September 7, 2023
Christ taught the multitude from Simon’s boat. Simon, being a fisherman, had given Jesus use of his livelihood, that it may fulfill Christ’s need, and after Jesus had use of Simon’s boat, how could Christ not give back to him abundantly? To accomplish that, Jesus asked Simon to lower his nets again. Simon was tired, […]
September 6, 2023
In today’s Gospel, we hear a story of the sick and possessed brought to Jesus seeking relief from their sufferings. Jesus laid his hands on each of them, and they were cured. Gospels passages relating to Jesus’ healing of all those brought to him abound. The Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed was a reversal of the […]
September 5, 2023
Our founder, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, loved Saint Paul’s theology and encouragement, especially in readings like today. We are reminded of the “end times” and how we have nothing to fear, for the times and seasons will guide us as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord. Eymard’s view that “tomorrow […]
September 4, 2023
Drop the mike. It’s a phrase we often use when we’ve said something that leaves nothing left to be said. In today’s Gospel, a seismic mike drop fulfills a prophecy, leaving a synagogue shaken, its member in a fury. Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah: “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and […]
September 3, 2023
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time I urge you by the mercies of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. (Romans 4:1). Saint Peter Julian Eymard speaks of self-giving – Jesus gives himself to us. We are to give ourselves to God as Jesus did on […]
September 2, 2023
If someone were to ask you to make a list of your gifts – of those things you are good at and enjoy – how long would it take you to write it? What would have been your answer when you were ten years old? If you grew up playing sports (and loved it), do […]
September 1, 2023
This is the will of God, your holiness: We are often told that we should be holy. We even read from time to time that God himself is holy. If we understand “holy” as being pious, prayerful, etc., we may miss the point. Holiness, in the biblical sense, means to be different. Our God is […]
August 31, 2023
“Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Jesus’ admonition to be watchful always “for you do not know the day” does not appeal to installing more security cameras and alarm systems in your house against thieves. He wants us to be secure by refining our moral system of […]
August 30, 2023
If I had a choice, I would rather be a Thessalonian, listening to Paul with his gentle, encouraging words that invite us to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom,” than a scribe or a Pharisee being referred to by Jesus as hypocrites, beautiful on the outside but […]
August 29, 2023
Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist The First Reading recounts Saint Paul’s first journey into the world with his mission to preach the gospel to all of humanity. He was filled with the love of all who would listen to him. He was willing to let Christ lead him into whatever dangers […]