October 31, 2023
A mustard seed looks nothing like the plant or tree it produces. What we hope for, for our children or ourselves, we often can imagine in our mind’s eye. A future doctor, or president of a corporation, or perhaps just healing from a disease. But this first reading of Paul to the Romans tells us […]
October 30, 2023
Read today’s gospel. For our meditation today, we will need plenty of imagination. What I mean by that is that we will need to imagine we are in the synagogue that the evangelist, Luke, depicts for us in this brief section of chapter 13 of his gospel. Enter the scene being described. How fortunate we […]
October 29, 2023
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus is often called “teacher” in the gospels, and, as for every teacher, questions are posed to him. However, he rarely answers a question; if he does, he might adopt the well-known Irish strategy of answering a question with a question. Yet, for this moment and this question, Jesus responds […]
October 28, 2023
Today, I focus on the Responsorial Psalm – that the heavens declare the glory of God, that all men and women could see a God through his creation. Saint Paul reiterates this in Romans 1:20, 21 – that we have no excuse for not knowing God, for in creation, all should know God. To move […]
October 27, 2023
When I read Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans today (7:18-25a), what comes to mind is that famous idiom Jesus spoke in the Garden of Gethsemane. As his three companions could not stay awake with him, Jesus said: the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Who among us has not had […]
October 26, 2023
Friction, often considered detrimental in relationships, may be beneficial for the common good. Issues get aired, sorted out, and resolved. Rubbing two sticks together causes friction causing heat, causing ember to begin warmth and comfort. Fire pits are all the rage these days. Warmth, comfort, and a metaphysical experience of cleansing and rebirth are before […]
October 25, 2023
“You know better!” How often does a child or young adult hear that simple three-word declarative sentence? Perhaps when a particular path or behavior they have chosen turns out to be ‘not so good.’ When Mom or Dad or a teacher or other caregiver speaks with them, it is not a punishment or attempt to […]
October 24, 2023
Saint Anthony Mary Claret founded a religious order with the mission of immediate service to distribute catechetical works. Many of us know the magazine US Catholic as one of their popular publications and media services. Saint Anthony and his religious congregation continue to use organizational gifts to improve lives and share the good news of […]
October 23, 2023
The parable in today’s Gospel is not at all puzzling. Jesus tells the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, life does not consist of possessions.” Indeed, as Our Lord concludes, it is foolish to “store up treasure for [oneself] and not be rich in what matters to […]
October 22, 2023
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Our daughters were born six years apart. As little girls, they played well together. When the oldest entered middle school, their relationship changed, and frequent bickering was heard – the oldest was loud and emotional, and the youngest was quiet and sneaky. When they would come to us united, we […]