On this eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, just before Lent, the Scripture readings offer us essential tools for preparing our hearts for the season ahead. Among the many themes present, one stands out: transformation—a process we must anticipate and actively pursue. The first reading from Sirach provides a powerful analogy:…
Let’s talk about a child. I come from a large family with over two dozen nieces and nephews, numerous uncles and aunts, and more than 50 cousins. Like most priests, I am privileged to participate in the spiritual journeys of families with children in parishes and relationships. Through osmosis and…
In today’s Gospel, Our Lord speaks about a very difficult teaching: no divorce. Throughout time this has always been a difficult teaching to accept. We can see this clearly from both the Pharisees and disciples’ questioning of Jesus and reaction to His answers. Divorce is quite common today, and we…
“Have salt in yourselves and maintain peace with each other” – These words of Jesus carry deep significance. In a world where everything, from food to relationships, can lose their flavor, salt is a powerful symbol of preservation, strength, and transformation. Just as salt preserves food and enhances its taste,…
In today’s gospel reading, John tells Jesus that the apostles had seen someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name and tried to prevent him “because he does not follow us.” Jesus replies that the person should not be prevented from doing good in His name “for whoever is not against…
The best approach to God is that of complete openness and docility to learn and to accept all from Him. The psalmist of Psalm 139 says it aptly: “O Lord, you search me, and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern…
But if you can do anything… In the Gospel passage today, we see a parent at his whit’s end, trying to find a cure for his child. Hope is running out in his heart. After seeing that Jesus’s disciples are unable to cure the child, this father’s discouraged plea of,…
The liturgy of the word today is reflecting the hard teaching of Christ on love and care; the adjustments and efforts we must make to qualify as his authentic disciples. David in the first reading demonstrated his loving kindness to Saul. He was gentle and respectful to Saul who exceedingly…
Today we recall the Feast of the Chair of St Peter. In our first reading today, St Peter emphasizes the need for the people of God to tend to the flock, the universal Church. This exhortation by St Peter gives us beautiful imagery for our reflection. We can consider Jesus…
Peter Speaks: I recall a day of foreboding. I see my Lord, see my Messiah, see the way He dies and see the way of the Cross clearly set out before us. At this moment I do not know how to follow Him, but I have to trust Him. He…