Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Did you notice the person one pew over in church today? Imagine the two of you going out together into the neighborhood around the church knocking on people's doors and bringing them good news. What would you say to someone when they came to the door? What could you tell them that would invite them to be a part of our church? This may seem like a radical thought, maybe even an important action. But this a part of our faith. In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus send out the call for evangelization. It is a call issued to all baptized Christians to bring the good news of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God to the world. Our Gospel story is not just a nice story about Jesus' companions in the past. It is also a commission to us, his followers today.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In Happy New Year, Charlie Brown one of the Peanuts TV specials, Charlie Brown tells Lucy that next year he is going to be a changed person. "Oh, be serious, Charlie Brown," Lucy says. Charlie protests, "No, I mean it. I am going to be strong and firm." "Forget it, Charlie Brown," Lucy tells him. "You will always be wishy-washy." Charlie ponders, "Why can't I change just a little bit? I've got it! I'll be wishy one day, washy the next."
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples there is no room for being wishy-washy. A follower will have no place to rest his head. Disciples must abandon their former lives to proclaim the kingdom of God. Jesus says that it they look back, they are not fit to preach the kingdom.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We are told in our Gospel this Sunday that Jesus was praying in solitude. Jesus took time to pray and to be with His heavenly Father. This past week I went to Mount St. Mary's Seminary to take time to pray as well. This was my annual retreat. I am sure Jesus' schedule was a busy one; so he knew the importance of getting away and praying. It is good to take time to pray and be with our Lord. Do you take time to pray? Do you take time to unwind and put yourself in our Lord's presence? In prayer, we lift our minds and hearts to God. Prayer is a relationship of love with God. Humbly, we seek to know Him, and open ourselves completely to His holy will. Prayer is a great gift and activity of communication with our loving God. If Jesus took time to pray and be with His heavenly Father, it is a good thing for us to do as well.

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Happy Father's Day! May God bless all those who fulfill the role of father. I thank God for my father who is ninety-two years old. My father taught me many wonderful things over the years like throwing a baseball, riding a bike, laying ceramic tile, and praying. He has also been a great role model and example. Recently my parents had a plumbing problem and I suggested my father call a plumber; he called an electrician. My dad is quite independent and has been used to fixing all kinds of things around the house. This job was just a bit too much for him. Well, the problem got fixed. Sometimes even our fathers need a little help. We pray on this day that God my bless all our fathers. We know that God will do a good job because we know he is a Father as well.

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The widow's story in the Gospel this Sunday is not unique. How many mothers witness their children being carried out to burial because of gang violence, war or civil strife? In cities across the nation and in countries around the world, mothers grieve for their children who are no more. Mercy, pity, tenderness, love, hope are all words that could be used to describe the actions of Jesus. Yes, Jesus brings back the son of the widow, who had become alone and vulnerable. Jesus reached out and restored this simple family at the edge of disaster.
Perhaps as we reflect on this reading we might reflect on how we need that gentle, life-changing touch of Jesus in our own lives. Where do Jesus' great compassion and concern need to touch our live and to bring its healing to our sometimes tired and weary spirits? The care that Jesus demonstrates in today's Gospel is the same compassion that he extends to each one of us every day.

The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ

The Eucharist we share this day and every Sunday is the sacrament of Christ's body and blood broken and poured out for us. As St. Paul reminds the Corinthians in the second reading, this tradition comes from the Lord who commands that we do this in remembrance of Him. The Mass is more than just a memorial service to the life and death of Jesus. What we celebrate each week is the real presence of Christ among us. He promised to be with us always. And through the Holy Eucharist, He is. Our communion with Him nourishes us until the day we join Him at the heavenly banquet.

The Most Holy Trinity

The attorney for the rich woman opened the sealed envelope containing her last will and testament. His office was crowded with all the hopeful relatives who were eager to receive their inheritances. As the attorney began to read, they scooted forward to the edge of their seats. "And being of sound mind and body," he read, "nearing the end, I decided to spend all of my money on myself! There should be nothing left."

In today's Gospel from the Last Supper, Jesus bequeaths the gift of the Holy Spirit to all of us. He spent nothing on himself, giving all he had to those who were there that night, and to all of us down through the ages.

This Memorial Day weekend we thank all those who served our country in the military and who gave their all including their lives to protect our freedoms.

We also pray for our graduates who we recognize this weekend at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. May they have learned to give of themselves in service to God, family and country.