November 26, 2023
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe My dad loved roasted cabrito (goat) so much that he became a regular at a local Mexican restaurant Friday night for a year. He also loved roasted leg of lamb, passing his love of both types of meat onto his children. Knowing that God […]
November 25, 2023
I told my wife I had a severe problem – complaining about complainers and grumbling about grumblers. So, I am no different. Today’s Psalm is a promise from us to God – I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart. I will be glad and exult in you. Every time I […]
November 24, 2023
Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Life is precious! Again, Pope Francis reminds us of this in his recent follow-up to Laudato Sí, the Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum (October 4, 2023), for Jesus walked this earth in awe of life in all its forms “because he himself was in constant touch with […]
November 23, 2023
Thanksgiving Day A thanksgiving is a thank-you. How often do we forget to say a meaningful “thank you” along with a reason why we are thankful? Otherwise, the words become automatic and lose their impact. Purchased cards with just a signature let others know we are thinking of them, but the message is not […]
November 22, 2023
Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr Many roads served the ancient city of Rome. On one, well beyond the old city walls, you may still see on both sides Roman era tombs; beyond the decaying pagan monuments, there are now large areas of manicured gardens, clipped hedges, and flowering trees. These cover a great […]
November 21, 2023
Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree to see Jesus pass by. He could have stood in the middle of the crowd, but something urged him on; he wanted more. Jesus said to the crowd about Zacchaeus, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too […]
November 20, 2023
When Jesus shows up, you never know what is going to happen. Bartimaeus, the blind man in today’s gospel, knows why Jesus is nearby. It’s tough being blind, and he is shouting, desperate to be able to see. Bartimaeus has excellent faith, praying for a miracle that Jesus, in his mercy, will help him. He […]
November 19, 2023
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time The parable of the talents is one of those that goes on and on. Very briefly, a wealthy man, preparing to go on a journey, entrusts three of his servants with his wealth. He gives five talents to one, two to another, and one to another. The servant entrusted with […]
November 18, 2023
“Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary” (Luke 18:1). The dictionary defines weary as “feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.” I remember calling my mother the night before a big college test, overwhelmed with all the […]
November 17, 2023
Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. The gospel passage today is a bit unsettling. It speaks about people being swept away by the flood and dying from fire and brimstone raining down on them. As we approach the […]