Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The readings today invite us to examine the relationship between our worship and the way we live. They remind us that God desires more than outward religious practice. He seeks hearts that are open to Him and lives that reflect His love. In the…
On the occasion of the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church focuses our attention on the Parable of the Sower. The Setting Jesus teaches from a boat as crowds gather to listen from the shore. God’s desire is that through Jesus, all can hear the Gospel and understand that…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus lays bare the reality of discipleship: “A disciple is not above his teacher.” He warns us that following Him will bring misunderstanding and opposition, but counters this with a powerful, recurring command: “Do not be afraid.” Christ reassures us that we are worth more than many…
To what shall we compare the love of God? What is it like to dwell in relationship with the Lord? These are questions we face each time we approach the Lord in prayer. The Christian faith offers us several different images for relating to God. On one hand, we are…
Perhaps one of the greatest sorrows of old age is not poverty or sickness, but being forgotten by one’s own children. Many parents spend their youth sacrificing everything for their children. They deny themselves comfort, work tirelessly, lose sleep, and pour out their lives so that their children may flourish.…
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 10:1–7), Jesus summons His Twelve Apostles, gives them authority to heal and drive out unclean spirits, and sends them out to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The Twelve are called by Jesus to cooperate with Him in establishing the Kingdom of God,…
We are called by Jesus to witness to the Gospel to others. It is by the power of Jesus that this proclamation is accomplished and fruitful. Without His power, we are powerless to bring about conversions. This is shown from the first reading where God complains, “How long will they…
Today’s Gospel presents us a very interesting series of events: we have a miracle on the way to a miracle, a sort of story within a story, all of which casts light on the nature of suffering and the importance of faith. Matthew’s version of the story is less detailed…
The second semester of my second year of theology was particularly difficult. In general, second semesters always seem endless because they begin in the middle of winter and end toward the close of spring. That particular year, I was taking seven courses. At the same time, I was involved in…
Today’s readings fill me with a spirit of joy, promise, peace, and restoration. They remind us of the need to pause and integrate what salvation actually means, for me, for us, for this world now. Jesus came and has restored His Kingdom and given us the gift of Faith to…