In today's reading from the Gospel of Mark Jesus says the remarkable words, "For this purpose I have come." He is referring to His mission. He is to preach to all who have ears to hear, in His time and place, about the mercy and the salvation that only the Lord, His Heavenly Father, can … Continue reading Some Encouragement for Today
Finding joy, sharing joy
The holidays can be tough for a lot of people. It's supposed to be a time of excitement, anticipation, gathering with family and friends. Normally. For many people. But not for everyone. It's a time of gifts, music, fun, and parties. But not for everyone. Some people may either be alone because they don't have … Continue reading Finding joy, sharing joy
“You Were On The Cross”
Today's Gospel reading is from Luke, (LK 9:18-22). It includes Simon Peter's declaration, inspired by the Holy Spirit, (see Matthew 16:17), that Jesus is "the Christ of God." Christ means Messiah, the anointed One. He is the One that Israel has been waiting for, He will liberate the people from slavery and oppression. But, of … Continue reading “You Were On The Cross”
Sing to Jesus
Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of Jesus. There is no better symbol of love, sacrifice, selflessness, mercy, forgiveness, grace. It's perfect. And, as Bishop Barron likes to say, Christ on the cross is a picture of a "happy" man. For happiness in the way Jesus meant it in the … Continue reading Sing to Jesus
Calming the Storm
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
