February 28, 2010: The Second Sunday Of Lent
When times are difficult and we have to keep a careful eye on what we spend and
how we use things, it can leave us feeling depressed or deprived. While it may be the
“worst of times”, it can also be the best.
February 21, 2010: The First Sunday Of Lent
Life is full of temptations. Even when we thing we have “conquered” some weakness,
it is important to remember that we have not been “cured;” but, have simply learned
how to deal with it.
February 14, 2010: The Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time
There are those who claim that true believers prosper and have no troubles in
this life. Look at the life of Jesus. He had lots of trouble! The depth of your faith
is not measured by your prosperity but by how you handle the ups and downs of
life.
February 7, 2010: The Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Do you ever look at yourself and wonder if there is any point in even trying to be
a really good person much less a “holy” person? It is easy to throw up your
hands and admit defeat. But if you stop there you have missed a great blessing.
January 31, 2010: The Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time
In Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul lists the attributes of love. It is a good guide for an
examination of conscience. Read it and consider how well your life reflects
these signs of love.
January 24, 2010: The Third Sunday of Ordinary Time
We are all members of one body in Christ. We all have a purpose vital to the
good of the community. Some have well defined roles and are given special
titles; but, most of us do not have that.
January 17, 2010: The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
There are many ways to look at the wedding at Cana and what meaning it may
have for us today. One aspect to consider is Mary’s request. Notice that she
was not seeking anything for herself.
January 10, 2010: The Baptism of The Lord
In Acts, we are told that “God shows no partiality. Rather the man of any nation
who fears God and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.” God does not ask for our
“membership card” or references to prove our worthiness.
January 3, 2010: The Epiphany
How open are you to the promptings of the Spirit? Do you pay attention to those
things that flicker though your mind or in your dreams telling you to call someone or
make an unscheduled stop on your way home?
December 27, 2009: The Holy Family Of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
It is easy to think of the Holy Family as perfect: but the truth is they had their problems
too. Jesus goes off on his own without a word to his parents and gives them quite a
scare. It gives us an indication that life was not always peaceful and perfect for them.
December 20, 2009: The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Our tradition encourages us to make sacrifices. Usually, we think of “giving up” things
for Lent or saying extra prayers. These practices have their place and can help focus
our attention on what is truly important; but, they should not consume us.
December 13, 2009: The Third Sunday of Advent
Gospel values are not always reflected in society’s values and they are not the values
promoted by Capitalism. In fact, Gospel values sound a lot like Socialism. The goal
is not to acquire as much as you can, but only what you need.
December 6, 2009: The Second Sunday of Advent
We all struggle with our choices, our desire to do good and our selfishness. It
requires constant effort on our part, if we are to grow in our faith. Yet, Paul tells the
Philippians that God “who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to
completion.”
November 29, 2009: The First Sunday of Advent
God so loved the world he sent his Son. As we prepare for Christmas, consider how
you share your love with others. Reflect on how God loves you so deeply and freely.
You have not and cannot earn God’s love.
November 22, 2009: Christ The King
Christ was the King, the Messiah, and yet his life was not easy. He had times of
weariness when he had to get away from the crowds.
November 15, 2009: Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Throughout history, people have tried to see what the future would hold. In every era,
there are those who warn that the end of the world is near.
November 8, 2009: Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
It is not one’s position in this world that makes a person great or even good. It is in
what they do and the spirit in which they do things. We all have gifts and resources
– no matter how small they may appear to be – at our disposal.
November 1, 2009: All Saints Day
Have you ever thought about becoming a saint? Perhaps the first question should be:
What does it mean to be a saint? What qualities do you think a saint would have?
October 25, 2009: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Blind Bartimaeus gives us a good example to follow. He persists in seeking the Lord
even when he is told to shut up by the people around him. He is sure that the Lord
will listen to his plea and grant his request to see.
October 18, 2009: Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
As children, we dream of the wonderful things we will do when we grow up. As young
adults we seek to fulfill our dreams, but we often find that it is not easy and become
disheartened.
October 11, 2009: Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
With all of life’s demands on our time and attention, it can be very difficult to take time
to nourish our spirit. Yet that is the most important thing we can do.
October 4, 2009: Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
In Genesis 1:27, God created man in his own image and created them male and
female. In Genesis 2:21-22 woman was created from Adam’s rib to be his companion.
Both stories make important points.
September 27, 2009: Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Every religious group believes that their expression of faith, their rules and traditions are the “right”
ones. Many believe that unless you believe as they do, you are not “saved.”
September 20, 2009: Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Consider the conflicts and disputes you have in your life. What is really at the root of
these problems? What is it that you want and are not getting? Could it be that you are
too focused on yourself and your desires?
September 13, 2009: Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our faith must be expressed in our actions. It is not enough to pray for the poor asking
God to “take care” of them. We are God’s hands and if the poor are not helped, it is our
failure, not God’s.
September 6, 2009: Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Young people tend to feel that they should not be judged by their appearance. If they choose to
have body piercings and tattoos, it should not be held against them.
August 30, 2009: Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
It is not exterior things that make us “good” but what is in our heart. If we go to church
every day, it has no value if we do not apply God’s word to our daily life.
August 23, 2009: Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our difficulties and failures can be very hard to cope with and we may be tempted to
despair. At times, it may seem the harder we try the more we seem to fail.
August 16, 2009: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
If we would become more Christ-like, we need to reflect on our behavior every day. Do
our words and actions reflect how Christ would have behaved? If not, what can we do
to improve?
August 2, 2009: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The reading from Exodus recounts how unhappy the Israelites were about their situation. Even though they had escaped the slavery in Egypt, the hardships of their journey discourage them.
July 26, 2009: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Paul urges us to live a life worthy of our calling – with humility, meekness and patience.
Humility reminds us that we are not “better” than others regardless of our intelligence,
wealth, or how well we practice our faith.
July 19, 2009: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the Gospels we are told that Jesus sometimes went aside by himself. When the
apostles returned from their mission journey, Jesus told them to come aside and rest
awhile. It is so easy to forget that we need some quiet time to rest, pray, and renew our
spirit.
July 12, 2009: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
When Jesus sent the apostles out to spread his message, he told them that if any place
would not receive their message, they were to move on to the next place. They were not to
argue or force anyone to believe as they did.
July 5, 2009: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Paul was a great saint and servant of the Lord and yet he had his struggles too. He wrote
of the “thorn” in his side which he begged the Lord to take away until it became clear to him
that through his weakness God’s power is revealed.
June 28, 2009: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
As Americans, we tend to believe in self-reliance. Anyone can “make it” if they just work hard,
and conversely if the are not “making it” they must be lazy. That belief influences how we see
the issues of today from welfare and bailouts to who is deserving of our charity.
June 21, 2009: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Do you believe that God is in charge of the world? Do you trust that he is watching over you
and will help you? Even the apostles had moments of doubt and fear. It took them a long time
to truly trust in God.
June 14, 2009: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Do you take time on a regular basis to “count your blessings?” It is natural to turn to God for
help when we feel overwhelmed with problems. However when life is rolling along and our
routines are not disrupted, do we think to take time to talk with God?
June 7, 2009: Holy Trinity
We all experience times of anxiety and worry. Our faith does not protect us from problems but
rather it helps us through them. We are children of God and as a child trusts their father, so
we should trust our God.
May 31, 2009: Pentecost Sunday
Even after seeing the risen Lord, his followers were not sure what to do. They were fearful and
uncertain. It was not until they were filled with the Holy Spirit that they found the strength and
courage to begin their mission.
May 24, 2009: Seventh Sunday of Easter
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News.” That is our mission as followers of
Jesus. Consider how you are or could proclaim the Good News in your everyday life.
May 17, 2009: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Even the early Christians had their ideas of who could “belong” to their group and who could
not. It was hard for many to accept the idea that even Gentiles could be members of their
community.
May 10, 2009: Fifth Sunday of Easter
It is easy to talk about Christian values – loving others, sharing what we have, forgiving each
other. However much we may talk about such things, they are meaningless if our actions do
not reflect our beliefs.
April 26, 2009: Third Sunday of Easter
We all fail at times to live the Gospel as we should. Sometimes, we even do things that are
sinful. That is no reason to quit trying or to give in to despair.
April 19, 2009: Second Sunday of Easter
Today’s passage from Acts can seem like a quaint sentiment that has nothing to do with us today.
“None of them ever claimed anything as his own...nor was there any needy among them.”
April 12, 2009: Easter Sunday
For those who have been making a serious effort to use the Lenten season to make sacrifices
and do some serious reflection on their life, Easter Sunday can seem like the “finish line.”
April 5, 2009: Palm Sunday of The Lord’s Passion
Once again we hear the story of Jesus’ last days according to the Gospel of Mark. Jesus had choices.
March 29, 2009: Fifth Sunday of Lent
Jesus constantly reminded his followers that they were to serve others, especially those who
would seek to be leaders. He showed by his own example what this meant.
March 22, 2009: Fourth Sunday of Lent
Paul reminds us that salvation is not something we earn – it is God’s gift. It is not a reward for
some good deed we have done.
March 15, 2009: Third Sunday of Lent
It can be a great comfort to focus on keeping “the rules” because we do not have to deal with
the gray areas of life. Things are either right or wrong. But following the rules may not make
us good disciples.
March 8, 2009: Second Sunday of Lent
God’s will is not always easy to know nor to do. We need help. This is where the Christian
community and the Church come to our aid.
March 1, 2009: First Sunday of Lent
Once again we begin the season of Lent. We follow Jesus into the desert for a time of
reflection and renewal. Most of us cannot actually remove ourselves from our daily routines
and obligations and just focus on our spiritual life.
February 22, 2009: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Human beings have a tendency to dwell on the past and focus on the negative whether it is
their own failures or some harm others have done to them. That makes forgiveness impossible
to give or receive.
February 15, 2009: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Paul gives a very clear guideline for how a Christian should behave. The focus is not that
something is good or bad but how it affects others. We are not to seek our own advantage or
pleasure but to consider the needs of those around us and seek to imitate Christ.
February 8, 2009: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s reading from Job seems rather depressing. He is certainly at a very low point in his
life and does not think things are likely to improve. But he also has an important insight: that
our days go by swiftly and life is like the wind
February 1, 2009: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is often looked upon as the reason a
celibate life is “better”. But Paul’s focus was not really of life style. He was encouraging the
people to be devoted to the Lord above all else.
January 25, 2009: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
The story of Jonah is well worth reading. (It isn’t very long.) Jonah is sent by God to warn a
group of people they must change their ways or perish. The problem is that Jonah hates
these people and he also knows God is very merciful and will probably find a way to forgive
these evil-doers.
January 18, 2009: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Throughout time believers have struggled with the notion that we are spirit and body. Many
have viewed the spirit as the only important aspect and the body as an “evil” that can only
distract us from God’s will.
January 11, 2009: The Baptism of the Lord
Most of us seldom think about Baptism. Perhaps because we wee infants when we received
the Sacrament and had nothing to say about it. Some, however, do not receive the
Sacrament until they are adults and it might be enlightening to talk with them about their
experience.
January 4, 2009: The Epiphany
Jesus was the Messiah long awaited by the Jews. Although his mission focused on the Jew;
his message was for all people. The Jews do not “own” the Messiah. The Christians do not
“own” Christ. God’s gift of his Son was for everyone.
December 28, 2008: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Each child is born with potential. They have natural qualities and gifts as well as handicaps
and weaknesses. Parents have the awesome task of providing a foundation that will help their
child grow and reach their potential.
December 21, 2008: The Fourth Sunday of Advent
The idea of being “Holy” or a truly good Christian may seem an impossible dream. We look
at the lives of the saints and know in our hearts there is no way we could have endured the
things they went through. We may be tempted to give up and not even try to reach this goal.
December 14, 2008: The Third Sunday of Advent
Paul reminds us that we are not to stifle the Spirit but test everything and retain what is good.
The Spirit will guide us but not always in ways we expect. The Spirit will speak through those
we meet – even casual encounters or through those we deem inferior.
December 7, 2008: The Second Sunday of Advent
Today’s Gospel tells us that John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Lord.
Throughout the Old Testament, God was preparing the people for the gift of the Messiah.
November 30, 2008: The First Sunday of Advent
As we begin the season of Advent and start a new church year, it is a good time to take a look
at where we are in our journey with the Lord. Pray for the insight to know what God asks of
you and for the fortitude to follow wherever His Spirit may lead you.
November 23, 2008: Our Lord Christ The King
It may feel comforting to “know” we are good Christians because we follow all the rules and
go to church. But if you listen to what Jesus has told us, you know that following the rules is
not the key. Care for others, loving our neighbor is what really matters.
November 16, 2008: The Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Each of us have been graced with gifts. Our particular personality, our abilities, and our
intellect all combine to make us a unique person. With each strength, there is also a
weakness so we may know our limits and our need for others.
November 9, 2008: The Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
The parable of the foolish virgins seems strange. Why don’t those who have oil share it and
why are the foolish ones locked out of the wedding? It doesn’t seem fair and it makes many
people uncomfortable.
November 2, 2008: The Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time: All Souls Day
We want to look up to our leaders and follow their example. They can teach us a lot. When
they fail to be all we want or think they should be, we are dismayed and find it easy to
condemn them. We may even think what they taught us has no value.
October 26, 2008: The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The first reading from Exodus may be a little disconcerting. “You shall not molest or oppress
an alien, for you were once aliens...you shall not wrong any widow or orphan...if you lend
money...you shall not act like an extortioner”…
October 19, 2008: The Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
What does it mean to you to “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s?”
pay your taxes and go to church? Praying for hours and going to church every day does not
mean that you are doing God’s will when your neighbor is suffering.…
October 12, 2008: The Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Most people would like to be rich and able to afford all the really nice things in the world. It seems like it would be the end of troubles. Yet Jesus insists it is hard for the rich to enter the
Kingdom.…
October 5, 2008: The Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
There are so many things to worry about– world concerns, national issues, local needs, and personal problems. It can be overwhelming. Paul urges us to present our needs to God with gratitude.…
September 28, 2008: The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our human nature finds it very difficult to accept God’s way of doing things as “just.” Many of Jesus’ parables tell us that God does not judge things the way we would.…
September 21, 2008: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Sunday Gospel recounts the story of the vineyard owner who fired workers throughout the day and then paid everyone for a full day’s work. Many sympathize with the workers who put in a full day and feel this was unfair.…
September 14, 2008: The Triumph of The Cross
The most astounding thing God has ever done is to become human. Jesus came not to condemn us but to reveal God’s love and save us. He did not put himself above others but became a servant to all.…
September 7, 2008: The Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Ten Commandments give us a list of “rules” to follow if we want to obey God. They are very simple and yet volumes have been written to “explain” what they mean. There is a level of comfort in having such a list.…
August 31, 2008: The Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah never wanted to be a prophet and doing God’s will did not bring him honor nor respect. He was mocked and laughed at and some even tried to kill him.…
August 24, 2008: The Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Who is Jesus to you? Is he a miracle worker, judge, superhuman, or a friend? We cannot take walks or sit down and chat with Jesus. We know the stories about his life and teachings; but that all happened a long time ago.…
August 17, 2008: The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s Gospel recounts the story of a Canaanite woman who asks Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. Although Jesus ignores her, she keeps after him and in the end her faith is rewarded.…
August 10, 2008: The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Have you ever wished that God would just send you a letter and tell you what to do? We pray for all sorts of things and want to get an answer but more often than not, we feel disappointed.…
August 3, 2008: The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Nothing can separate us from the love of God. No matter what may be happening in our lives, no matter how many stupid, thoughtless things we may have done, God still loves us and is ready to give us the grace we need at the moment.…
July 20, 2008: The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sometimes we are at a loss about what we should do. Even our attempts to pray seem hollow and fruitless. Ironically, it is at these times that we may receive the greatest graces. We need to trust God.…
July 13, 2008: The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
No farmer in his right mind would just scatter seeds everywhere. He would make sure the soil was good and would provide the seed with every chance to grow. But that is not how God works.…
July 6, 2008: The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Usually, when we find life a continuous struggle and we become stressed out and depressed, we never think that the problem might be within us rather than circumstances around us.…
June 29, 2008: The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Peter and Paul are wonderful examples of discipleship. While they had their virtues they also had some serious faults. Peter was always putting his foot in his mouth and even denied Jesus. Paul was so committed to the Law that he persecuted Jesus’ followers.…
June 22, 2008: The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We like to keep count of things – who owes us, points we have earned, etc. We even do this with our faith – how well have we followed the “rules” and maybe even how many indulgences have we earned.…
June 8, 2008: The Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
It is so easy and so human to put down, discriminate against, and even persecute those who do not share our beliefs and traditions. We are seldom inclined to listen to what they have to say or to try to understand where they are coming from.…
June 1, 2008: The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is it enough to follow the laws of God? Is it enough to declare that Jesus is your Lord and Savior? Obeying all the rules can make us feel good but it does not always lead us to doing good nor does it always lead to justice.…
May 25, 2008: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
How important is the Eucharist to you? Do you take advantage of opportunities to receive it? Consider what Jesus told the disciples: “If you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”.…
May 18, 2008: The Most Holy Trinity
We may think that the early Christian communities were perfect models of what it means to be disciples. But if you read the Epistles, especially some of Paul’s letters, you will see they had the same struggles we face.…
May 11, 2008: Pentecost
Pentecost celebrates one of the most important gifts we have been given: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our companion and guide through life. The Spirit, if we are open to it, will help us see what we are called to be and do.…
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