Wednesday, 29th Week OT A Ephesians 3:2-12; Isaiah 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6; Luke 12:39-48 Today I’d like to reflect on both the first reading and the gospel, offering us profound insights into the mystery of Christ. In this section we discover that, “the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the …
Voting as a Citizen of Heaven
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Saturday, October 17, 2020 Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5B; Matthew 22:15-21 My homily at the 5:00 Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Audio & video were not recorded at this Mass. Our lesson found in today’s gospel reading is as valid today as it was twenty centuries ago: …
Pray for your Enemies
Wednesday, 28th Week OT A Pray for your Enemies Luke 11:42-46 Do we ever find ourselves rooting for Jesus in this Gospel passage? “Give it to ’em hard, Lord! They deserve it!” We imagine ourselves there in the scene—our arms sternly crossed, our heads shaking in disapproval of those oh-so hypocritical Pharisees. Soon our thoughts turn to someone we know who “should also …
Our Lady of the Rosary
Wednesday, 27th Week OT A Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary Luke 11:1-4 On October 7, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates today’s feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This feast was known for several centuries by the alternate title of “Our Lady of Victory,” as it takes place in honor of a 16th century naval victory which secured …
Yes, but first I must…
Wednesday, 26th Week OT A Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church Luke 9:57-62 Today’s gospel reading is very challenging. Jesus is asking each of us if we are we ready to follow him wherever he may lead us, regardless of what we may need to leave behind in order to do so. The challenge is to …
Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
Wednesday, 25nd Week OT A Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest Luke 9:1-6 Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a contemporary Saint who was born Francesco Forgione, on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy, a small country town located in southern Italy. He died in Italy on September 23, 1968, the beloved Padre Pio. St. …
Generosity and Envy
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18; Philippians 1:20C-24, 27A; Matthew 20:1-16A My homily, recorded at the 11:00 Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Sunday, September 20, 2020 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. These are the words of God, written by St. Paul in today’s First …
Worldly Attachments
Wednesday, 22nd Week OT A Luke 4:38-44 Today’s readings speak to the problem of worldly attachments, of valuing the things of this world more than we value the things of God. In our first reading Paul tells us that the world as we know it today is passing away. That we should not depend on the circumstances of our lives …
Healing through Confession
Wednesday, 22nd Week OT A Luke 4:38-44 In today’s gospel Jesus reveals he is the Son of God by healing the sick. The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law is described in only a few sentences. We are told only that she was sick, she had a fever, and that people interceded for her healing. Notice how quickly everything happens. Christ helps …
Whitewashed Tombs?
Wednesday, 21st Week OT A Matthew 23:27-32 In Palestine tombs were often placed by the sides of roads. They were painted white which made them glisten in the midday sun, especially around the time of the great feasts, so that people would not accidentally touch them and incur ritual impurity. Outwardly these tombs appear beautiful, but inside they were full …