Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12 “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1).  These words, spoken by our Lord at the Last Supper, were intended to bring courage, strength, and hope to the disciples.  They would have needed courage before the night was over and throughout the next day as they...
Read More »

Wisdom 9:13-18;  Philemon 9-10,12-17;  Luke 14:25-33 A century before Christ was born, crucifixion was introduced by the Roman authorities as a punishment for those who committed treason.  Crucifixion soon became commonplace in Palestine, the region where Jesus was born and raised.  When Jesus was about ten years old, history teaches us that the Romans...
Read More »

Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19; Luke 12:32-48 “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This statement of faith, given us by the author of Hebrews, is perhaps the best definition of faith that I have ever heard. We are living in a time in which...
Read More »

I know the feast of St. Joseph is coming soon. Is there any connection to Lent? On March 19, we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This solemnity during the Lenten season provides us with another model for living out the Lenten discipline of turning our...
Read More »

To solve the shortage of priests in this country, why can’t we bring in priests from other countries where they have enough? This is a recycled story that makes me wonder where exactly is this country where there are so many priests? The place does not exist, but it raises some interesting issues, including...
Read More »

Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-11 Weddings today require a great deal of preparation.  There is the guest list, the ceremony, the clothing, the décor, the menu for the banquet and all of the other social amenities that go with weddings. Any of the least details not going exactly as planned can result...
Read More »

Are some sacraments more important than others? At times, yes. Perhaps instead of thinking of importance in terms of ranking one as first or greatest, it might be easier to think of them in terms of significance. As we grow in age and in faith, sacraments take on a different meaning and significance for...
Read More »

Second Sunday of Easter – Cycle B – 2009+ Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31 Try to put yourself in the sandals of the apostles.  It is Easter Sunday night.  In the last four days they have witnessed the arrest, the conviction and crucifixion of Jesus.  They have placed him in a tomb...
Read More »