August 18, 2023
“Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? If we find forgiveness hard for us today, it was even more complicated in Jesus’ day. Then, the sense of honor was deeply ingrained in society. We can see this even today in honor killings that still take place in countries like […]
August 17, 2023
Forgiveness cannot exist without justice, for forgiveness’ very concept derives from justice. So many of us are taught to just say “Sorry” without considering justice, almost like an automatic reaction. This lack of thought and consideration devalues the meaning of our words, for they are very often empty gestures. Therefore, is it really unfair when […]
August 16, 2023
Today’s Gospel reading offers us Jesus’ admonition on what we used to call “fraternal correction.” If we sense that someone has offended us, we are to go, one-on-one, with that person and share our concerns. If that person does not listen, we are advised to take a few friends along to speak to the offender. […]
August 15, 2023
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Our Blessed Mother is a powerful intercessor for all of humanity. We read of her influence on Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana. What seemed to be a non-event became a pivotal historical point, the beginning of Jesus’s public ministry. In Revelation, we read in […]
August 14, 2023
Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr Today we remember Maximillian Kolbe and honor his choices with conviction and joy because he believed in God’s purpose for him. As a group, we are equally convinced of Saint Peter Julian’s inspiration to preach and live the Eucharist, becoming an example we strive to emulate. And […]
August 13, 2023
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time We live in a world facing an increasing number of natural disasters. In various places, fires rage, destroying forests and polluting the air we breathe. Storms with damaging wind and flooding are having devasting effects. We are plagued by other storms as well. Wars that have caused significant dislocations of […]
August 12, 2023
Today we hear Moses’ proclamation of the first commandment upon which all commandments are rooted. If we adhere to this commandment, disobeying others would not seem possible. Can we truly love God with all our being if we disobey the remainder of the commandments? Indeed, it is the essence of this unconditional love of God […]
August 11, 2023
Memorial of Saint Clare of Assisi “Ya gotta be all in!” We hear that a lot. Basketball and other coaches urge their players to be focused and to leave it on the field. To be all in. Outstanding leaders urge their followers: “The main thing is to make the main thing the main thing.” Make […]
August 10, 2023
Lost keys. It happens. A lot of things get lost. Now to lose your life that’s another serious piece of business. If we speak literally of someone who has lost a life, we may open wounds that have been healing for years. Losing a life is a human experience—such a painful moment. The one loss […]
August 9, 2023
Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Fear – a very real emotion. Faith – a virtue that helps us overcome fear. A message I have posted on the front of my refrigerator reminds me daily, The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. In […]