July 30, 2023
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time The first reading today from the Book of Kings and the gospel reading from Saint Matthew are linked by the necessity to be wise as missionary disciples seeking the treasures God wishes us to discover. Even those of us who have only a cursory acquaintance with the story of Solomon […]
July 29, 2023
The Eucharist is the radiant festivity of fraternity that we can make endure always. Saint Peter Julian Eymard, (PG 244,7). The importance of friendship is deeply rooted in our scriptures today. The “radiant festivity of fraternity” words from our spiritual father keep us in the light of the Eucharist and God’s great love. The message […]
July 28, 2023
I recall a moment when I was eight or nine years old — or thereabouts. I went up to our bedroom, went into the closet, closed the door, and sat silently in the darkness. Why? So God wouldn’t see me or, worse, catch me committing a sin. Where did I get such a notion? It […]
July 27, 2023
A Manifestation. Sometimes we are unsure which person will show up today – an occurrence attributed to others or ourselves. So, who will surface? Will it be the wrathful, angry one, the dishonest one, the user, the pessimist, the egotist? From our perspective, it doesn’t have to be that way. We can decide who we […]
July 26, 2023
Memorial of Saints Joachim and Ann, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Celebrate! Give thanks! Venerate! The Church gives this feast day to remember Joachim and Ann, parents of the Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus, our Lord, and Savior. We also recognize Saint Ann as patroness of our Province of the Congregation of the […]
July 25, 2023
Feast of Saint James, Apostle Most have been fortunate to have our mothers advocate for us. They teach us how to be of genuine service because of their witness. Then, they do even more for us, ensuring we receive the best day in and day out. Christ reminds us today that we have accepted a […]
July 24, 2023
Optional Memorial of Saint Sharbel Makhluf Both the first reading and the Gospel involve a central belief of Christians: only through death can we reach eternal life. Only through a lifelong effort to know, love, and serve God in this world can we find eternal life. Only through many daily “deaths” to self can we […]
July 23, 2023
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus frequently uses nature in his teachings. Today is no exception with the parable of the weeds, the mustard seed, and the yeast. We all deal with weeds. We go out of our way to get rid of them. We pull one, and we get two in return. They survive […]
July 22, 2023
Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene It still amazes me that the first reading from Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians reminds me of how I lived for myself so selfishly before Jesus came into my life. I am impressed at the gentle way Jesus loves us. He loves us where we are but doesn’t […]
July 21, 2023
If you [only] knew what this meant, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice…” Jesus chastises the Pharisees for missing the greater picture regarding the Law: “I desire mercy, compassion, not sacrifice.” Had they appreciated this, they would not have condemned the innocent. God’s law is intended to bless people. If any application of the law does […]