The Greek word γινώσκω (ginosko), meaning to know, is used 141 times in John’s Gospel. It is used in different ways, because there are different levels of knowing and different reasons for knowing something. The first stage is knowing a fact. The next level is understanding the truth. And the…
Jesus tenderly tells us today, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” In this tumultuous world we live in, where there is so much discord and animosity, amidst wars breaking out in different parts of the globe, Jesus’ words are…
The missionary mandate in the Gospel of Mark is to go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to all creation. This means that every creature is meant to hear the Good News. Jesus knows that the message is a joyful one for all cadres of creation. So, he…
Overwhelmed by Good News. Sometimes I get overwhelmed. It can be about my health or about another’s circumstances, or it can be the kindness of others, or the goodness of God. I imagine that the first years after the death of Jesus were full of overwhelming experiences for those who…
My dear friends, the gospel today is all about the instruction of Jesus to his disciples over the difficult challenges of following him. He told them the hard truth. He says: ‘if the world hates you’ (John 15: 18), of course, he knows that the world hates his disciples. Jesus…
For the reflection today, I want to share God’s beauty hidden in rural Missouri, where I recently took a pilgrimage to. For context, Sister Wilhelmina was ninety-five at the time of her death in May 2019. Her body is present in Gower, Missouri with the community Benedictines of Mary, Queen…
I am a shepherd, and I am not part of the company of men. When I go to the marketplace, I know people look away from my stained feet and rough sandals. The smell of the sheep is always on me, and my hands are cracked like dry leather. I…
Some gifts are hard to receive. Our Gospel today from John 6:60-69 draws our attention to the consternation of the Lord’s disciples when He instructs them to eat His body and drink His blood to have eternal life. If a Catholic has not grappled with the question of whether the…
In today’s liturgical offerings, we witness Saul taking a Fall that enables him to soar to the highest of heights, stirring, enkindling, and igniting the hearts of many as he immediately sets out in proclaiming the Good News. Jesus does not flinch in the face of the disbelieving Jews, and…
Today’s gospel discourse is on The Bread of Life; the Eucharist. As a cradle Catholic who happens to love music very much, my mind cannot help but erupt into song while reading these bible verses. “I am the Bread of life, He who comes to Me shall not hunger, He…