Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19Luke 2:41-51 Reflection: In vain they ask their mothers,“Where is the grain?”As they faint away like the woundedin the streets of the city,And breathe their lastin…
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-16Romans 5:5b-11Luke 15:3-7 Reflection: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 1:9 These are some of the most remarkable words…
The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6 Acts 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80 Reflection: Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist. Normally this would be celebrated on the 24th, but that conflicts with the celebration…
Scripture: 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3 Matthew 7:15-20 Reflection: And He sent them out in pairs telling them to take nothing with them – no money, no extra cloak, even their walking sticks were to be left behind. Lord, I can…
Scripture: 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Reflection: “Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine” Have you ever wondered what this passage is about? In the ancient world pearls were…
Scripture: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18Matthew 7:1-5 Reflection: At times when I get frustrated with politics and politicians, I find myself daydreaming about testifying to Congress and giving them a good scolding about what I perceive that they are doing…
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Scripture: Genesis 14:18-201 Corinthians 11:23-26 Luke 9:11b-17 Reflection: This Sunday in the Church calendar is the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, when we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and the…
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25Matthew 6:24-34 Reflection: “You cannot serve God and mammon.” These words of Jesus – if taken out of the wider context of today’s gospel text – have puzzled Christians throughout the ages and led to many creative…
Scripture: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 Matthew 6:19-23 Reflection: Is it foolish to believe that goodness ultimately triumphs? That evil will not prevail? It is hard to avoid these questions when considering the bloody spectacle recounted in today’s first reading.…
Scripture: Sirach 48:1-14Matthew 6:7-15 Reflection: “This is how you are to pray” Matthew 6:9 As a Passionist priest, I have given many a retreat conference on prayer, as well as some workshops on how to pray. There have also been…