As so many others, I prayed fervently for the safety of Pope Francis during his recent visit to Iraq, as well as for the health and safety of all who participated. Now that he is safely back in Rome, I pray in gratitude for his incredible witness of faith. I Read more…
Jesus’ encounter with the adulterous woman in John’s Gospel (Chapter 8) clearly demonstrates that he comes not to condemn, but rather to seek our conversion. Perhaps in these days of self-quarantine, we have a bit more time alone, time to reflect. Perhaps as the impact of this coronavirus pandemic begins Read more…
Forgiving one another as God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ is today’s clear message. Our willingness to forgive others is necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Here is today’s Mass and homily. Let us continue to maintain a spiritual closeness in these days. Peace!
Today, we have accompanied Christ in his passion and death. We watched as he was unjustly condemned, rejected and beaten, suffered and was crucified. He was ridiculed and mocked for our sins and for our salvation. Has his suffering captivated us? After he died, his side was pierced by a Read more…
Now that another Lenten journey has begun I am ready for this annual moment of grace and renewal, and pray you are as well. St. Paul in the second reading at today’s Mass encourages us to “be reconciled to God.” That in a nutshell sums up the call of this Read more…
Farming is a dignified calling, and yields some marvelous correlations for marriage and family life. Jennings County Indiana is populated with one family farm after another. During two of my years as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, I served as pastor for two small parishes in Jennings County, Read more…
Today’s first reading from the Book of Joshua finds the Israelites at the end of their 40 year journey through the desert. They have arrived on the planes of Jericho to their Promised Land. No longer feeding on manna, but upon the rich produce of this fertile land, each of Read more…
Today, the First Sunday of the Christmas Season, the Church celebrates the Holy Family. The many depictions of the birth of Christ, surrounded by Mary and Joseph, and all the other members of the Christmas story tell us that all families find their true center and identity in Christ. Hopefully, Read more…
Today’s readings are clear about the reality of sin. In our selection form the Second Book of Samuel, Nathan tells King David his sin. “Why have you spurned the Lord and done evil in his sight?” Once his sins are made known, David honestly takes responsibility. Psalm 31 is also Read more…
Today’s Gospel, Matthew 18:21-35 is a story of mercy and forgiveness. It recalls one of the beatitudes of Jesus: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. In our story today, a man is shown great mercy by his “master”. Yet, when one of his servants finds himself Read more…