Daily Reflections
There were many times when St. Paul was frustrated by his fellow Christians in Corinth. Today’s selection from 2 Corinthians exemplifies this. He had just written that one should not boast about oneself. And then he does it himself! But he is doing it for effect. He wants to show how much he cares…
Continue ReadingIn today’s reading, taken from chapter 9 of 2 Corinthians, St. Paul discusses why Christians should be generous, especially to the poor. He has in mind the poor in Jerusalem, but the lesson is very universal. Generosity to others and almsgiving were a part of the Jewish religion. St. Paul accepted this and alludes…
Continue ReadingToday’s first reading comes from the eighth chapter of 2 Corinthians. It shows us something about the life of the early Christian communities, how they related to one another, even to the extent of giving financial support. Early in his career, St. Paul traveled to Jerusalem to discuss with the apostles why he was…
Continue ReadingLast week, the tenth week in Ordinary Time, the first weekday readings were from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. The gospel readings were from the Sermon on the Mount, found in chapters 5-7 of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The readings this week continue from the same New Testament documents. St.…
Continue ReadingIn the first reading, from the Book of Exodus, we hear about the Chosen People. They have escaped from Egypt. They have made their way to Mount Sinai. Here the Lord God will enter into a covenant with them. Moses, their leader goes, up to the top of the mountain. There he receives the…
Continue ReadingYesterday we celebrated the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We reflected on the powerful realization that Jesus loves us no matter what. Today we reflect on the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The heart has long been the symbol and center of a person’s most profound thoughts and desires. What the heart reflects on, there rests…
Continue ReadingI was once asked, “Why does Jesus love us?” The question seemed to be coming from a place of deep longing. This person knew too well that he was a sinner and had painfully rejected God in various moments of life. It seemed unfathomable to him that God still loved him because of his…
Continue ReadingOn Monday, we heard Jesus teach the Beatitudes as a new law and way of living. The Beatitudes challenge us to live differently. Today we hear Jesus challenging us, once again, to live differently than how the world expects us to do so. He tells us that even those who are angry with his…
Continue ReadingWe have heard Jesus say many times, “I have not come to abolish the law or the prophets…but to fulfill.” Specific laws have changed. We are not bound by many of the Jewish laws in the Old Testament. So, what does Jesus mean then? It means that the Law and the Prophets—the Old Testament,…
Continue ReadingWe are being challenged this week to radically follow Christ. First, we have been called to receive his Body and Blood. In this, we are called to communion with God and our neighbor. As we reflected yesterday, this allows us the strength and means to live in the beatitudes. We are called to obedience,…
Continue ReadingWe are given Matthew’s account of the beatitudes for our Gospel today. They can, at times, feel distant or confusing to us. Let’s examine a few and find how to be challenged to live more fully in Christ. Blessed are the Poor in Spirit Do we first recognize the gift of our lives and…
Continue ReadingReflecting on the power of the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, Pope Benedict XVI remarked that he could turn to his brothers and sisters who had received and say, “alas, bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh.” He reflected on the reality that by receiving Christ in the Eucharist, we receive…
Continue ReadingBless God! Give him the praise and the glory. The revelation of Azariah’s true identity as the angel Raphael in the Book of Tobit resolves one of the twists in this story. It unveils a profound spiritual truth: God often works in mysterious ways, using unexpected means to bring about His divine purposes. We…
Continue ReadingBrothers and sisters, as we begin to conclude our study of the spiritual lessons in the Book of Tobit, let us put on the mind of Christ and see the profound parallels that are present between the obedience and mission of Tobit’s son Tobiah and that of Lord Jesus Christ to His Father in heaven.…
Continue ReadingIn the intriguing narrative of the Book of Tobit, the angel Raphael plays a central role under the guise of Azariah, son of Hananiah the elder, one of Tobit’s own kinsmen. This hidden identity adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the story and reminds me of the plot twists and intrigue found…
Continue ReadingIn times of suffering and lament, prayer becomes an essential lifeline that connects us with God and provides solace and hope amidst our struggles. It is through prayer that we find the strength to endure, the courage to face our challenges, and the grace to forgive and be forgiven. The Book of Tobit offers…
Continue ReadingThe story in the Book of Tobit contains both moments of serious spiritual lessons and subtle, unexpected elements of humor. There is often a humorous side to our own life story, and this family’s situation is no different. Tobit’s loss of eyesight is the beginning of the plot and is significant throughout the narrative.…
Continue ReadingThe Book of Tobit is a beautiful religious novel that offers valuable insights into the post-exilic Jewish experience and into our own relationship with God. It recounts the story of Tobit, a righteous man who faced many trials and tribulations, yet remained faithful to the Mosaic Law and trusted in God’s commandments. One significant…
Continue ReadingThe doctrine of the Holy Trinity holds a profound and central place within the Christian faith. Based on Sacred Scripture and Tradition, it is a theological mystery that attempts to explain the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. As I reflect upon this doctrine, I find myself drawn into a deep sense…
Continue ReadingIn our Alleluia verse today, we hear “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him.” I can’t help but think of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions with this quote. Charles defended his companions from King Mwanga who persecuted the Christians in his region and…
Continue ReadingToday’s gospel readings are about faith and trust. Jesus gets angry at the people in the temple who are treating the house of God like a Walmart, and he has every right to be! It shows a lack of faith of the people in the temple area. They care more about profit than worshiping…
Continue Reading“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” I can only imagine, as we celebrate the feast of the Martyr St. Justin, that this quote from today’s gospel was going through his mind. “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” This quote can run through our minds as well when we feel like…
Continue ReadingToday is a very special day for me. On this very day in the year 2001, I consecrated myself to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today I can say “The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will…
Continue Reading“With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy,” I remember hearing a homily once about tithing, and I thought it was the most boring homily in the world. Of course, I was only six or seven at the time, but I remember my dad would say…
Continue Reading“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” This quote from our first reading from Genesis is above the mural of the Immaculate Conception in our Abbey Basilica. It reminds us who is in charge…
Continue ReadingToday we celebrate the Church’s birthday and the mission that the Holy Spirit gave to Our Lady and those gathered in the upper room—to go out and spread the gospel. As our responsorial psalm says today, “Lord send out your spirit and renew the face of the earth.” We are called to do the…
Continue Reading“Master, who is the one who will betray you?” This is asked of Jesus in today’s gospel. The sad truth is that it wasn’t just one person who would betray Jesus, it would be the whole world. Mankind—all of us are responsible for Christ’s death. We betrayed Jesus by our sins. Tomorrow, we close…
Continue ReadingToday’s gospel is the famous story of Jesus asking Simon Peter, “Do you love me.” Not just once, but three times! You can look up in theology books to see what the scholars say about this. Me, I have my own idea of why Jesus did this. A reminder that right before this Jesus…
Continue ReadingA couple of weeks ago, England crowned a new King. It was an event covered by lots and lots of media. Most of the media said that this ceremony was rich in history and tradition. The English are quite proud of their traditions, like this coronation event. The King’s coronation ceremony has many traditions…
Continue ReadingWe are in graduation season. Lots of parishes are having special Masses for graduates and giving them special blessings. The parish I was assigned to in Oklahoma City did this. We had a special graduation Mass for our eighth graders heading on to high school. I thought it was important to not just bless…
Continue ReadingIn our first reading, Paul is addressing the presbyters of Ephesus; it’s basically a farewell address. Paul says something striking that we need to note. He tells all he has done for the community, and then says, “Compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.” Compelled, for me, is a strong word—sounds more…
Continue ReadingJesus tells the disciples that the hour is coming when they will all be scattered to their own homes. The team is breaking up, and all will be on their own. Are the disciples ready for this? Are they worried that they won’t have the support of each other when they are on their…
Continue ReadingLast month my family remembered the anniversary of my mother’s passing. I can still remember that day, saying goodbye to Mom. My Dad and all my siblings were with her as she took her final breath. Mom was the boss that all of us kids took direction from. And after her death, we felt…
Continue ReadingWe conclude the Victory tour this week with Paul’s journey. He goes from place to place and gives strength to the Disciples. This is a far cry from when he persecuted Christians just a short time before. He has been given a new beginning, a new lease on life, and now he goes around…
Continue ReadingWhen we suffer, it brings us to our own depths. When we endure certain pains, we feel them deeply. We cannot put up a front. Jesus tells His Disciples that they will suffer. He points to the example of a woman in labor who bears much pain so that her child will live. He…
Continue ReadingIf you are in a Diocese that celebrates Ascension today or in a local Church where it will be celebrated next Sunday, you will hear the theme of separation in the Gospel. Jesus is preparing to make His exit. He will leave His Disciples. The Holy Spirit will come. Separation is a trial. Parents…
Continue ReadingThere was an old anime cartoon show I watched as a kid—or it is old to me. Two rivals were competing in a tournament and the winner would go on to be the greatest in the game. They bantered back and forth, and the first one said to the second that he couldn’t wait…
Continue ReadingJesus speaks in today’s Gospel about the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, again. We have been hearing much about this Divine Friend as we march on toward Ascension and Pentecost in the Liturgy. The Advocate will come to “convict the World.” The Advocate will speak for righteousness. Paul and Silas faced abhorrent treatment for their…
Continue ReadingEaster celebrates Christ’s victory over death and our calling to receive His gift of Eternal Life. The whole Easter season is like a “victory tour.” We know that Christ has risen and that we carry that message forward. Yet this victory comes with the Cross. We are never without the weight of the Cross…
Continue ReadingTheatre is one of the best performing arts. So much work goes into preparing a play and performing it that it is something that builds good character and creativity. It is so great to get a show “on the road” and ready to perform. In theatre, every role is vital to the performance. The…
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