Friday of the Third Week of Easter
I generally support rational thinking and behavior that is based on logic and reason. I take it as a compliment to be referred to as a “rational person,” especially as opposed to irrational. I appreciate the predictability of math and science and recognize all the ways these disciplines have helped us as a civilization. And yet, today's readings remind me that we are sometimes called to set aside seemingly rational thinking to listen and respond with our hearts, with hearts of faith.
Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
When I was reflecting on the scripture readings from today, I was struck by the phrase, “They shall all be taught by God.” What does it mean to have God as our teacher, and how can we be good students in the God’s classroom?
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus reminds His disciples that He and the Father are one. The Father draws us to Jesus and calls us to believe in Him. God teaches us through the life, death and resurrection that divine Love poured out through Jesus is the source of eternal life.
Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Today’s Gospel highlights a central tenet of our Catholic faith: Jesus is the bread of life. While we can certainly take this as an opportunity to deepen our theological understanding of the Eucharist, it was the response of the people in the crowd that caught my attention. “Sir, give us this bread always.” I think of the longing that is reflected in such a request. When they heard that this bread gives life to the world, what was stirring in their hearts that they were moved to respond with such earnestness instead of doubt or confusion? What parts of their lives felt deficient that receiving this true bread would satisfy? What inside of me longs for the bread of life when I approach the Eucharist?
Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
As a teenager I overheard my aunt telling my mom about being at church with her young son, Andrew. Andrew had heard the Gospel message we hear today, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” He was so excited by the idea of never feeling hungry or thirsty again he told his mom, “Let’s get up there! We need to eat that bread!” While this is a sweet story of an eager child, there is truth in his young, innocent words.
Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
In today’s first reading, we see the Apostles ordained the first deacons. It seemed that the Apostles needed help in serving the first Christian community as seen in the neglect of care of the Greek widows. These seven deacons filled the gap in the community’s needs. Likewise, we too are called to serve the needs of our community. We can look at our gifts and the time we have and discern what God is calling us to do and be. At the same time, are we involved in our community? Do we know the problems and issues that exist in the cities and towns we live in?
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
These 50 days of Easter feature Acts of the Apostles as our first reading. Luke's sequel to his Gospel, Acts has been called “the Gospel of the Holy Spirit.” Today is the setting just prior to the stoning of Stephen.
Friday of the Second Week of Easter
One of my favorite phrases attributed to St. Teresa of Calcutta states, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Just over a week ago, we welcomed our newest child, Dorothy Marie, to our family. Each time that our family has grown, we are always amazed by the outpouring of love and kindness from the community around us–family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, strangers in public. We have people offering prayers, blessings, simple and sweet text messages and emails of congratulations, and offering to bring by a meal. Best of all is the incredible love that Dorothy’s four older siblings have for her. They are so excited to hold her, talk to her, and tell their teachers, friends, and anyone who will listen about their new baby sister. It’s an overwhelming amount of love, an example and witness of God’s overabundance. An incredible, unifying gift of Christ’s love wrapped up in a little bundle–pure grace, unbounded blessing, absolute joy.
Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr
I just finished reading a fabulous book—The Class of ’65: A Student, A Divided Town, and the Long Road to Forgiveness—by journalist, Jim Auchmutey. It tells the story of Greg Wittkamper, an adolescent who grew up in Koinonia (a term borrowed from the ancient Greek that means fellowship, partnership, community), a community located not far from Plains, Georgia. It served as the origin of Habitat for Humanity.
Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
Today’s Gospel paints an interesting picture between the light and darkness. “The light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God” (John 3:19 – 21) The light is what brings clarity and truth. Christ gives us clarity and truth.
Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
In today’s first reading, the first Christian community is described as having “one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). This is seen in their sharing of their possessions and taking care of each other. They were living out what Jesus told them to do: to sell what they have and give to the poor. In doing so, they find their treasure in heaven and get rid of obstacles that hinder them from following Jesus (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:33).
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Humorist theologian Frederick Buechner is one of my favorite writers. Way back in 1979 he penned Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who’s Who. My copy is now dog eared and worn because I referred to it countless times.
Here’s Buechner’s take on today’s solemnity, focused on the Archangel Gabriel:
She struck the angel Gabriel as hardly old enough to have a child at all, let alone this child, but he’d been entrusted with a message to give and he gave it.
Saturday in the Octave of Easter
"A Joyful Shout." These words from today’s Psalm (Ps 118:15) illustrate the insuppressible good news of Jesus’ life death and resurrection. The good news of the resurrection bubbles forth from Jesus’ disciples out of their gut, almost uncontrollably; it is unable to be squelched or held down.
Friday in the Octave of Easter
If you’ve experienced a significant loss in your life, you may have heard or experienced the wisdom of the advice to return to your normal, everyday activities as soon as possible. Having recently lost my mother, I can appreciate this wisdom, although not necessarily easy to do. Sometimes we take comfort in doing what’s familiar or even just necessary, like eating. Today’s gospel passage (John 21:1-14) reminds me of this as we hear of Simon Peter, after all that he and the others have witnessed and been through, likely grief-stricken, saying, “I am going fishing.” And sure enough, several of the other disciples that were with him decided to come along too.
Thursday in the Octave of Easter
During this octave of Easter, the scripture readings show Jesus revealing Himself in very concrete ways. He invites His disciples to touch His wounds and share their food with Him to help convince them that His is not a ghost. These stories remind us as Jesus’ disciples that the Divine is revealed within the details of creation. We are invited to “touch” and “see” just like the apostles, so we can also come to know and believe in the Risen Christ.
Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
I am blessed to spend time volunteering for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program at IC. Every lesson we give is framed within its relevance to the 3 key moments in the History of the Kingdom of God – creation, redemption, and Parousia (the time when God will be all in all). I am always inspired by my students’ reflections on these moments and their hopeful longing for Parousia.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Today’s first reading reminds me of those baptized and confirmed at Easter Vigil. It was such a joy to see them receive their sacraments. They remind me of my baptismal call and the commitment I made at Confirmation. Then, today’s Gospel reminds me of discipleship, the outcome of our call from Baptism and Confirmation. Mary Magdalene, like us, was also a disciple of Jesus. Therefore, what can we learn from this Gospel passage about discipleship?
Monday in the Octave of Easter
Traditionally, the entire first week of the seven weeks of Easter is considered to be one continuous day. In the Eastern Rite Catholic Church it is called “Bright Week.”
On Easter Monday, we celebrate “Monday of the Angel.” As we hear from Matthew: “Then the angel said to the women in reply, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is
going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you” (Mt 28:5-7).
Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
“Have you ever felt like nobody was there?
Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?
Have you ever felt like you could disappear?
Like you could fall, and no one would hear?”
These lyrics from “You Will Be Found” by Ben Platt (in the musical Dear Evan Hansen) and a collaborative arrangement of the same song along with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Tonight” (from the musical Hamilton) came to mind as I reflected on our readings for today. By the end, both songs are anthems of hope and reminders of the power of relationship.
Holy Thursday
Today begins our Triduum. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil), are deep with meaning that colors not only this particular day, but the whole of the Christian life. The paschal mystery expressed in this Triduum is at the heart of all we do.
Wednesday of Holy Week
In today’s Gospel, we have part of Matthew’s account of the Last Supper. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ inner circle, is identified as the one who will betray the Lord. We tend to view Judas as the ultimate “bad guy,” don’t we? In Judas, however, we are invited to see ourselves. In what ways do each of us regularly turn away from the Lord? Today is a great opportunity for conversion! Let us turn back to God, give thanks for His mercy, and recommit ourselves to Him in love and fidelity.