Bountiful Grace

Today we are reminded of our true inheritance. Jesus recounts the parable of the bountiful harvester who decides to enlarge his granaries to set aside his largesse to fuel a life of ease and greed. In stark contrast is Our God who lavishes His treasures on us despite our willful, sinful nature. For His Nature…

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The Gift of Self

Today’s liturgical offerings present the Parable of the Sower and St. Paul’s epistle underscoring how we pin all our hopes on the Resurrection of the Dead. And of course, we do this in memory of Him: Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Unless It Dies “What you sow is not brought to life…

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In His Majesty’s Service

Today’s readings contrast the selfishness of rich shepherds with evil bent, who grow sleek at the expense of their flock, with the Good Shepherd who seeks the strays and heals the sick, tending them with compassion and care. As His sheep, we must bear careful attention to every word uttered by the Lord and strive…

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Truth Be Told

Following on the heels of last Sunday’s Parable of the Sower, we hear Christ proposing not one nor a couple but three parables! These timeless treasure troves contain divine truths, the depths of which our human minds can never plumb, no matter how many times we apply our minds to these gifts from the Divine…

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Lead, Kindly Light

Sunrise over fog-filled mountain valley

Today’s Gospel presents a fragment of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and verily, not a word spoken by the Word Made Flesh is without telling impact. We are quite literally plumb spang bang in the midst of the Great Sermon on the Mount. The successful revolt led by Jehoiada ushers in a destruction of the…

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The Sermon on the Jaunt

Two men walking on dirt road between hills

On the Third Sunday of Easter, we draw close to the duo of the dejected disciples and witness their transformation from despair to rejuvenated hope. Without Jesus, we are lost and groping for meaning – but with Him, we are ensured of our ultimate destiny. Let us quicken our steps and join them on their…

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In The Workshop of St. Joseph

Religious painting of Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph

Today, amidst Lent – the season of immersion into the Paschal mystery – the Church has us reflect on the Nativity of Jesus. It is fitting that Joy and Suffering be intertwined, for such is our lot: we never experience unending joy or suffering; rather, we have an admixture of both. We can find numerous…

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Love And Do What You Will

Hands holding ashes with small wooden cross

Today’s title has been blithely borrowed from a favorite saint; it is one of St. Augustine’s more famous quotes. The theme of choosing life over death is highlighted in all of the readings on tap for today. If we reduce the Commandments to the Golden Rule, we are left with Love. Truly, God is Love,…

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Ongoing Conversion

Crucifix before painted Marian ceiling with angels

The Alleluia verse before today’s Gospel reads thus: The word of God is living and effective, able to discern the thoughts and reflections of the heart. Why do we do the things we do? It’s good to pause and re-examine our motivations. Saul’s rejection and the question of fasting are good mirrors to hold up…

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