July 30, 2025
Worth Repeating A sign of an accomplished teacher is to repeat significant information, as in ‘This will be on the test, so let me repeat it.’ Keeping young people riveted to teacher talk is challenging. For adults, the same holds especially true when it comes to church words: the mystical body, original sin, begotten son, […]
July 29, 2025
Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus There are two gospel options for this day, such as having Martha ask Jesus some direct questions as he comes to her home. In both selections/settings, Martha is blunt. Even though in the history and legends of the church’s life, Mary is credited as the “quiet prayer model” […]
July 28, 2025
The two short parables on the Kingdom of God that form today’s Gospel both illustrate the enormous potential impact of very small actions. A couple of tiny mustard seeds can produce a magnificent tree, just as a little bit of yeast makes a magnificent loaf of bread. Jesus tells us that “the kingdom of God” […]
July 27, 2025
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading the story of Abraham bargaining with God brought to mind the many times I engaged in bargaining with God. Dear God, if I pass this test, get this job, get out of this jam I’m in, and the list goes on. In return, I promised the Lord what I […]
July 26, 2025
Memorial of Saints Joachim and Ann On this feast of the Patron of our Saint Ann’s Province, we remember the parents of Mary. Her faith and loving response to the Lord’s call were shaped by the faith and love of her family. We are challenged to reflect on our responses to life’s challenges. Please read […]
July 25, 2025
Feast of Saint James, Apostle I just completed a session with Father John Thomas Lane on the Beatitudes. The first reading and the Gospel are a practical application of the power of the beatitudes as practiced in the early church. Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for yours is the kingdom of […]
July 24, 2025
God is constantly trying to capture our attention, urgently seeking our recognition! In today’s readings, God reveals himself to Moses and the people through a cloud, fire, thunder, lightning, a trumpet blast, and His covenant message to the leader. The mountain was sacred, and the distance respected, but the message was loud and clear: If […]
July 23, 2025
So, what exactly is a “fleshpot”? Hearing the Liturgy of the Word proclaimed in English after Vatican II, out popped that word! (I don’t think I’ve seen it anywhere outside of the Book of Exodus.) The Chosen People, led by Moses, have escaped Egypt and the clutches of Pharaoh. But the excitement has ebbed, and […]
July 22, 2025
Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene Today, we honor the profound love of Saint Mary Magdalene for Christ, a love that led her to be present at the pivotal moments of his death and resurrection. Her life serves as a powerful example of the disciple-apostle phenomenon. She was not content to simply be near the Master, […]
July 21, 2025
Give us a sign. Our lives are surrounded by them – signs. Traffic signs, billboards, political ads; the possibilities are endless. Each communicates a message about something that might influence our lives. Every sign, either audio, visual, or even a gesture, is a missive, and it’s up to us to choose. The Pharisees requested that […]