Posts by Paul Verderber
Do Not Fight Fire with Fire
Today happens to be another one of my favorite Bible readings, in particular, one line. Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them? Jesus said No, do not do it. It was Jesus’ time to go to Jerusalem, and his expected path would take him through a Samaritan village…
Read MoreAnd For the Widow
Today’s Gospel reading is a tough one to swallow. It describes the return to life of the Son of Nain. The scene opens with a burial group carrying the only son of Nain (a biblical town) out to the graveyard. He is the only son of the lady in the story, who is a widow.…
Read MoreDevotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary
It was an interesting week with the computer. The latest mishap was Father’s laptop issues, coupled with an 18-hour drive from his “former parish” to a military base out East. Congratulations on the move! His reflection on his now lost Reflection for Today has to do with the Devotion of the Seven Sorrows of Mary.…
Read MoreThe Lord is Compassionate to all His Work
I strongly believe that ardent Catholics are children of God. Our mission is to become good and obedient children of God, as we are his children, after all. We are his work, as we are his children, so he is compassionate to us, whether we know it or not. What Does Compassionate mean? I think…
Read MoreTalents and Other Phrases
The readings of today have a special meaning for me, as there are “family” quotes buried in there. These “phrases” often pop out during family talks or texts. Talents also get discussed. Sort of like inside family jokes. “Well done, my good and trusted servant.” If a child or family member finds something that was…
Read MoreDid You Mean “All”?
Today’s reading from Deuteronomy (6:4-13), is one of the hardest readings for me to take to heart. “Hear, O Israel. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you should love the Lord, your God, with all of your heart and all your soul and all your strength.” And make sure you tell everyone…
Read MoreThe fifteen, I mean ten, Commandments
Mel Brooks as Moses: Mel Brooks is a famous comedian and actor in America. Some consider him a legend, and I tend to fall into that camp. He has made many funny, albeit slightly risky movies. The title that I am reminded of today, that matches the readings, is a scene from History of the…
Read MorePriorities
In the Gospel today from Matthew, a scribe wants to follow Jesus “home,” but Jesus really does not have an Earthly home to retreat to. Also in the Gospel, a potential follower of Jesus wants to follow Jesus, but wants to bury his Father first. Jesus was not receptive to waiting until after the Burial.…
Read MoreDouble Delivery
My wife and I have way more blessings than we deserve. The blessings come in many forms, like a lasting marriage, agreement on the Faith, and a similar outlook on the world. We even had both of our children (both girls) get married off in Catholic weddings, which warmed the hearts of the faithful in…
Read MoreOne Heart and One Mind
Today we honor Saint Catherine of Siena, one of four women doctors of the church. As we remember her today, let us recall one of her conversations with Jesus. Jesus told her that love of me (Jesus) and of a neighbor is the same thing. Wow. Community of Believers The first line of the first…
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