Scripture: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Reflection: The parable of the prodigal son is so familiar a story that it is understandably tempting to automatically tune out, as in heard that story, know that story, end of story. The most…
Scripture: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28aMatthew 21: 33-43,45-46 Reflection: For so many years, Lent was a time for giving up things such as dessert, going to movies, etc. The focus was on giving up something that I liked instead of doing…
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10Luke 16:19-31 Reflection: Welcome: “Soft Hearts,” Sincerely Abraham Not too long ago, at a school in the Detroit area, a faculty member proposed that the adults in the school community each select a student and write a personal…
Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a Reflection: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and…
Scripture: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20Matthew 23:1-12 Reflection: We are in the second week of Lent and our readings for today immerse us even more deeply into the mystery of God’s mercy and compassionate love. But gratefully, we are also shown a…
Scripture: Daniel 9:4b-10Luke 6:36-38 Reflection: Today’s readings could fittingly be described as a “crash course” in Christianity because they tell us everything we need to know: We are sinners. God is forgiving, compassionate, and merciful. And we are called to…
Scripture: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18Philippians 3:17-4:1Luke 9:28b-36 Reflection: Last week, we reflected on the temptation of Jesus in the desert, when the devil tempted Jesus to betray His true self; to serve Himself instead of being obedient to the Father’s plan,…
Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:16-19Matthew 5:43-48 Reflection: Lenten Growth: Beyond the Ordinary Our Lenten journey continues…and today’s Scriptures offer insights into the growth that is part and parcel of Lent’s encouragement of renewed prayer, penance, and almsgiving / service. Our selection from…
Scripture: Ezekiel 18:21-28Matthew 5:20-26 Reflection: In recent weeks, we’ve encountered Jesus’s sharp critique of hypocrisy, mainly directed at the religious leaders of his time. In modern English, he called them phonies, lip-servers and imposters. This naturally prompts a difficult question:…
Scripture: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25Matthew 7:7-12 Reflection: Several years ago, the husband of a dear friend was hospitalized suddenly in serious condition. Before taking him to surgery, the surgeon told my friend that he couldn’t guarantee a good outcome. When…