the Church.  This is such an important moment […]

I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and you had time with family and friends.  Mine was particularly precious since I was able to spend some time with my brother and sister-in-law who were visiting from California.  They were here to celebrate with their oldest granddaughter – my oldest great niece – as she graduated from college.  We are all proud of her as she fulfilled her goal of working at the Smithsonian Institute and aiding in the conservation of endangered species throughout our country.  I also enjoyed […]

If you knew that the prayers you offered up today would be among your last, what would you pray for?  Wouldn’t you focus on your highest priorities and most heartfelt desires – for yourself, for those dear to you?  That’s what Jesus did.  Our gospel passage today is part the last major prayer Jesus offered before his arrest and crucifixion.  He had just spent three years in his public ministry sharing God’s love.  Thousands of people had heard his message and seen and experienced his miracles.  By his death, he […]

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”  Jesus spoke these words on the night before he was to suffer a most grueling, painful death on the cross.  And yet, he is in peace and offers his peace to his followers.  How is this possible? 

It’s important to recognize that there are two kinds of peace: worldly peace and heavenly peace.  Worldly peace is temporary and varies from person to person.  To a lazy person, peace […]

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.  While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.  They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?  This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”  (Acts 1:10-11)

   This Thursday, we will celebrate the […]

As I’m sure you all know, Pope Leo celebrated his inauguration Mass just a few hours ago.  In his homily, he called all people to live in unity and love.  Allow me to quote a few lines from his brief but powerful homily:

I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.

Love and unity: these are the two dimensions of the […]

This is certainly an exciting time in the Church, isn’t it!?!  We have a new pope and he’s an American with local roots.  As I’m sure you have all heard, he studied right down the road at Villanova University.  He may even have come to Mass here!  We rejoice and pray that God will give him the strength to be the Good Shepherd who leads the entire Catholic Church ever closer to God. 

And, it’s also very exciting for us here in the local Church of St. Katharine of Siena […]

It’s so good to see you children who are about to receive Holy Communion for the first time, all dressed up and excited.  I’m delighted that so many members of your family are here, as well, and I hope you know that all of us – everyone here at Mass – is praying for you as you take this important step in being even more a part of our worshiping community.  We have this wonderful tradition here in our parish of celebrating First Holy Communion at the regularly scheduled Sunday […]