May 3, 2024
Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles Philip said to [Jesus], “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?” Today, Jesus tells his disciples that they will also know […]
May 2, 2024
In Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15, Peter spoke to his fellow apostles in defense of us, Gentiles, to let it be known that we, too, have been called by God. By our baptism, we are also given the Holy Spirit, the spirit of adoption as children of the Most High. We are sinners, not […]
May 1, 2024
Whenever I read this passage on the Council of Jerusalem, I am reminded that the Church must respond to emerging realities under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The possibility of Gentiles entering the community without “becoming Jewish” (following the law of Moses) was unthinkable to Jews who were then followers of the Way. Paul […]
April 30, 2024
At each Eucharist, we hear the words of Christ breathing peace on the disciples. The “Last Supper Discourse” stayed with the early disciples as an essential gift of the Eucharist, and it has been part of our liturgy. The Communion Rite of Mass has so many vital pieces that wiz by quickly; today, we take […]
April 29, 2024
Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena. Catherine was selected as a patron of Europe along with Saint Benedict and, recently, with Edith Stein and Saint Bridget of Sweden. With Saint Francis of Assisi, Catherine also shares the title of patron of Italy. Saint Catherine was […]
April 28, 2024
5th Sunday of Easter A few weeks ago, I decided to prune my rose bushes. I considered digging them up and planting something that would survive heat, drought, and the occasional hard freeze and require little attention. I decided I wanted the same beautiful color, so I pruned and pruned the roses, salvia, and lantana. […]
April 27, 2024
Many today believe what they read online and tell others what they read. But when it comes to God’s word, many do not believe what they read. Thomas Jefferson cut out parts of the Bible, created his own known as The Jefferson Bible, and reduced it to eighty-six pages. Today, it is our turn to […]
April 26, 2024
Every Christian is familiar with this iconic saying from Jesus as recorded in today’s Gospel of Saint John: I am the way, the truth, and the light. Indeed, Jesus is the way or the model for how we are called to live each day. I write this reflection in the middle of Holy Week. In […]
April 25, 2024
Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist We sometimes blur the lines between an apostle and an evangelist. That is the case with Mark, whose cryptic accounts of Jesus’ life we know so well from the liturgy. This year, the readings at Mass were particularly chosen to highlight the Gospel of Mark, the evangelist. Scripture anecdotes have […]
April 24, 2024
In John’s Gospel, Jesus clearly states that his word is the word of God, “and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.” The Father commands everything he says; these commandments are the way to salvation and eternal life. This good news has settled so warmly and deeply into the hearts and minds of […]