In today’s first reading, we reflect on one of Paul’s most famous missionary journey experiences. Before arriving in Athens, Paul had been in Berea, where the Jews welcomed him into the city. Acts 17: 11 says that the “Bereans examined the Scripture every day to see if what Paul said…
Jesus speaking in His “Farewell Discourse” at the Last Supper tells the disciples that they will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, but that their grief will turn to joy. Context Matters Jesus has much to say on the evening before the Crucifixion. Our Lord washes the Apostles’ feet,…
“They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God”. The above statement, taken from the Gospel of John (16:2), confronts us with one of the most painful and paradoxical contradictions of faith experience:…
In his priestly discourse during the Last Supper, Jesus intertwines the imminence of his death with the promise of the Holy Spirit. “I shall not leave you orphans,” he attests. Jesus speaks of the “comforter” who will come to dwell in the disciples forever. This, the “Spirit of truth,” will…
Jesus says to his disciples in today’s Gospel (John 15, 12-17): “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” Having shared his life with his disciples, love emerges as a summary of all He did in their midst and all his teaching. If we recall the events…
Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. The love of God for man should never cease to amaze us. We have done and can do nothing for Him. He is entirely and supremely happy in Himself and neither needs nor wants anything…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the beautiful image of the true vine and His Heavenly Father as the vinedresser. We can examine that image, and consider three elements: first, the relationship the vinedresser has to the vine, second, the vinedresser’s actions, and, lastly, what it means for us, namely, that…
In preparation to write this reflection, I decided to ask some random people this question: “What is the meaning of ‘peace’ to you?” All of them articulated their answers in different ways, but, for all of them, peace generally meant that there are no wars in the world, no problems…
Today’s readings bring to mind a recent workshop at my parish that I attended on the charisms of the Holy Spirit. We reflected on how God has given each of us unique gifts, along with ways to discern which charisms are especially ours. One insight that stayed with me is…
When we look at today’s Gospel, we hear the Apostles asking Jesus to show them the Father. They don’t quite understand. Jesus responds, “No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father.” If we pause and look at Jesus’…