The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more.” (John 5:13-14) This text is one of several in Jesus’ ministry as […]

We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you. But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received. (Daniel 3:38-39) The section of the Book of Daniel from which we read is an addition to the original […]

Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. (Isaiah 1:18) There is a dramatic scene in Franco Zeffirelli’s film biography of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, where Francis enters the papal court seeking approval of his movement […]

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8) One of the most important things Jesus did for his disciples was to […]

Jesus said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Many years ago, I happened upon a quote that struck me deeply and has stayed with me throughout my life and ministry: “Jesus never asks anything of us that he is […]

All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. (James 1:17-18) The Letter […]

LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart. Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? (1 Kings 8:23, 27) There is much to ponder as we […]

Birth of Saint Peter Julian Eymard “She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.’” (Mark 5:27-28) Mark presents Jesus as a powerful preacher, a miracle worker, the Messiah, and the Son of God. His […]

Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the Lord with abandon, as he and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and to the sound of the horn (2 Samuel 6:14-15). David accomplished many things during his reign as king: he vanquished […]