Do you know the difference between the Pharisees and the Sadducees?  We hear about these two groups of Jewish leaders all the time in the gospels.  They’re always trying to discredit Jesus.  They saw him as a threat to their religion and, more important, their status as religious leaders.  It seems that too many of them were more concerned about taking care of themselves than their people and they felt threatened by Jesus who constantly talked about loving your neighbor and caring for the poor.  So, they were united in […]

As we look around our world today – whether it is the ongoing war in Ukraine or the increasing tension between China and Taiwan or the political tension in our country surrounding issues such as immigration, abortion or climate change, or car jackings and even stabbings right in our neighborhood, we see so much violence and injustice that plague the world around us.  And, there is no earthly reason to believe that it can change.  If you examine human history, you will find that it’s been like this ever since […]

At this time of the year, we usually have a rash of kids catching cold.  What’s the first thing parents are told when their kids get sick?  Keep them home so they don’t spread their disease.  Our readings today speak about another, much more serious disease – leprosy – that had devastating effects on those who were afflicted with it.  And, unlike today when we have medication to treat it, there was no cure in the day of our Lord.  It is a disease that causes serious deformity and even […]

At this time of the year, we usually have a rash of kids catching cold.  What’s the first thing parents are told when their kids get sick?  Keep them home so they don’t spread their disease.  Our readings today speak about another, much more serious disease – leprosy – that had devastating effects on those who were afflicted with it.  And, unlike today when we have medication to treat it, there was no cure in the day of our Lord.  It is a disease that causes serious deformity and even […]

As we enjoyed the first taste of fall this past week with those brisk, clear mornings, here’s a wake-up call: today, the 25^th of September, is only three months away from Christmas.  Can you imagine!?!  Soon, we’ll be getting involved in our annual Adopt-a-Family and Christmas Food Baskets.  One of the many aspects of our parish that I have found so inspirational and edifying over the 11 years that I have been here is your tremendously generous response to all of the charitable appeals we have throughout the year, especially […]

“You cannot serve both God and mammon.”  We all know that Jesus is an excellent teacher and, on this Catechetical Sunday, we commission all of our teachers – those in our school and in our PREP, as well as you parents, the primary teachers of your children – to follow the example of teaching as Jesus did.  His lesson today is summarized in the last line of today’s gospel passage:  you cannot serve both God and mammon.  We all know who God is and how we are to serve him: […]

Did any of you fly anywhere this summer and lose your luggage?  I didn’t have the occasion to fly recently but I’ve lost my luggage a few times over the years and, as those of you who have had it happen to you know, it’s a very frustrating experience.  Unfortunately, it seems to be even more prevalent now for a variety of reasons and reclaiming your luggage seems to get harder and harder.

It’s sad when anything – or anyone – is lost.  And yet, it seems that there are millions […]

How many of you have known someone who seemed to be lost in his/her life, may even have done something seriously wrong, and then, one day, declared they have turned their life around, claiming that they have “found Jesus.”  I’ve heard a number of people tell me that.  My first reaction is to thank God! That is the very definition of “repent and believe!” And while some may be skeptical, it is remarkable to see how God can work in someone’s life.  In fact, it’s good for us as Christians […]

As we prepare to celebrate Labor Day next weekend, I’m sure many of you are planning a get together with family or friends.  And, for most of us, that will include a meal – a barbeque, picnic or dinner.  How fitting for us to hear about Jesus in today’s gospel at a meal.  Jesus is the guest at a fancy dinner.  His host is a leading Pharisee; a person with great status in the Jewish community.   And, he has invited some friends to dinner to meet this newest celebrity in […]

The disciples came to Jesus one day and asked, “Teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”  Have you ever thought about that request?  It’s rather curious, if you think about it.  After all, the Jewish faith is filled with examples of prayer.  Just look at today’s first reading where we hear Abraham praying to save Sodom and Gomorrah or turn to the Book of Psalms which is filled with prayers of praise and petition, lament and thanks.  Does the disciples’ question indicate that they think that there […]