To pray with this gospel text, place yourself in the cenacle with Jesus. Be mindful of when these words were spoken. It is Passover and people wondered if Jesus would stay away because of the threats against his life. He has begun his final and greatest lesson in a ritual of washing feet as an […]

They traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian territory because they had been prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia. When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them, so they crossed through Mysia and came down […]

When my youngest nephew was born and named “Sylas” (yes, a creative spelling), most folks questioned the origin of the name. His parents were inspired by today’s first reading. This passage includes Silas and the other companions of Paul. These early leaders worked tirelessly and zealously to demonstrate Christ’s command that “there is no greater […]

Remain in my love. … I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete (Jn 15:9-11). Sometimes I find myself pondering the huge challenges we face as a church, on the many lost sheep we need to reach, on the great needs of the world, […]

In today’s Gospel we are invited into a vineyard in which the vine grower cuts and prunes the vines to grow more and better fruit. Jesus identifies himself as the vine and his followers the branches. The followers draw their life from him. His focus is on how the branches of the pruned vine die […]

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.’” This brief verse is rich in spiritual encouragement. Jesus is speaking from his heart to his closest friends as he is facing his passion. He wants us to […]

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit … he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you” (Jn 14:25-26). Frequently, I have the privilege of being with families during the final days and hours of their loved one’s life. How precious these […]

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER We’re reading from John’s account of the Last Supper, the beginning of the Book of Glory. Jesus and his disciples were at table the night before the Jewish Passover when Jesus shocked them by getting up from the table and washing their feet as if he were the house slave. He […]

Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (Jn 14:8-9) I have three grandnephews who look just […]

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. I’m pretty certain that most of you remember October 1962 and the Cuban Missile Crisis. I was one month shy of my 11th birthday. During the crisis, we practiced […]