Scripture: Titus 2:1-8Luke 17:7-10 Reflection: The Attitude of a Servant of God: We are unprofitable servants: we have done what we were obliged to do. We should serve God because we want to and out of the goodness of our…
Scripture: Titus 1:1-9Luke 17:1-6 Reflection: The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,you would say to this mulberry tree,‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” -Luke 17:6 One of my…
Scripture: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-142 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5Luke 20:27-38 Reflection: Today’s dramatic readings give hints of the central mystery of human life: what happens when we are dead? It reminds me of a priest friend, reflecting on his father’s death years…
Scripture: Philippians 4:10-19Luke 16:9-15 Reflection: “…for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance.” -Philippians 4:11-12 Oh, that I…
Feast of St. Charles Borromeo Scripture: Philippians 3:17-4:1Luke 16:1-8 Reflection: The Challenge of Stewardship Today’s Gospel from Luke recounts Jesus’ parable regarding a “resourceful” steward who at first dishonestly squandered his master’s property, but then prudently tried to save face…
Scripture: Philippians 3:3-8aLuke 15:1-10 Reflection: One of the frailties of human behaviour is our incapacity to see ourselves in the full light of day. So many tests – both simple exercises and the more deeply searching psychological tests – are…
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Scripture: Wisdom 3:1-9Romans 6:3-9John 6:37-40 Reflection: How consoling and encouraging it is to hear a family member or good friend say, “I wish you the best,” or “I am rooting for…
Solemnity of All Saints Scripture: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-141 John 3:1-3Matthew 5:1-12 Reflection: In the Church’s liturgical calendar, each November begins with the great feast of “All Saints” and then turns to “All Souls.” The exuberant Scripture readings include the gospel…
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4Luke 14:12-14 Reflection: Happy Monday in the 31st Week of Ordinary Time! Call me eccentric (Ok, Paul, you’re eccentric), but I’ve always been one to leave little notes or flowers or gifts on people’s cars. It’s almost like…
Scripture: Wisdom 11:22-12:22 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2Luke 19:1-10 Reflection: I remember a story about St. Teresa of Avila. She said that the devil had appeared to her disguised as Christ. Because of her deep faith, St. Teresa knew immediately that this vision…