I fell on my knees with my hands out to the LORD. Two things are essential to remember about today’s reading from Ezra and the Old Testament. Firstly, the ancient Jews saw the individual in the context of the community. So Ezra was praying with and for the community. Secondly, the Old Testament way of […]

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle [Jesus said,] Go and learn the meaning of the words, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” This exchange followed Jesus’ inviting Matthew to follow him and subsequently enjoying a meal at his home with many other tax collectors. The Pharisees, of course, objected to his “eating with tax collectors and sinners.” […]

Day and night have always fascinated the human species. At first, the transitions were problematic. Daytime had its threats and rewards, whereas nighttime was dreadful. Not seeing what was out there and knowing what was there was reason enough to stay sheltered for the night. Then came the discovery of fire and its usefulness and […]

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time In today’s short passage from Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus introducing the Paschal Mystery to his disciples by prophesying his death and resurrection. We’re told, they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. Were they really afraid of questioning Jesus? Or were they afraid of […]

Sometimes when we have heard a story or a parable many times, we may gloss over it. We think we already know the meaning. In those instances, it might be worthwhile to reread it as if you have never heard it. Read it slowly, attentive to details. What stands out to you? When I read […]

Our calling as followers of God, as Paul exhorts today, is a calling to a more authentic Christian life. We are called to pursue many qualities that will make us more Christ-like. We are to be people of the beatitudes, blessed and recognizing that when we live these values of the Holy Spirit, we will […]

In today’s gospel, I noticed “a certain Pharisee” called Simon… A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him.… He said to himself .… “If this man were a prophet,… he would know she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he […]

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which traditionally calls us to reflect on Mary’s “seven sorrows.” In the 15th century, this feast had another name, Our Lady of Compassion. I believe that this title more appropriately places Mary in a relational and dynamic reality in […]

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” To my mind, this is one of the strangest passages in the New Testament. The incident […]

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom Today the Gospel of Luke relates the story of the Roman centurion who sends Jewish elders as mediators to Jesus to request healing for his favored slave who is about to die. Boldly, but humbly, the centurion, a God-fearing Gentile, sends the request …Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I […]