May 22, 2024
Siblings are present and noted throughout the Bible, but we have a unique pair in today’s readings: Jesus and James, the brother of Jesus! Three short verses from Mark’s Gospel give us Jesus’ reply to John the apostle. But first, we hear from the Letter of James. This is not James, son of Zebedee, or […]
May 21, 2024
The first reading from the letter of James 4:1-10 and the gospel reading from Mark 9:30-37 talk about the desires of human persons and the desires of God. I desire the good things in life. But unless I can align my desires with God’s, my desires will not lead me to the joy and happiness […]
May 20, 2024
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church Hail Mary! Mary, the Mother of Jesus, held a special place in the life of Saint Peter Julian Eymard. When his mother died, he adopted the Blessed Virgin as his mother and principal guide throughout his whole life. When he received his first Holy Communion […]
May 19, 2024
Pentecost Sunday We have arrived at Pentecost – the exclamation point ending our seven-week Easter celebration. Many scripture passages were given to us during those weeks for prayerful contemplation. We listened to the account of the two disciples who came to recognize Jesus when he broke bread with them. We witnessed Thomas abandon his disbelief […]
May 18, 2024
When Jesus appeared to the Apostles in Galilee after the resurrection, He caused quite a stir. He instructed them to cast their nets to the other side, resulting in a great catch. Jesus ate fish and bread with them, forgave Peter’s denials, and told Peter how he would be used to glorify God. Then, in […]
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 […]