In Today’s Gospel (Mark 10: 28-31), Peter begins a conversation with Jesus, saying: “We have given up everything to follow you.” If Jesus had not interrupted Peter, one wonders where this thought was leading … Perhaps once again, Jesus saves Peter from putting his foot in his mouth. Regardless, as we are on the eve of another Lenten journey, we have a great focus. First from Peter: Have we given up everything to follow Jesus? Second and more importantly, we do well to ponder the promise of Jesus. We cannot possibly give up more than […]
As we approach this Lenten season, we are reminded once again to seek the LORD in all things. It is a time to put Jesus squarely at the center of life – above every other thing. Since the Beatitudes represent a summary of Jesus’ person and teaching, perhaps a Lenten Fast based upon the Beatitudes would be helpful. In this powerful homily of Jesus, we hear about the ways of life that lead to ‘blessings’. Lent is a time to humbly reflect at a deep and profound level where we are in need of conversion […]
For the past several months, the bishops of Alaska have been discussing how we might best exercise our role as teachers. There are a growing number of social issues today that need to be addressed from a faith perspective, and yet require more than a ‘sound byte’ to adequately outline the theological principles which underpin our beliefs and teachings. At the same time, as we looked at the numerous issues we wished to address, we realized that what is fundamentally at the heart of each of the issues is the need for a proper understanding […]
Over the years, I have noticed that the crowds that attend Mass on Ash Wednesday rival any other day of the year, including Easter and Christmas. This tells us there is something attractive about being called to renew our relationship with God, about the penitential nature of the day and season that is fundamentally about conversion. Traditionally, the three pillars of the Lenten journey are prayer, fasting, and giving alms. Each of these practices are ways to renew our love for God and neighbor. By definition, prayer is time spent with God. Giving alms is […]
n this 2ND Sunday of Lent, we hear Scriptural accounts of powerful experiences of God. Abram hears God directing him to leave his homeland behind to discover a new land which God will show him. He hears of God’s promise of blessing, and Abram followed the direction of God. Peter, James and John also have a powerful experience of God (the Father) as they accompany Jesus during his transfiguration. And of course, Jesus himself, who is always in communion with the Father, has a mystical encounter with Moses and Elijah and is transfigured before the […]
As I write today, I am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Soldotna. The image to the left hangs in the sanctuary of this parish church. As many of this readership already knows, I was ordained a priest on the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, June 27. This June will mark my 25th anniversary. Over the years, I have looked to Our Blessed Mother to teach me about conversation with Our Lord. In this particular image, the young Jesus ran and jumped into her arms (depicted by the dangling shoe on […]
On this First Sunday of Lent, our readings today take us from the Garden of Eden to the Desert. As the season of Lent always does, we are reminded today of the reality of sin and its consequences. In our first reading today, Genesis tells us that in the beginning man and woman enjoyed a loving relationship with each other, with God, and with all of creation. To a certain extent, every human heart still longs for such a properly ordered life, and we believers seek such a life through faith, hope and love. At […]
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 penitential season. I know my own life has been filled with so many new demands, and it is nice to have a formal season of the Church call me back to the basics of the spiritual life, which are at the service of a life […]
It is looking more like Christmas than the beginning of the Triduum at the Cheyenne Cathedral today! Despite the weather outside, I am grateful to have the business demands of these days finally behind me. It is a welcome moment to begin to prayerfully enter into the spirit of these holy days. I hope and pray your Lenten observance has helped you grow in virtue and holiness. Ultimately, these steps forward in the spiritual journey are a part of the ultimate goal of drawing nearer to Christ. I continue to pray for all of you, […]
On this 5th Sunday of Lent, we hear another familiar Gospel story of the adulterous woman brought before Jesus. In usual fashion, Jesus is drawing crowds to hear him teach. It is in this setting of Jesus teaching the crowds that the scribes and Pharisees drag a woman caught in adultery to challenge Jesus’ understanding of the Mosaic law. Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? A key to how Jesus will respond is […]