May 17, 2024
Memorial of Saint Paschal Baylon [Three times Jesus asked Simon Peter], “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” All commentators have seen this triple questioning as giving Peter a chance to reaffirm his love for Jesus after denying him three times. When Peter says he truly loves the Lord, Jesus tells Peter how he […]
May 16, 2024
What a genuine love song Jesus gives us today in John’s Gospel reading! So inclusive! So unconditional! So hopeful! Re-reading it several times brings our hearts tears of joy. We can imagine Jesus lifting his eyes to heaven and listening to him praying, and then we realize that he is praying not just for his […]
May 15, 2024
Memorial of Saint Isidore In 1622, five individuals were canonized: Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus; Francis Xavier, the great missionary to the East; Theresa of Avila, mystic and reformer of the Carmelites; Saint Philip Neri, the founder of the Oratorians; and Isidore, a farm laborer. The first four did great things […]
May 14, 2024
“As the Father loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love.” (John 15:9-17) What does it mean to ‘remain’ in Jesus’ love? The Greek word for ‘remain’ suggests a steadfast relationship — heart and soul in unity. It is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast commitment and an invitation to a […]
May 13, 2024
Memorial of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Today’s gospel (John 16:29-33) possibly should begin with verse 24. Adding the extra four verses leading into today’s gospel suggests, in today’s terms, that we be proactive. Think, take up YOUR cross, and follow me. The passage ends with “…I have overcome the world” and unites us with Peter […]
May 12, 2024
Feast of the Ascension Why are you standing there looking at the sky? When someone leaves us, we experience a profound sense of absence. In the Ascension, Jesus leaves but remains present within the disciples as they take up his mission to go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. The […]
May 11, 2024
All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with cries of gladness. For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth. Today’s Gospel assures us of God’s presence and that he hears our prayers. We are also reminded of during our Prayers of Intercession as ‘we pray […]
May 10, 2024
Have you ever felt so deeply about something that you were afraid — perhaps like Saint Paul — to speak about it or reveal the deep feelings underneath the values, beliefs, or ideas you espoused? A fear of criticism, rolling eyes, tsk-ing, or some personal attack keeps you silent. Or that paralyzing comment from a […]
May 9, 2024
Enter a World of Possibilities Step right up—right this way to behold the most wonderous things. Surely, the carnival barker might entice us to step in and see a magician disappear and reappear right before our eyes. We are tricked and left amazed, wondering how the disappearing/reappearing act works, and maybe have some frustration in […]
May 8, 2024
If you have visited Athens, you may have been struck with awe and wonder like me, by the massive century-old structures that withstood the test of time. While standing next to the ancient columns and listening closely, the conversations of Paul’s time could be heard in my mind. If I closed my eyes, I could […]