We are called to be a people of faith. We are called to put our faith in God. But, it is not a blind faith. Rather, it is rooted in the experience of a God who loves and cares for us. We see that throughout Salvation History, that is, the history of God saving us, his people. First, there was Abraham, our Father in Faith. The second reading today recalls his story. God called him in his old age, promising a dramatic change in his life, a new season of […]
When God created all things in this world, and He called them all “good.” We hear that very clearly in the Book of Genesis. So material stuff is not evil in itself. Jesus had some wealthy friends, owned an expensive garment, seamless and so nice his executioners drew lots for it rather than dividing it, and he lived a life that some of his critics called excessive with food and drink. He was obviously not an aesthetic hermit, living a life of poverty to cleanse the soul. The example that […]
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 […]
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 […]