Posts by Paul Verderber
Be 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…
Read MoreHope
I tend to root for the underdog. Everyone expects winners to win all the time, and that upsets will not happen. However, there are groundswells of support when underdogs start to have their day. The public rallies around the underdogs and support grows. In the USA, we have the annual Men’s College Basketball tournament, called…
Read MoreWaiting Is the Hardest Part
The title of this reflection is a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and sums up for me what the Saturday before Easter is about. Just yesterday, our rabbi, Messiah, miracle working, Son of God and friend has been scourged and publicly put to death in a humiliating and agonizing way. We have scattered…
Read MoreThree Ways
The Gospel today has Jesus crossing the sea, and a crowd was already gathered at his expected landing spot. News can travel fast. As Jesus disembarks and walks along the shore, the stage is set for three types of interactions with Jesus during this very eventful visit. See and Hear Him Crowds wanted the see…
Read MoreChristmas Eve
Dear Gratia Vobis Readers, On this Eve of Christmas, on this Eve of our Savior’s birth, on this Eve of Light, we want to wish you all the best for the Christmas Season. Enjoy the time with your friends and family. Remain Blessed, Paul [Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38]
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