July 5, 2024
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” This seems to have been a frequent accusation by the Pharisees against Jesus. We might consider it petty, but it has logic and merit. If we associate with sinners, we seem to validate their way of life and their choices. The same is true today, […]
July 4, 2024
This story of the healing of the paralytic gives me hope, for I know the faith of those who love me, and I trust their intercession for me in prayer. Just as the paralytic’s friends and my loved ones present my needs to our Lord, the encounter is individual and personal. The choice to believe […]
July 3, 2024
Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle The apostle Thomas was not in the upper room when Jesus appeared to the disciples. They related what they had experienced, and he responded that unless he saw the wounds of the crucifixion on the body of Jesus, he would not believe. Jesus appeared again, and Thomas was with […]
July 2, 2024
Could a mother forget her child? Do lions cry out if no one can hear them? The prophet Amos reminds us of how God will be with the children of Israel and all future generations, us, forever. Amos recounts the historical proof. Because God has our backs, we are called to do justice for God, […]
July 1, 2024
For centuries, biblical scholars have poured over the words of Jesus. Absorbed their context, meaning, and significance and marveled at their perfection. In today’s Gospel, Jesus saw a crowd around him and ordered him to cross to the other shore. He was tired and in need of rest and was approached by a scribe who said, “Teacher, I […]
June 30, 2024
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time The faith of Jairus is inspiring. He believed Jesus could heal his daughter. Do not be afraid. The child is not dead but asleep. I say to you, arise! Give her something to eat. The faith of Jairus reminds us of the power of faith, of believing God’s word and […]
June 29, 2024
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles Today’s readings exemplify the confidence it takes to be an Apostle of the Eucharist, apostles like Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Saint Paul shares the depths of his heart, knowing he is being poured out like a libation, enchained, but knowing God was with him. Saint Peter in […]
June 28, 2024
Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr Saint Irenaeus lived in the second century. As a bishop who dealt with terrible strife, external and internal to the Church: mercurial Roman emperors who randomly decided to persecute Christians and outspoken Christians who spread an array of heresies, most notably Gnosticism. Irenaeus is most known for studying […]
June 27, 2024
Memorial of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church In yesterday’s gospel, we read: “By their fruits, you shall know them.” Today, Jesus has become more precise. The fruit he is talking about is not extraordinary deeds, such as prophecy; he is expelling demons and miracles. What then? He speaks of “hearing […]
June 26, 2024
We have our king: Jesus, the Anointed One, the Chosen One, Our Lord and Savior. The kingdom we seek is not of this world. This Eucharistic realm is the culmination of the faith journey made by those who call themselves Christians. Scripture is our guide: the life and words of Christ. His Body and Blood […]