Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
The phrase “glory of the Lord” is used frequently in scripture, and I often stop and wonder what exactly these words mean. Our Responsorial Psalm proclaims “the glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.” Where is this glory and how are we called to be transformed, so we too can share this glory in our world?
Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle
“Jesus said to his disciples [and to us]: ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.’” I invite you to ponder with me today what it means that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and prophets and what that means for our lives. As our Catechism makes clear, “The Law has not been abolished, but rather man is invited to rediscover it in the person of his Master who is its perfect fulfillment” (CCC 2053). Today, let us rediscover God’s plan for our lives in the Living Word of God who perfects us in his love and beckons us to come, and follow him.
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
It’s amazing what salt and light can do. If my food is bland, sprinkling salt makes that dish taste better. If I am walking in the dark, turning on a light helps me see and not stumble on things. In today’s Gospel, Jesus told his disciples that they are “the salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). What does that mean for us today?
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
One of the boys in my classroom at St. X spoke of a time when he addressed his mother as “woman.” She was not amused. On two occasions in the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to his mother as “woman.” Was he being disrespectful?
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
In family life, misunderstandings are common place.
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Looking for something good to read? Are you in the mood for some action, suspense, and danger? All the while being… inspired? If so, I have a story for you! So, make a cup of tea, get comfy in your favorite chair, and curl up Acts chapters 21 through 26 (blanket and fur-baby optional).
Memorial of St. Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
As we continue our journey through Acts, as we do every Easter season, we hear Paul announce before the Sanhedrin that he is a “Pharisee, the son of Pharisees.”
What’s up with that?
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Both of our readings today share a similar theme. In both the first reading and the Gospel, we hear a similar message shared as both Paul and Jesus prepare to leave their followers. Both speak of consecration and truth.
Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga & Companions, Martyrs
As we approach the great feast of Pentecost, we are invited to continue to listen to Jesus’ “Priestly prayer,” those reflections and prayers he uttered for his disciples at that Seder Supper that became Holy Thursday.
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
“I have told you this that you might have peace in me. In the world you have trouble, but take courage. I have conquered the world.” - John 16:32-33
As we enjoy this final week of the Easter season and enter into the beautiful month of June, soon the comforting paraclete will arrive on Pentecost. These are joyful days. As Saint Augustine wrote, “We are Easter people and Alleluia is our song!”
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
I remember so well sitting in my pink bedroom reading the red-letter Bible that my grandmother gave me. The Bible is, of course, not only a challenging text but often just downright strange, especially for an adolescent growing up in the exurbs of Chicago whose family didn’t go to church. I was on my own when it came to the Bible.
Not surprisingly, I clung to the stories in the Old and New Testaments. Those I had a chance of understanding, albeit at a very basic level. The rest was way over my head.
And for me, the best parts of the stories were the figures who populated them. How fascinating it would be, I thought, to meet such figures and talk with them about their intriguing histories, complex motives, surprising strategies for resolving difficulties whether with other people or God, and all the various (and sometimes just mind blowing) interventions that God made in their lives.
Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
I have been grieving. With my mother’s passing last year and my father coming close to death this past Spring, I have been grieving. Grief is a part of life, isn’t it? We can be open to it or try to block it, but either way it’s part of the human experience. I don’t think grief is a choice, it’s simply a reality. Jesus in John’s gospel today (16:20-23) seems to know that.
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
In our gospel acclamation today we hear - “I will not leave you orphans says the Lord. I will come back to you and your hearts will rejoice.” (Jn. 14:18). What a beautiful promise from the Lord - he will not leave us as orphans.
Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Have you ever been invited into someone’s inner circle? An inner circle is typically a privileged, exclusive relationship based upon ultimate trust and confidence. Such a group is usually small in number and carefully selected. It’s not often one becomes part of an inner circle. And yet with God we find just the opposite! God desires that every human soul be part of the inner circle that is the Holy Trinity. Today’s Gospel reveals this sublime invitation.
Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
In today’s Gospel we anticipate the promised coming of the Spirit, the Advocate. The disciples are understandably grieving the loss of Jesus, and have difficulty comprehending his words that “it is better for you that I go”.
Memorial of St. Philip Neri, Priest
Elizabethan England was dangerous for Catholics as the church went underground and priests (mostly Jesuits) were smuggled in, hidden by the old aristocracy. These “safe houses” were headed by widows who found much solace in the “old religion,” secretly keeping the Catholic Church alive for common folks hungry for the sacraments.
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
In today’s Gospel from John, we hear:
Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.”John 15:18
I can’t help but wonder: if these few verses were all we knew of Christianity, would we be Christians? A young guy who’s causing a ruckus, performing miracles and upending countless literal and figurative tables says: “People will hate you because you’re not like them. And that’s okay. Be like me. You’re part of something bigger than this world.”
Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
John 15:15
I am always honored when a friend shares something personal with me. Disclosure is an expression of deep trust. They are vulnerable, falling for a few moments as they tell their story, believing we will catch them. What a privilege to be at the receiving end of such authenticity.
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
“Remain in my love.” - John 15:9
A teacher asked his high school students “what is love?” While most responded that love was a “feeling” that you had for another, a rather intuitive young man asked, “Sir, how can love be a feeling when right now I don’t like my parents very much and they don’t like me either, but I know they still love me and I love them?” (That teacher was me.)
Insightful for a 16 year old.
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
In my prayers recently I find myself reflecting a lot on trust. Trusting in anything other than myself and my hard work and dedication can feel very challenging and vulnerable. If you’re anything like me, you prefer moving forward with a plan. I like to see the road map laid out before me and to know where I am going. But trusting the Lord means I am not privy to the map. I don’t know the steps to take. I have to trust that He does. It can feel very difficult for me to take a step in faith, not knowing what the outcome will be or where it will lead. But we’re told over and over again to trust in the Lord and to trust in His plan. I know that’s what I am called to do but it can be so scary!