“… A man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow…. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her, and said to her,’Don’t cry’.” Compassion begins to act here. It is compassion that moves Jesus to speak and to act. Compassion […]

“It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument” ( I Tim 2: 8). Both readings today’s focus our attention on prayer. We are challenged to reflect on what and whom we should pray for as well as how we are to pray. […]

Today we’re presented with three parables. The context in which they’re delivered is the key to their interpretation. “Tax collector and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” Jesus has been both welcoming sinners, and eating […]

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) The Exaltation of the Holy Cross recalls the miraculous discovery of the true cross by the Emperor Constantine’s mother St. Helena […]

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom Today we honor Saint John Chrysostom (347-407), Doctor of the Church. John, a Hebrew name for Yahweh is gracious and Chrysostom, meaning golden mouthed might well describe the reputation he earned as one of Christianity’s most outstanding pastors, preachers, and teachers of the faith. A consistent theme of his preaching […]

I am not sure if there are parents out there who look forward to having the “birds and the bees” talk with their children; I for one dreaded it each time. One of our boys seemed to dread it as much as I did. Each time he asked a question that indicated to us it […]

For most people, September 11 evokes images of hatred and destruction as nearly 3,000 people lost their lives to a terrorist attack. It seemed that day that evil had triumphed over good and the focus remains today on this great loss. On this September 11, a small parish in Cleveland, Ohio will celebrate its 100th […]

“Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” Luke’s gospel shows Jesus at prayer more than any of the others. He also shows Jesus praying before all the important stages in his public life. As soon as this period of prayer was over, he called together his […]

Apparently the religious leaders of Jesus’ time debated whether or not a person could seek medical help on the Sabbath. Luke shows us today how Jesus dealt with such quibbling. He cuts to the quick. A man with a withered hand is in need. Jesus says, Stretch out you hand. He then cured the man, […]

Who can know God’s counsel or who can conceive what the Lord intends?…except you had given Wisdom and sent your Holy Spirit from on high? (Wis 9:13-17) The unknown author of the book of Wisdom places this prayer on the lips of king Solomon to emphasize, all the more forcefully, the need we all have […]