Posts by Paul Verderber
Honor Your Parents
The reading from Ephesians today has got to be a favorite with Catholic parents around the globe. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your Father and Mother.” This offers a voice of authority to help us with our mission of being parents and raising our kids. Narrow Gate Moving…
Read MoreDecision Time
The Gospel of Luke today is startling. Do you think there is peace on Earth today, or division? Are families of five dividing three against two? Are fathers and sons at odds, mothers and daughters? Yes, and it is not always over petty things. Jesus expects to have some division, rather than peace. But what…
Read MoreSt Jerome
Today we honor and remember St. Jerome. He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin in the late 300s. This version of the Bible was called the Vulgate and became the official Bible for many centuries. He also found strength by often living in seclusion, like a hermit. The Bible is now published…
Read MoreExaltation of the Holy Cross
Today we observe the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Two distinct events are rolled into this special day, to make today significant for Catholics and Christians alike. Tradition says that Roman Emperor Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, discovered the true cross in Jerusalem on this date in 326. It was taken away in an invasion, but…
Read MoreBe Prepared
There is a children’s group in the United States called the Boy Scouts. I was never a member, but they have a very noble motto. “Be Prepared” they say. Be ready for anything. Mark’s Gospel about the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, and the party to start, relates to that motto, for…
Read MoreGains and Losses
As we go through life, we all have wins and losses, and we all have gains and setbacks. Some are big,some are small, but we all experience them. What can make a difference in the big picture is whichaspects of life we are winning, and which we are losing. Today’s Gospel addresses this topic. Money…
Read MoreFortitude
The Gospel for today is what some call the “weeds in the field” Gospel. I have worked in agriculture for most of my career, so I appreciate the parable. However, what strikes me from the reading is the need for Fortitude, one of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit that we receive at Confirmation.…
Read MoreYou Have Rescued Me
What struck me most about today’s readings was the Responsorial Psalm. It speaks of gratitude for God’s deliverance, and we should all be grateful for that. The text also provides several examples of how we can benefit from God’s grace and power and be rescued. You Drew Me Clear The Lord can remove us from…
Read MoreTrajectory to a Goal
The Gospel by Mark today spoke to me about achieving a goal. The trajectory that the blind Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) took was exemplary. The level of detail about the man and his father struck me. The full family name was given so people could verify the “receipts” in future years and learn more about…
Read MoreMercy and Kindness in Action
It was not long ago, when there were bumper stickers and wristbands with the term WWJD…short for “What Would Jesus Do.?” The wristbands might be gone, but the need for mercy and kindness in the world never goes out of style. With the theme of mercy and kindness, and “what would Jesus do,” here are…
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