Today's Gospel reading for our liturgical year is from Matthew. It's the familiar account of the disciples who are in the boat with the sleeping Jesus when a "violent storm" comes upon them. It says that the boat was being "swamped by waves" in my version. So, you know, that's a little scary. If the … Continue reading Calming the Storm
Help Us Accept Each Other
A hymn... Help us accept each other As Christ accepted us; teach us as sister, brother, Each person to embrace. Be present, Lord, among us, And bring us to believe We are ourselves accepted And meant to love and live. Teach us, O Lord, your lessons, As in our daily life We struggle to be … Continue reading Help Us Accept Each Other
You’ve Got To Be Taught
Sunday's Gospel reading included the famous John 3:16. "God so loved the world that He sent His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life." But for me, the next line is just as vital and often forgotten. "For God did not send His Son into … Continue reading You’ve Got To Be Taught
Reflection for today
I applaud and defend peaceful protests. And many times, as in the case of George Floyd's death, they are justified. Speaking up out of desperation is certainly understandable. And peaceful protests to right a wrong or shine a light on an injustice have long been a part of our country's history. Mr. Floyd himself was … Continue reading Reflection for today
Thoughts on a Friday
Until very recently, the official state orders in New York were to return people to nursing homes even if they were not completely recovered from the Coronavirus. This allowed the virus to spread among those who were universally known to be the most vulnerable in our society. Too many died due to this policy. I … Continue reading Thoughts on a Friday
Good Friday
I am sharing my meditations on one version of the Catholic Church's Stations of the Cross today. We traditionally observe this practice of meditating on Jesus' passion (suffering) and death every Friday during Lent. This year, of course, most of us were not able to do so in our churches, which is sad. But we … Continue reading Good Friday
No great love than this
Yesterday I wrote an entry about St. Maximilian Kolbe who gave up his life so another might live. Yesterday, another priest gave up his life for a stranger. #JamesMartin, editor of America Magazine, likened Father Giuseppe Berardelli to the beloved saint and called him a "martyr for charity." One who gives up one's life for … Continue reading No great love than this
Praise the Lord
So, you all know how I love my contemporary Christian music. And here is one I just heard yesterday from the prolific Matt Maher. It's based on Psalm 150 which ends, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" The psalmist goes through quite the litany of things that should praise God. And finally seems … Continue reading Praise the Lord
