1 Kings 17: 10-16; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Mark 12: 38-44. I will never forget the first time I met Matthew.  He was a gentleman that the priest’s at St. Paul Seminary had “adopted.”  About once a week he would show up on the doorsteps of the seminary looking for one of the priests to...
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The Sacrament of Anointing is not just for those who are dying. Rather, this sacrament asks God to restore the person to health while at the same time granting the remission of venial sins. That is why it is important they we anoint people early in an illness, or any time that...
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How do the readings from Sunday’s liturgy link to the celebration of Priesthood Sunday? This Sunday we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, an opportunity to thank God for the service and ministry of many great and wonderful priests who help us deepen our relationship to God and others. The Lectionary readings for this Sunday offer significant...
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Isaiah 53:10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45 They were struggling with the same thing that nearly every human struggles with at some time in his or her life . . . the desire for power.  On the one hand they were right in affirming that Jesus would enter into glory and be seated on his...
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Wisdom 7:7-11;  Hebrews 4:12-13;  Mark 10:17-30 (cf. also CCC par. 2052 ff.) Having entered the flu season our bishop, along with many other leaders in the church have asked to consider a few of the ritual practices of our liturgy; specifically the issue of exchanging the sign of peace, and sharing from the common...
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Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16 In studying and praying with today’s scriptures I found a bit of a challenge.  Although the scriptures are strongly united in the image of sacramental marriage, I pondered that perhaps there was something deeper going on here and marriage is simply one example of this deeper teaching.  This...
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Exodus 24:3-8; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16,22-26 Did it ever occur to you that food and memories go together?  Our own favorite food is many times more than just ‘food;’ it has to do with more than taste.  It signifies a place, a time and an experience of joy or comfort or love.  Our favorite...
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