Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In Philadelphia, 250 years ago yesterday, 56 courageous individuals penned their signatures on a document that would change the course of human events. The Declaration of Independence stated their objection to their subjection to the king of Britain. It stated their self-determination and freedom from foreign rule. This magnificent document spoke of freedom as self-evident, all being created equal, and all being endowed by their Creator with the rights of life, liberty, and t
2 days ago5 min read
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Has anyone here ever stayed in a hotel or a motel? I know ... that’s a ridiculous question since most of us have had the occasion to do so, at least a few times. For some of us, it may have been more often than we’d like to admit. What I’m wondering is if any of us has found ourselves choosing a place of lodging based on advertising slogans used by individual facilities or hotel / motel chains.
Jun 284 min read
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
An elderly woman who had worked all of her life as a seamstress had finally saved enough money to fulfill her wish to visit the Holy Land. She had never been on a plane before and she was very afraid. Even the presence of four bishops on the plane did little to calm her. Only after the jet had reached altitude and was making its way over the ocean did the woman dare to open her eyes and look out the window. Just at that moment, one of the plane’s engines broke loose from its
Jun 215 min read
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
One of the requirements before being ordained is what is called a canonical retreat. Such a retreat is required prior to ordination to the Diaconate and also prior to ordination to the Priesthood. Canonical … It is a retreat required by canon law and another requirement is that it has to be at least five (5) days long.
Jun 145 min read
Corpus Christi - The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Not long ago, in the Midwest, a man named Gary passed away from cancer, at age 51. That’s tragic, but even worse, Gary had spent 25 years of his adult life in prison, until the Innocence Project appealed his conviction and had it thrown out. As he had maintained all those years, he had never committed any crime. In prison, though, he had decided to make the best of his unjust situation: He studied, earned high school and college diplomas, then turned around and taught fellow
Jun 75 min read
The Most Holy Trinity
A young man searched the mountains of Nepal in order to find a renowned holy man. Upon encountering the youth, the wise man inquired, “What can I do for you, young man?” The young seeker answered, “Sir, please explain God to me.” The holy man smiled broadly and said, “Young man, a God so easily explained is a God who should not be worshipped.”
May 315 min read
Pentecost
“Peace be with you.” In this short passage of four verses Jesus says those four words twice. Not only are these words repeated, but the Gospel passage itself is also a “repeat.” We heard this particular Scripture on a weekend just a few weeks ago. And so, there must be an important message here.
May 244 min read
