Posts by Paul Verderber
And With Your Spirit
Every time we go to Mass, we reply back to the Priest with the words, “and with your spirit”, and sometimes we lift up our hands in praise. This phrase changed a few years back, but most of us are getting used to this new wording. When I go to Mass with fallen away Catholics,…
Read MoreHave Peace in Me
I was driving home from an appointment and decided to listen to a talk show to help pass the time. What came on seemed to link directly to today’s readings. Life often matches the readings! Depression on the Rise in the USA The commentator shared facts about the rampant rise in depression, especially among young…
Read MoreLearning by Association
Once Saul had his conversion to Paul, he became one of the best teachers of the faith we ever had. He traveled far and near, through trials and tribulations, to “run his race.” Today’s first reading put him in Antioch. Lineage 101 He is at the synagogue, and accepts an offer to speak, which I…
Read MoreIn Between
We come to Holy Saturday, and it is a grand day for the new recruits joining our Church, and we need more and more of them. Also, we know that it is one of the longest Masses of the year, and a lot of ground gets covered. Perhaps too much ground to cover for me!…
Read MoreQuiet and Loud Denials
I didn’t eat the cookies off the countertop, says the child with crumbs all over his face. I didn’t break the speed limit, says the driver, despite seeing the radar report from the highway patrolman. And, I didn’t spread that rumor about you, despite the “receipts” on the social media account. I didn’t commit the…
Read MoreRules and Relationship
Today’s readings seem to be all about rules and following the rules. We start with Moses telling us to observe the statutes and decrees. He says that today is the day to start following the rules, not later. If we follow the rules, we will end up in a good place, with the Lord our…
Read MoreSecond Chances
Scout Noah has been on the Ark for 40 days. That is a long time to be on a boat, especially since it contains the world’s best zoo, plus some other humans. He must have been getting a little anxious, as all he could see was water for 40 days. A raven was released to…
Read MoreSheep or Cats?
“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” This is a famous line from Psalms, often used in speeches, sermons and films, including Saving Private Ryan. This line struck me in today’s readings and will become my reflection. Sheep We’re the sheep, and Jesus is the shepherd. That needs to be said…
Read MoreEvangelize As Only You Can
John, Andrew, and another guy are standing on the side of the road. Jesus walked by. John acknowledged who Jesus was, and Andrew and the other began following Jesus, right then and there. Add two followers to the Church. Then, Andrew told his brother Simon about Jesus, and another follower into the fold. Simon became…
Read MoreThe Other Trinity
Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. This is a perfect opportunity to share a teaching moment from Confirmation classes over the years. The Trinity is something that we talk about and remember with the sign of the cross and the Glory Be. “Trinity” is not mentioned in the Bible, as far as I…
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