We hear from the Prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading that a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David, one of the Old Testament leaders idealized by the Jews. It is important to know where we come from, who we are related Read more…
In the Gospel reading today, Jesus invites Himself to Zacchaeus’ house. The reading indicates Jesus was initially going to pass through Jericho, but something changed his mind and he calls out to Zacchaeus in his perch. You can picture this in your mind, Zacchaeus, short in stature has climbed the Read more…
The Apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith in the Gospel passage today. Jesus responds that even with a small amount of faith we can accomplish amazing things. We all too often believe we can’t do big things; we are simple followers of Jesus without the power to amaze. I Read more…
In the first reading today, we hear from the Book of Wisdom which states: “Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the Lord intends?” Many of us ponder over these words, coming to the conclusion: who indeed? Yet, God has revealed His desires and intentions for each Read more…
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension. Luke, the author of the Gospel named after him, and the Acts of the Apostles both describe this event in each of these books. While the description is different between these two books, the importance of this event is what we recognize Read more…
We hear the story of the Apostles being questioned by the Sanhedrin for preaching that Jesus was the Messiah. The Apostles had been arrested by the Jewish authorities for teaching about Jesus and healing the sick. However, during the night, an angel had opened the doors and instructed them to Read more…
When we hear the familiar “Parable of the Prodigal Son”, I believe this should be titled the “Parable of the Loving Father”. I say this because it is the father who has the traits we all seek: he is generous, patient, loving and forgiving. The father is the person in Read more…
In the Gospel passage today, Jesus speaks of many things. These could be considered wisdom sayings, in the tradition of the Jewish wisdom literature found in the Old Testament. Much of what he tells us is based on common sense. Unfortunately, common sense seems to be a rare commodity today. Read more…
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you.” These words from the Prophet Jeremiah begin our Liturgy of the Word today and may be familiar to many of us as they are the mantra or the foundational words of the pro-life Read more…
This is the time of year we gather together as family to celebrate Christmas and enjoy time with family and friends. We often find ourselves telling stories of how things were in the years past. These are the shared memories we cherish and wish to pass on to the younger Read more…