We have learned by experience that to a hammer, everything is a nail. Or we have learned not to use bleach when washing colored, printed shirts and so many other domestic do’s and don’ts. It is the practical side of life. We draw other lessons also. Sometimes they come from the wise advice of those […]

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time What a remarkable gospel passage we have to think about today—and every day! It’s John’s account of the “call” of the disciples. John’s approach to the topic is as different as night and day from the synoptic accounts. Take note of the way the disciples are called in these gospels. […]

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. (Hebrews 4:15-16) One of the great needs of our day is for compassion. […]

“Rise, pick up your mat, and walk!” From what do we need to rise? Our scripture readings are an interesting prelude to the holiday weekend and the inauguration of another American presidency. We also look forward to the Octave for Christian Unity next week, also beginning on Monday. No matter who is inaugurated, do we […]

And there came a leper to him, and kneeling down said to him: if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean (Mark 1:40). Before Jesus spoke to the leper, he reached out and touched him. Having read about leprosy and seeing pictures of their wounds, I can only imagine reaching out and putting my hand […]

Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. The author of Hebrews reminds us of the meaning of the incarnation, a critical tenet of our faith: Jesus was born into our world not to help the angels, but us, the descendants of Abraham. Jesus […]

He (Jesus) taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes (Mark 1:22). Jesus had just begun his public ministry, and already people could sense that there was something different about his teaching. For one thing, it differed from that of the Scribes. They contented themselves with repeating the teaching of others who […]

Today we celebrate the first day of Ordinary Time. There is certainly nothing ordinary about these thirty-four weeks that reveal in word the fullness of Christ’s life and mission. Saint John Eudes once wrote: It is he himself (Christ) who is to be spirit, heart, love, life, everything for you. In the life of a […]

Baptism of Jesus The feast of the baptism of Jesus invites us to transition between the Christmas season and the public ministry of Jesus. In doing so, our focus is drawn to the presence of the Spirit. At the Annunciation, the Spirit hovers over Mary, and the Word becomes flesh within her. At the baptism, […]

You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease. (John 3:28-30) […]