Ask and You Shall Receive Discerning God’s will can be complicated when someone is not engaged in a moral decision. Most moral decisions are relatively easy. What would Jesus do? Go, and do likewise. Other decisions are more difficult. Do I take this job or another? Should I move to…
As I reflected on today’s gospel reading, the line about “not peace but the sword” stood out. After I did research about what it exactly meant, I couldn’t shake the memory of an experience I had long forgotten. I am sure we could all tell each other many stories having…
The nearness of God: this is one of the most breathtaking claims of Biblical faith. How can God, Creator of heaven and earth, truly come near to us? Is it possible? What do we mean when we speak of the nearness of God? And does this offer us any insight…
“Do not be afraid” is the theme of all the Mass readings today. Jesus calls us to trust in the Father, who knows the number of hairs on your scalp and sees the sparrows fall from the sky. Ethel Waters, the great American blues singer and actress, popularized the hymn…
The first reading of today from the prophecy of Hosea 14:2-10 presents us with a call to repentance, namely, amending what is not straight in one’s life and/or at least taking note of them. The gospel from Matthew 10:16-23 offers us insights on radical trust in divine providence – something…
We are in summer, the season of going out to parks and pubs to catch the fun. It is also the holiday season, when we travel outside our comfort zone for a break and new experiences. This brings a certain sense of newness and freshness to our minds and bodies…
Today, the Church celebrates the optional memorial of St. Maria Goretti, a virgin and martyr. This memorial calls to mind one of the basic Christian virtues that appears outmoded in our age. It reminds us of the virtue of purity, which greatly delights the Lord. Dazzling White God is purer…
We in America celebrate today the feast of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, whose day falls on the 4th in the rest of the world. This remarkable queen showed clearly that even people in power, people of royal status, can be saints. Sometimes we Catholics hear exaggerated stories of the saints.…
No, today’s reflection is not advertising for a chiropractic office, or a new age medical spa. In today’s Gospel, I will focus on the healing touch of Jesus, and others, and the miraculous outcomes achieved. Today’s Gospel speaks of Jesus bringing the daughter of the official back to life. This…
Greetings Brothers and Sisters, As we head into the celebration of the Independence of the United States and toast those who suffered and toiled for this liberty, let us not forget to celebrate the Church and Our God who sacrificed and toiled for our spiritual liberty. Rejoice Church (Is 66:10-14c)…