We hope that these reflections will help you grow in your spiritual life and deepen your relationship with the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ. All comments and feedback are appreciated and most welcome.
I have neighbors who came here five years ago from a repressive dictatorship. They have overcome many hurdles—learning English, finding their way in our society, and finding employment. I am impressed by their appreciation for our democracy. After they became......
21 September, 2019No comment0 LikesThe conviction that the God of Jesus is a loving and merciful God is very powerful in today’s gospel, featuring three parables to illustrate that conviction. Through the images of a man leaving the 99 sheep to find the lost......
14 September, 2019No comment0 LikesI recently chatted with a young woman who had just completed a grueling music examination. She spoke of the long hours she spent alone in a soundproof room, doing scales and practicing her repertoire over and over, thinking often about......
08 September, 2019No comment0 LikesThe image of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb captures the central mystery of our faith in a very personal and intimate way. Anyone who has ever suffered the loss of a loved one can identify with the darkness, grief,......
22 April, 2019No comment0 LikesToday’s liturgy, like much of life at times, is marked by wild contrasts. One day Jesus rides into Jerusalem in triumph. He is greeted with joyful shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The......
14 April, 2019No comment0 LikesI remember a time when I was filled with a strong and righteous anger, which I carefully nourished by collecting stories that proved my point. I went off on a weekend retreat, hoping to get some rest. The first evening......
07 April, 2019No comment0 LikesThe Transfiguration has many allusions to the Old Testament. It occurs on a mountaintop, as did Moses’ initial encounter with God at Mount Sinai and the subsequent delivery there of the Ten Commandments establishing the covenant between God and Israel.......
17 March, 2019No comment0 LikesIn today’s first reading we hear the story of Jacob and his family, who went to Egypt during a famine. Later on, his descendants were perceived to be a threat and were enslaved. Later still, they continually recalled and gave......
10 March, 2019No comment0 LikesToday’s gospel calls us to forgive our enemies. As a person passionate about social justice, I hear this Scripture calling me to also consider empathy and dialogue. Can we identify the humanity and the inherent dignity in those who do wrong......
24 February, 2019No comment0 LikesIn today’s gospel, Jesus’ confirmation of his mission in Nazareth’s synagogue causes great joy. Already impressed by stories of his deeds elsewhere, his neighbors expect much of him. Delight becomes rage, however, when he insists that his gifts are not......
03 February, 2019No comment0 LikesWe learn from her mystical writings that St. Teresa of Ávila sat and spoke with Jesus as one would speak with a best friend. One evening, Jesus asked Teresa her name, and she replied using her religious name, saying, “I......
28 January, 2019No comment0 LikesWhy was Jesus baptized? Surely, not for the forgiveness of sins. Rather, by his baptism, Jesus identifies with us; he takes on our shortcomings. Through his baptism we identify with Jesus: the words spoken by God about Jesus—“You are my......
13 January, 2019No comment0 Likes
