On this feast of St. Monica, we hear the gospel of the restoration of the dead son of the widow of Nain to life. The episode recalls that all the miracles of Jesus (including the gospel accounts of Jesus raising the dead) are not merely displays of power, but signs…
In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus really gets after the scribes and Pharisees, calling them out for their pretense and greed and lack of authenticity in the last of his public discourses. He continues an excoriating rant covering the entire 23rd chapter – a lecture we would hate to receive…
Authenticity basically expresses the idea of being real, genuine, or true. It means being one’s true self, devoid of affectations and pretenses. The contrary is hypocrisy, which has become a big problem in our contemporary society. Many people we meet daily present false appearances, fake narratives, deceptive promises, and hypocritical…
Last and First: Today’s gospel is the source of an iconic turn of phrase. “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last. “(Lk. 13:30) The contradiction of being last yet first, or first yet last leaves a striking image in the…
The gospel today is the fiercest critique of Jesus over the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He highlights their character of pride and selfishness, their love for outward displays of piety, desire for honor, and their struggle for titles and places of authority, against the humble service of authentic…
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – (Isaiah 9:6) Today, the Holy Mother church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.…
The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. ‘Come to the wedding banquet.’ Quite honestly, I was surprised to receive the invitation. Although I suppose it was to be expected. My father had been recognized for his service to the…
Our first reading today from the Book of Judges, chapter 9, presents us with a fascinating parable about choosing wise leadership to rule over one’s community or nation. Let us understand the context of the tale of the trees. Gideon had fought valiantly and defeated the Midianites, and during his…
Today’s scriptures show we have a caring God who is not aloof to the travails that afflict humanity. He seeks men like Gideon to deliver His children, like the disciples to build His kingdom. And there are the familiar (and vital) reminders of the dangers of wealth, of the worth…
It is no secret that my favorite hobby is reading. I devour books the way my husband enjoys a good steak. This summer, one of my book clubs decided to read A Canticle for Lebowitz. “A Canticle for Leibowitz is a post-apocalyptic social science fiction novel by American writer Walter…