For the third day running, our daily Mass readings bring us to the cross. Sunday, Jesus instructed that the cross was at the heart of his identity as Messiah. He also taught that each true and mature disciple must take up his or her cross each day should they choose Read more…
In the readings for this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary time, Jesus’ healing of a man who is deaf and mute is a clear fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Isaiah in the first reading. On one level, Jesus is telling the people by his actions that he is the Read more…
Every Sunday, in fact, every celebration of the Eucharist is a ‘Little Easter.’ During the Easter Season, the Church not only recalls the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but is actually renewed in the life of the Risen Christ, through the life of the Holy Spirit. This life of the Risen Christ Read more…
In the Office of Readings today we read in the Book of Exodus (Chapter 3) of God’s appearance to and call of Moses from the burning bush. One of the things I love about this season of Lent is the opportunity to read again the Book of Exodus. Moses is Read more…
The first stage of the New Evangelization is for each person to have that ‘life-giving’ encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. Many of us have met Jesus, and many others long to know Him. Lent is a perfect time to renew our relationship with Jesus, and to gain greater Read more…
With the Parish Mission at Holy Family parish in St. Petersburg now complete, I would like to share some of the insights I gained. First, I’m reminded once again of Jesus’ teaching that every time we take the opportunity to give of ourselves, whether in ministry or in relationships, we always receive Read more…
This Second Sunday of Lent we listen once again to the Gospel account of Jesus’ transfiguration. As the Gospel acclamation was sung, and the deacon lifted the Book of the Gospels, I thought to myself: “We are fulfilling the command of God from the Gospel today. This Gospel is Jesus, Read more…
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Lucy, a 4th century virgin and martyr. Her name means ‘light’, ‘luce‘. Today seems like a good day to discuss the beauty of chastity, and the great need for such sober and chaste living in our society today. Clearly, we live in a highly Read more…
Years ago I worked more closely with seminarians as a vocation director, and later as a vice rector of a college seminary. I learned then (and recalled from my own years as a seminarian) that seminarians have a unique capacity to exaggerate the elements of their priestly formation. For example, Read more…
Today is the Feast of one of my favorite saints, Saint Catherine of Siena. There is a statue near Castle San Angelo in Rome that beautifully represents St. Catherine’s ‘urgency’ to accomplish God’s will; God’s work for the ‘salvation of souls.’ (see picture to the left) There are many things Read more…