The thoughts and writings of Fr. Lawrence E. Polansky, a Priest of the Diocese of Camden
Daily Homilies
05/23/2026 -- Saturday, Seventh Week of Easter
It is noteworthy that the two readings today both end the Scripture books in which they are found. In the First Reading, we hear the last verses of the Acts of the Apostles. The Gospel reading comes from the last few verses of Saint John’s Gospel. Fitting, because also, today is the final day of the Easter season.
05/22/2026 -- Friday, Seventh Week of Easter
Rita of Cascia
A GPS reminds me of God in several ways. First, it knows how to get where I want to go. Second, it can direct me along that path. Third, it will redirect me when I make a wrong turn or miss my exit. Lastly, it never gives up on me … no matter how many times I screw up.
05/21/2026 -- Thursday, Seventh Week of Easter
Christopher Magallanes and Companions
If you put a drop of water into the ocean, that drop becomes part of the ocean. The drop is in the ocean, and you might say the ocean is in that single drop.
05/20/2026 -- Wednesday, Seventh Week of Easter
Bernadine of Siena
Both Jesus and Paul urgently warn their disciples about the evils they will have to contend with once their leaders are no longer in this world. As today’s followers, we need to hear the same message.
05/19/2026 -- Tuesday, Seventh Week of Easter
Pope Celestine V
How should I pray? That is a question that almost every person of faith has asked. It is a question born from human weakness and inadequacy, combined with a desire to grow closer to God.
05/18/2026 -- Monday, Seventh Week of Easter
Pope John I
Even when people seem to be speaking plainly, there can be misunderstandings. In today’s Gospel, the disciples of Jesus seem to be having a kind of breakthrough moment in their attempt to understand what Jesus has been telling them.
05/17/2026 -- Saturday, Sixth Week of Easter
The author Dale Carnegie once wrote, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language” (Carnegie, How to Win Friends & Influence People, p. 88). How significant is someone’s name really?
05/15/2026 -- Friday, Sixth Week of Easter
Isidore the Farmer
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that the disciples’ grief at His departure will be turned to joy when He sends them the Holy Spirit. This is the opposite of worldly joy, which inevitably turns to grief.
05/14/2026 -- Matthias, Apostle
Lotteries, casinos, and games of chance attract their share of public debate and ballot issues every election season. But, seldom, if ever, is Scripture cited to support poker tournaments or even church bingo nights.
05/13/2026 -- Wednesday, Sixth Week of Easter
Our Lady of Fatima
At the end of many TV mystery shows, a story line is wrapped up by showing the viewers what really happened, giving us the actual details and re-enactments of “whodunnit.” These explanations are necessary for a lot of us who have been scratching our heads all along, wondering who the perpetrator was.
05/12/2026 -- Tuesday, Sixth Week of Easter
Nereus, Achilleus, & Pancras, Martyrs
The fact that we can do something doesn’t mean we ought to do it.
05/11/2026 -- Monday, Sixth Week of Easter
Today’s reading from Acts of the Apostles may have been very dear to Saint Luke. Is he part of today’s “we” (first person plural)? Did he accompany Paul in the events described?
