"He healed many who were sick."
JOB 7:1-7 PSALM 147:1-6 1 COR.9:16-23 MARK 1:29-39
Today’s Gospel describes two admirable characteristics of Jesus Christ. First, is His great sympathy for the suffering humanity living in “futility and grief and misery heading without hope to their end.” (Job)
Jesus, seeing their great faith, “healed many who had various diseases and drove out many demons.” (Gospel) Indeed, faith is an indispensable element for a much awaited miracle to happen.

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It would seem that the theme of today’s Gospel is that of authority, especially the way that Jesus exercises His authority. The people were astonished at the teaching of Jesus because He taught with authority. The unclean spirit recognized the authority of Jesus calling Him the Holy One of God. Jesus demonstrated the truth of His authority by driving the unclean spirit from the man which the people saw as proof of the teaching of Jesus.

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There is an old axiom: ”Remember your last end, and you will never sin.”
If we really believed that the world would end for us before sundown today,
we would probably live the most virtuous life we could. But we’ve lost our sense of urgency. The Lord has not yet come, and it’s been over 2,000 years.

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“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”
The theme of this week’s readings is ministry. In the first reading Hannah, the mother of Samuel leaves him in the care of Eli, the priest of God, who helps Samuel realize God is calling him to service. In today’s world we are surrounded with noise.

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If Jesus truly is the eternal Son of God and Savior of the world, then why is He not recognized by everyone who hears His word and sees His works? John the Evangelist says that when Jesus came to the world the world knew Him not and His own people received Him not (Jn 1:10-11). Jesus was born in poverty and as unknown. Only the shepherds recognized Him at His birth. Some wise men also found their way to Bethlehem to pay homage to Jesus Christ, the newborn King of Israel.

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Very appropriately, the common theme of today’s readings is ‘praising and glorifying the Lord.’And praise and glorify him we must as we start another year in our spiritual home bound pilgrimage.
Yahweh himself commanded Moses to instruct the Israelites to offer praise and glory to God for blessing and keeping them free from harm and from looking kindly on them especially in times of difficulties (1st Reading).

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When I am with my family for Christmas, it is always a time for lots of presents. Too many. We all love to see the children, my great nieces and nephews, with the sparkle in their eyes and the expectancy on their faces as they rip into brightly wrapped boxes and fill the room with squeals of joy!

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This the fourth and last Sunday of Advent.
Today’s gospel is the Annunciation scene. An obscure virgin of Nazareth receives an unexpected visit from God’s own angel. David’s dynasty (which hadn’t existed for 600 years) would be restored by the offspring of this virgin. And God would save his people by becoming one of them.

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In today’s gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent, we are introduced to John the Baptist. In an attempt to find out who John the Baptist was, the Jews could think of three things he might be:
Are you the Messiah? John answered, “I am not the Christ”. The Jews were and are waiting for the Messiah.
They asked him if he was Elijah. John answered, “I am not”. It was the Jewish belief that before the Messiah came Elijah would return to prepare the world to receive Him.
Are you the Prophet? “He answered, No”. It was sometimes believed that the Prophet Isaiah, and especially Jeremiah would return at the coming of the Messiah.

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John the Baptist's life was fueled by one passion to point others to Jesus Christ and to the coming of His kingdom. Who is John the Baptist and what is the importance of his message for our lives? Scripture tells us that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15, 41).

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"Be on your guard, stay awake, because you do not know when the Lord will come"
Is 63:16-17,19-64:2-7, 1Cor 1:3-9, Mk 13:33-37

It's advent time again. A much needed time to pause from our busy lifestyle and reflect on our spirituality. It is also a time to “be alert and watch for we don’t know when the time will come.” (Gospel)

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Christ The King
There are numerous titles for Christ in our religious vocabulary and rightly so because Christ is the Savior of all and He is over all. Today as we celebrate the title of Christ the King we are given an interesting image of His kingship.
We have an enthroned Christ judging the nations and interestingly enough He is judging based on how the people treat Him, the King.

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Our first reading today comes from the last chapter of Proverbs. It gives us a beautiful description of a loyal wife. Our Church selected this reading for its symbolism: The Church is the bride or wife of Christ; the Church (and that means you and me) must always work to reflect the glory of Christ, the groom.

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We often look at the Gospel reading for today and clearly see the message of “being prepared.” There is one other aspect to this Gospel that could be missed if not looked at closely and this is the oil for the lamps, which the foolish virgins did not have enough of. In the parable the oil represents that which fills us up and makes us ready to do the will of God and to let “our light shine” and follow Him.

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Jesus admonishes the scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders for their showy practices. In their misguided zeal for religion they sought respect and honor for themselves rather than for God and for his word. They wanted the people to treat them as great teachers and rulers. They, unfortunately, made the practice of their faith a burden rather than a joy for the people they were supposed to serve.

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Exodus 22:20-26; 1 Thes 1:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40
"You shall love the Lord, your God"
God gave Moses the Decalogue but with the passing of time, so many more related rules, precepts, instructions and ordinances, were eventually incorporated that they became so numerous and confusing thus the question: "Teacher, which is the most important of the commandments?" (Gospel)

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Realizing that all of creation, from moment to moment is being sustained by the Creating power of God puts the message of the Gospel into perspective. Repay to “God what belongs to God.” Looking at this line from the above perspective should give one pause for reflection. What aspect of one’s life should not then, be oriented toward the greater honor and glory of God?

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Today, we do not know starvation and gnawing hunger of poorer nations. But Israel did at the time of Jesus. The banquet in today’s Gospel represents the joy of heaven. There is great urgency to this invitation: The food is ready, Come, There is no time to delay, Come.

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In today’s second reading from St. Paul to the Philippians, he suggests prayer as a solution to life’s worries. He stresses that we take everything to God in prayer as nothing is too great or too small for his fatherly concern. We can pray for ourselves, for forgiveness for the past, for our present needs and direction for the future.

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What kind of future are you preparing for? Jesus encourages us to think,– to think about the consequences of our choices, especially the choices and decisions that will count not just for now but for the eternal life. The choices we make now will affect and shape our future, both our future on earth as well as in the life after death.

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25th Sunday Ordinary Time
"The Workers in the Vineyard"
Many find this parable not only unfair but grossly un-Christian to give the same reward to everyone without considering the labor and sacrifices one endured. Without doubt, Jesus wanted to shock us and shatter the idea we obstinately cling to: that we have merits of our own that God must recognize.

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The concept of forgiving those who have hurt us is often a difficult thing to comprehend. It is very natural to have feelings of anger and resentment and mistrust towards those who have violated our own trust.

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St. Matthew’s “Sermon on the Church”
Today’s Readings are not about structures or policies of the Church but about relationships of members. no one ever said it would be easy to be a Christian.

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Today’s Gospel presents a recurring theme in the teaching of Jesus. Again and again He confronts us with the three things needed to live a spiritual life.
A. We must deny ourselves – Ordinarily, we use the word self-denial to mean we give up something we enjoy for a period of time. But Jesus means to deny ourselves everything that is not a constant assent to God.

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Who is Jesus for me? At an appropriate time Jesus tests his disciples with an important question: Who do people say that I am and who do you say that I am? Jesus Christ was widely recognized in Israel as a mighty man of God; even he was being compared with the greatest of the prophets like; John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah.

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20th Sunday Ordinary Time • "The Faith of the Canaanite Woman"      The Jews had never been able to understand their election as ...

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p { margin-botto19th Sunday Ordinary Time 2011      I know that if I were in the same position as Peter was in today’s Gospel it ...

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“He took bread … blessed it … broke it … and gave it to his disciples.”
The Lord provides for His people now. It is not an abundance of material food;
but an abundance of the food for our spiritual life, the Eucharist.

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In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus continues to speak to his disciples in parables. Although we may find the parables difficult to understand, the people of Palestine even to this day would find them perfectly natural. In the ancient world ordinary people used the ground as the safest place to keep their most cherished belongings

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What can weed-sowing tell us about the Kingdom of God? The image Jesus uses in the Gospel on the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time is an everyday example of planting, harvesting, and sorting the good fruit from the bad. Weeds can spoil and even kill a good harvest if they are not separated and destroyed at the proper time.

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"The Parable of the Sower" Mt. 13:1-23
Who will welcome the Word of God? This has nothing to do with one’s intelligence or ability to reflect, or one’s interest in religious things. Clearly, those who are open to hope, receive the Word.

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In the prayer of Jesus in today’s Gospel we have Him thanking and praising the Father for handing all things over to Himself, the Son. God the Father pours Himself out into the Son so that anyone who sees the Son is actually experiencing God the Father.

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Why did Jesus offer Himself as “food and drink”? The Jews were horrified at this, and the disciples were confused when Jesus said "unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you." What a hard saying, unless you understand who Jesus is and why He calls himself the bread of life

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Pentecost Sunday – The Birthday of our Catholic Church       Pentecost was a Jewish feast called the Week of Weeks or Shabuo...

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“ASCENSION OF THE LORD”
"And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time."
ACTS 1:1-11; EPHESIANS 1:17-23; MATTHEW 28:16-20
Today’s Gospel describes the ‘Ascension of the Lord.’ What is striking to note is that “some of his disciples still doubted Jesus” (Gospel) upon seeing him. This despite "appearing to them for a period of 40 days, giving many signs that indeed He is alive and teaching them about the Kingdom of God” (1st Reading).

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How do we know that God truly loves each of us? In the Cross we see the proof of God's love, and the incredible price God was willing to pay for our redemption. Jesus gave up His life that we might have life – abundant, everlasting life with God – a life of love and unity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever

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     The message of Jesus to His disciples was one of  simplicity.  Jesus continuously taught the leaders of the Jewish ...

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In the Middle East, even among pagan peoples, the king or leader was considered to be the shepherd of his people. But for Israel, only the Lord could truly be king and shepherd. Among the Hebrews, sheep were most often raised for wool and milk, and not for meat.

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3rd Sunday of Easter “Road to Emmaus” Acts 2:14,22-33
1Peter 1:17-21 Luke 24:13-35
Today’s Gospel describes how 2 of Jesus’ followers (a certain Cleophas and an unnamed disciple) have decided to return home after their hopes had been crushed. Now the unknown disciple could be anyone of us.

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Do you really know the joy that comes from the Resurrection? The Risen Jesus revealed the glory of His Resurrection to the Disciples gradually and over a period of time. Even after they saw the empty tomb and heard the reports of Jesus' appearance to the women, they were still weak in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities

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Alleluia! Christ has risen! Christ has now conquered death and He has enabled for us to be accepted into the Divine Life that is ours to have because of His victory.

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“Jesus Is Our Resurrection and Our Life” Mt. 11:25
Today’s Gospel describes the Raising of Lazarus but the over-all theme in all our readings is the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus raised Lazarus back to life through the Spirit resting in him, He too could raise us up from the clutches of the Devil if only we would be humble enough to admit our sinfulness and let Jesus enter into our lives.

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“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” This is the real un-blinding and central meaning of this weekend's Gospel. The man sees Jesus, because Jesus has done some “work”. Have we been un-somethinged, re-visioned, by Jesus?

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In the Gospel reading from John we have the familiar story of “The Woman at the Well,” and this encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman clearly demonstrates the power of the presence of Jesus and His effect on those who were open to His Word. In His conversation with the woman Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah, the Savior who was to come.

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Bad News:
a. This life will always be a struggle
b. We will always be tempted to go the way of the world.
c. We will always be tempted to give up – give up on our Lenten penance.
Good News: BAPTISM
The good news is that you have been chosen and transformed into the image of Christ’s glory even if you don’t see it now.

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“The Lord, your God, shall you worship and Him alone shall you serve.” Mt. 4:10
Once again, last Wednesday, we began the Season of Lent, reminding us that sin, in all its wickedness, is a reality and part of our human existence.

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Our Lord asks us in today's Gospel "what kind of foundation have we built our lives upon?"
The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the inevitable storms of life that are sure to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster!

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Trust and priorities are the major themes of the readings for this Sunday. One is called to trust in the goodness and Love of God as creator, sustainer and provider. We are created as individual members of the human family of our God, called to return that love to Him as grateful, trusting children should.

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“BE HOLY BECAUSE I AM HOLY” It’s very human to seek to get even, to return in kind for any injuries received. But this is not God’s way. Unfortunately, our human nature is wounded by the effects of “original sin.”

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“I have come not to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them.” Mt. 5:17 The First Reading from the Book of Sirach tells us that God is just and fair. He understands our needs and anxieties. He enlightens us and tells us exactly what would be the consequences of our choices or decisions. But because He loves us, He respects our free will.

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What does the image of a shepherd tell us about God’s care for us? Shepherding was one of the oldest callings in Israel, even before farming, since the Chosen People had traveled from place to place, living in tents, and driving their flocks from one pasture to another. Looking after sheep was no easy calling. It required great skill and courage. Herds were often quite large, thousands or even ten thousands of sheep. The flocks spent a good part of the year in the open country. Watching over them required a great deal of attention and care. Sheep who strayed from the flock had to be sought out and brought back by the shepherd. Since hyenas, jackals, wolves, and even bears were common and fed on sheep, the shepherds often had to do battle with these wild and dangerous beasts. A shepherd literally had to put his life on the line in defending his sheep! Shepherds took turns watching the sheep at night to ward off any attackers. The sheep and their shepherds continually lived together. Their life was so intimately bound together that individual sheep, even when mixed with other flocks, could recognize the voice of their own shepherd and would come immediately when called by name.

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The reading from the first Letter to the Corinthians by Saint Paul seems to be the perfect complement to the Gospel reading of the Beatitudes. Saint Paul tells us that if we have anything to boast about it is in the Lord.

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It doesn’t make any difference where you come from, what your background is, how old you are, or even your education. One person can make a difference if he has a mission and a message and works for it.

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"Behold the Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World" John 1:29Today we begin the ordinary season (8 Sundays before Lent) in our liturgical calendar, another cycle in our pilgrimage as followers of Jesus Christ.

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Do we know the joy of the Lord? When the followers of John the Baptist complained that all are now going to Jesus, John in his characteristic humility exclaimed that he was not the Messiah but only the messenger sent to prepare His way.

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Within the readings of today the stage is set, Jesus the Christ has been foretold and He has been announced. We wait in anxious anticipation for the coming of our Lord and savior. We look to that day, soon to come, when God Himself will become man and be the savior of the world!

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Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is called “Gaudete” Sunday. It means “Rejoice.” Rose (or pink) vestments may be worn. The organ may be played, and flowers may be used near the altar.

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“Prepare the Way of the Lord” Mt 3:3
The real beginning of the Gospel is the preaching of John the Baptist who announces the coming of the One sent by God. This is Jesus about whom the Gospel will speak to us who has been announced and prepared for by all the great witnesses of the Old Testament. In him and by him God’s salvation will be accomplished.

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We all know what it feels like when we're expecting a friend to come whom we haven't seen for some time, and they delay? The Lord Jesus expects us to watch in great anticipation for the most important event of all – His return in glory at the end of time! The Advent season reminds us that we are living in the end times

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At any point in history, since the beginning of the Church, the events and situations that Jesus talks about in the Gospel seem to be taking place. Even the early Church was certain that Jesus would be returning within their lifetime.

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The world as we know it will someday end. In addition we are all going to die someday. But the modern world does not want to hear about judgment or death or punishment.

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“Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house”
The story of Zacchaeus, which appears only in Luke's Gospel, is very familiar to us. Everyone in Jericho was pointing an accusing finger at Zacchaeus: how could a sinful man like him be converted? But contrary to everyone’s expectations, Jesus gladly entered his home.

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What kind of prayer is pleasing to God? Today, Jesus tells a vivid story of two people who went to the house of God to pray. Why did the Lord accept one person’s prayer and reject the other’s prayer?

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The readings today really emphasize the need for us to be persistent in our faith and in our prayer. When we look at other aspects of our lives, what is it that we do to obtain the things that we want?

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When Our Lord sent out the apostles on mission, he instructed them to “Go out to all nations and proclaim the Good News.” From the very beginning, the followers of Jesus have understood that an essential element of our life is to be “mission people with a mission heart”.

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We can easily relate with the frustrations of the prophet Habakkuk in today's first reading asking God why there is so much violence and injustice in our world today. Where is God in all this? Why does He allow so much evil to happen?

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What most absorbs our time and attention, and our hearts? Jesus' parable about a man who had everything he needed and a man who had nothing turns our ...

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In the Gospel today Christ is explaining a very simple concept in what seems to be a very complex and confusing manner. Here is an apparent, untrustworthy steward who, when he finds that he is being dismissed, makes Provisions for himself with his master's debtors by lowering their debt and thus cheating his master.

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     The three Scripture readings today teach the infinite patience and mercy of God. Today’s profound theme is the undeserved mer...

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     “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother… cannot be my disciple.”         I’...

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     Who wants to be last? Isn't it only natural to desire respect and esteem from others? Jesus' Parable of the guests invited to...

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If there were no sin all of us would have been born with the privilege of the Immaculate Conception. If there were no sin there would be no suffering or death. The Blessed Mother Mary was preserved free from all sin, original and actual. She persevered in God’s grace by always saying “yes.” Because she was free from sin, her death was not caused by sin. She died in imitation of, and in participation with, the death of her Son, Jesus. She died as an act of total self giving. But death could not hold her. She was raised in glory. She is the first of the redeemed to be raised.On the last day, we too shall be taken body and soul to heaven as Mary was. Her ASSUMPTION is a sign to us of our destiny. She is what we would have been; she is the model and promise of what we shall be. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the first to be redeemed, the new Eve, the Mother of our Church, our Mother in heaven.Pray for us Mother of God now and at the hour of death, Amen.

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     “Fear Not, Little Flock” LK 12:32In our first reading, the Israelites put their trust in God’s promises and God remained fait...

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     I have heard it said that, if we count Bible verses, we’ll learn that Jesus talks more about money than about any other sing...

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Persistence in prayer is important, says the Lord in today’s Gospel.  The key to the text is that the father knows what is “good” for his child. ...

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     Martha, Martha, only one thing is necessary; listen to the Lord.  There are many things that grab our attention; world e...

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     In today’s Gospel, the lawyer asked Jesus Christ: “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered him with a parable of the Good Sam...

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The Gospels have one objective, to lead us to Christ.
Christ has one objective, to lead us to God. And God has one objective, to bring us to eternal happiness. Today’s Gospel,in its desire to lead us to Christ does not picture Christ as “an easy going, do whatever you want, you’re all going to get to heaven anyway” kind of person. Jesus is the most loving person who ever lived, and at the same time, when it comes to eternal life, he is a non wishy-washy, ambivalent person. With regard to salvation he is no nonsense. Some people might even consider his words hard. Our Lord’s words to us today come from his love and his objective is to lead us to holiness and eternal happiness.
Father Guy S. Fiano, O.Carm.

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For many of us, a model of a good or great father comes  easily to mind.  We see the face, remember the touch and hear the voice of our own ...

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  “ O the foolishness, the sinful foolishness …” as St. Augustine put it in his treatise on the Pharisee in today’s Gospel account, lay in his re...

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     Before people became aware that overindulgence in food produced a national  epidemic of obesity, many flocked to restaur...

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On this, the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity we are given a chance to reflect on the way that God reveals Himself to us, as a relationship of love....

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Liturgical singing is neither a kind of decoration to make our liturgies more beautiful nor an appendix to Mass. It has always been an integral part o...

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     Do you know the peace and security of the Good Shepherd who watches over His own? The Old Testament often speaks of God as Sh...

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     In light of this Sunday’s Readings that center on the Good Shepherd, allow me to share with you my story: ‘A rich man, with h...

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     Jesus asks Peter three times: “Do you love me more than these?” Three times Peter answers: “Yes”. Jesus then asks him to feed...

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There is a message in the Gospel today other than the obvious theme of Thomas and his doubt concerning the resurrection of the Lord.  This theme...

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     Resurrection, Christ conquers sin and death. This Easter Vigil evening, we, the Church, come to life with Christ. By signs o...

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It seems that most of us strive to be consistent in life. We make choices and try to stick to them. We give our word and try not to betray it. Dependa...

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Lent can be a good time to reflect on the people who mean the most to us and the relationships we hold most dear. For those of us who live in indust...

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In the account of the Transfiguration we have Moses representing the law, Elijah representing the prophets, and Jesus as the fulfillment of both of th...

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The Scriptures today tell us that we are nothing. But God still loves us and calls us to be his people. We also will be tempted but Jesus will help ...

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Brothers and Sisters, we are reminded today in the Gospel that the Sermon on the Mount describes for us the Faith that gives us access to God. We need...

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This Sunday's readings remind us that we are all part of God's plan.  God calls three people by name to be His messengers:  the prophet Isai...

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This weekend we hear how Jesus' Home-Town folks listened with rapt attention to Him, expecting one thing but getting another. He startles them with ...

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Jesus tells us that He is the one that the Hebrew Scripture talks about. That He is the one that will “bring glad tidings to the poor” and “proclaim...

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The wine in the Gospel today represents joy and salvation; the abundance (about 150 gallons) shows the lavish forgiveness and joy of being close to Je...

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My sisters and brothers, today we celebrate a feast that was the original Christmas Day, because it manifested who Jesus really was. The Feast of th...

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      When I am with my family for Christmas, it is always a time for lots of presents. Too many. We all love to see the...

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“Scrub” the expression “Happy Holidays” from Catholic vocabulary! “We don’t celebrate a generic excuse for gift-giving, we celebrate the birth of Jesu...

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In this time of Advent, of expectation, many of us have a similar question as the crowds that addressed John in today’s Gospel; “What should we do? Ho...

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The season of Advent means that we announce “good news” to the world: Christ has come and our lives must now be different. Fill in the valleys o...

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This weekend we begin the season of Advent. Advent means "coming", and it prepares us for a twofold coming, that of Christmas, the birthday of Jesus ...

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Brothers and Sisters, we are reminded in the readings today that this world as we know it will come to an end some day. Let that serious thought help ...

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The Church gives us a wonderful Gospel today that is very pertinent to the feast that we are celebrating, that of All Saints.  As we reflect on t...

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     In Jerusalem Jesus will encounter spiritual blindness. The Romans will torture Him and put Him to death. On this last stop Je...

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It is refreshing to see the type of situation that we have in the Gospel today.  “The sons of thunder” James and John are all puffed up and ask J...

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“He who dies with the most toys, wins.” Jesus says “no”. This “rich young man” asked the right question. Today’s society sadly doesn’t ask and no o...

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As seen many times in the Gospels, the Pharisees are trying to trip up Jesus with a trick question concerning the Jewish law. They knew that the Jewis...

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Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ : “Amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward”.    ...

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In today’s second reading James states that “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” It is very evident that this statement describes the situation that the world finds itself in today. Through the prideful will of selfish ambition we see the results of financial upheaval, uncontrolled health care costs resulting in the poor going without, abortion, euthanasia and numerous other evils. The Church through the direction of the Holy Spirit asks us today to turn from selfish and ambitious behavior and to hear the call of Christ. This is to become one who is the “last of all and the servant of all”, one who does not seek glory and riches but seeks to be enriched in the graces of God by the good that one can do for their neighbor. So as we reflect on the readings of today, let us ask God to help us develop a true sense of humble service to Him and our neighbor through the love that is the essence of God and that He so generously allows us to participate in through the Holy Spirit.
Deacon Bill Watsek

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It is tough to be a Catholic. Look at Sunday’s Scripture readings. Whom do we follow? What is our real faith?...

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During this week our daily Mass scripture readings have invited us to consider the gift of faith as a way of seeing deeply. Faith allows us to discover the deeper meaning of God’s word for us, not only as the “Word for all to hear” but as the Word of God addressed directly and personally to each of us. The word of comfort, inspiration, challenge and direction also carries a unique meaning if we read and listen with the eyes of faith. When we reflect upon the events of our lives, the “story” of God’s creative involvement with us, through the deeper vision of faith, we discover the suffering, mistakes, detours, joys and ecstasy that are moments in the hidden plan of our lives that God will explain to us in prayer. The inner logic and beauty of God’s creative power will shine through the surface of our lives and of our memories. We need to pray for the supernatural gift of faith. It is God’s way of helping us to find the Trinity of Love hidden, mysterious, life-giving and everywhere.

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The “Bread of Life” discourses in the Gospel of John are the reflection of the beliefs of the early Church in the sacramental nature of the Eucharisti...

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In the Bible “Bread” can be understood as ordinary bread. “Bread” can also mean the way of life, as in “My food is to do the will of my father”. But to the Jews, the “Bread” which would bring everlasting life was manna. In the Jewish tradition “Bread” was the Torah; it was also the manna which enabled them to keep the Torah. Jesus clarified this misunderstanding in today’s Gospel, the real “Bread” is to believe and to commit yourself entirely to the one whom the Father has sent. Jesus assures the crowds that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst. Jesus replaces the Torah and manna with belief in Himself. He and He alone is eternal life, He is the way to eternal life.

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Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also gave them as much of the fish as they wanted. After Jesus multiplies the food, he Himself distributes it. He is our Host, the one whom we can trust to feed our hungers. He will be with us to nourish us at each stage of life’s journey until, at last, we arrive safely home for the everlasting banquet with him and each other. What hungers are we experiencing today as we gather around the Eucharistic table? Who are the hungry we are called by Christ to feed? How?

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In today’s gospel, Jesus looks upon a vast crowd of people and feels pity for them because they are like sheep without a shepherd. We too are often like those sheep, lost and in need of comfort, affirmation and approval. At times, we seek the “out of the way” places, so our Lord and shepherd may find us and save us. If and when we find these places, and allow ourselves to be led back, we might be changed. Not by the short-term shepherds we find along the way, but by the true, everlasting Father of hope, love and eternal life. What issue, large or small, is taking us to the out-of-the-way place where our Lord can find us?

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Much like the apostles being sent out to preach repentance to the people of Israel, so too are we called to be representatives before the world as followers of Christ. We who are baptized into the faith have a true responsibility not only to live the faith that we are given but to share that faith with others. We share this faith by being examples of Christian morality in our homes in our workplace and in our community. Just as the apostles were not welcomed everywhere that they went, so too at times we will be scoffed at and ridiculed for doing the will of God. But in knowing that we are following the faith and doing our best we can take solace in the words of Christ when he says “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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If we try to do God’s will at all times, it will be a struggle: others will probably ridicule us, slander us, malign and persecute us. To follow the Lord’s way will probably mean that we are out of step with the rest of society. It would be so easy to give up. To “go with the flow”. But Jesus calls us to be steadfast and loyal to Him. Ezekiel, Paul and Jesus experienced rejection. What about us? What priest hasn’t felt discouragement when his efforts bear little visible fruit? What Catholic hasn’t been discouraged when he tries to witness his faith and meet those who could care less, and his efforts seem to accomplish nothing? Today’s Mass tells us not to yield to discouragement. We are instruments of God’s grace. Do not count the cost but persevere and never stop to measure success. God will bring all efforts to success in His time. “My grace is sufficient for you.”

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How often is God’s reply to our questions or requests not what you expected to hear?
All of Jesus’s miracles are bound in faith. A miracle is not the power to do something superhuman. It’s the power to do good. Miracles are signs of faith. Thus, faith can work miracles. Jesus’s miracles were signs that God’s reign had arrived and all who had faith would find themselves in the same boat, safe with Jesus. As faithful followers of Jesus, we can join together in generosity to grant life to millions. Yes, we can do this because we are all in the boat!!!! Happy Father’s Day.

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The Eucharist can provide us with nutrients of the soul, giving us sustenance, just as God sustained the people of Israel with manna. With these gifts we also accept a responsibility - that we now identify ourselves as one of Christ’s disciples and embody Christ. This responsibility we have is to our God and our community, that we will share with others our compassion, love, support and peace. The Eucharist can provide us with the strength and sustenance we need when our journey hits rocky paths, willing us forward to show God’s grace to ourselves and others. Our Amen in receiving Christ’s body and blood pronounces that we are ready and willing to accept this responsibility.

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God creates as God is. Just as the Trinity is a relationship of love between the Father and the Son generating the Holy Spirit, so God created us as creatures made to be in loving relationship with God and our fellow humans. So when we say we love our neighbor we are not simply saying that we have a relationship with them but that we are participating in that most intimate relationship within the Holy Trinity itself. Married couples who share this bond sacramentally are consecrated to this relationship in an even more profound manner. So as we reflect on the Trinitarian nature of God, let us rejoice in the gift of love that God has shared with us and work to share that love with others.

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Jesus commissions His disciples to baptize in His name, reminding them that He is always present through His Spirit. Having ascended to His Father amid cries of gladness, we are to be His witnesses for we have been gifted with His Spirit of
wisdom and revelation.
Let us, therefore, live in a manner worthy of the call we have received. Our faith and how we live it must be demonstrated as though our very lives depend on it, for indeed, our lives and all that God holds for us, do just that.

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Jesus gave us one commandment: LOVE ONE ANOTHER! To do this, we must be ready to set aside our own desires and be come aware of the needs of others; to be ready to make the first move for forgiveness and healing. Today’s readings tell us that God is creative and reconciling and that the perfect expression of God’s love is Jesus. Let us be Christ’s followers and allow our hearts to guide us as we strive to carry the message of Easter thru the year.

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Today is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday”. Shepherd is only one metaphor used to describe Jesus. Others include: Savior, King, Redeemer, Lamb of God, Gate of the Sheepfold, High Priest, First Born of the Dead, Messiah (Christ) and of course Lord. One other is used in today’s readings: “Stone Rejected” from Psalm 118. Each metaphor gives a very true aspect of Jesus’ mission but none will ever completely describe Him. Meditate and contemplate on the person of Jesus.
Today is also Vocations Sunday, a day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood. Let us all offer a special prayer that young men
will hear the call of Christ to the priesthood and that young women will hear the call of Christ to the Religious Life.

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Jesus has shown us and our own experience confirms, that peace comes from forgiveness. Seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt, accepting forgiveness, extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us. The peace which Jesus gives does not overtake us in spite of ourselves. It is a gift which must be accepted, and worked at, in order to take root. We are endowed with incredible powers to love or hate, to forgive or to seek revenge, to share what we have with others or to snatch whatever we can for ourselves. The choices which Jesus made are clear for His life was one of love and forgiveness, of giving and healing.

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On this greatest day of the year, all fasting and somber thoughts are banished. As St. John Chrysostom announces in the famous Easter sermon, all are invited to the feast: “Let all then enter the joy of Our Lord! Both the first and the last and those who come after, enjoy your reward! Those who have kept the fast and those who have not, rejoice today for the table is richly spread. Let no one go away hungry. Let no one mourn that He has fallen again for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let none fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free. Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of the dead. For Christ, having risen from the dead is become the first-fruits for those who sleep. To Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

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Friday evening at the Temple we joined hands for Shabbat services and this Sunday we come together for the  12:15 pm Mass. Why do we participate ...

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God delivers the commandments and instinctively we get defensive. Laws, rules and regulations only serve to narrow the scope of our enjoyment. Yet the...

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Here at the beginning of our Lenten journey the Church presents us with readings that refer to covenant as well as a sense of anticipation.  The ...

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Sin is the worst possible evil. It is worse than any physical disease. As we saw last week, the bible uses many symbols of sin: leprosy, blindness, deafness. Today it is lameness but sin is worse than any of these. We can attain heaven with any physical debility. But we cannot enter heaven if we are in sin, if we have “missed the mark” or if we have failed to live up to the image God has in mind for us. We need to turn back to the Lord, not only in the big things, but in the small. Our first reading compares forgiveness to springs of water bursting forth in the desert. For us this is a reference to baptism. Once we were washed clean. What about now? Are we truly the people God wants us to be? Are we saints? If not, we are lame; we are paralyzed. We need the healing words of Jesus.
Deacon Mike Zatarga

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Today, in this year honoring the 2,000th anniversary of his birth, we commemorate St. Paul’s supernatural conversion. Paul at first persecuted the church and then Jesus appeared to him. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (ACTS 9:4). Then Paul’s zeal was directed toward converting the world. He became the Apostle to the Gentiles, the Great Lion of God.

Paul became a martyr for Christ, for us. Let us always be worthy of his effort. St. Paul, give me your zeal for Christ. Help us to convert the world to Jesus.

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To accept God’s call means more than accepting a personal or private commission. It means accepting a communal life, a life of solidarity with others. We can always test whether we are really responding to that by asking ourselves “When God calls me, does God find me committed to Him? To others? To self?
We are called to something greater than ourselves, and in obeying that call we are summoned beyond ourselves, to be servants like Jesus Christ.

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The Christmas Season officially comes to an end this weekend at the banks of the Jordan River with Jesus’ baptism by John. The glad tidings and good c...

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When the magi brought their gifts to the baby Jesus, they were overjoyed at being able to behold the newborn King. They had traveled far in faith seeking to bring gifts to a child that is destined to be a great leader of His people. As we go through our journey of life, we are given many great gifts by God. We are called to return these gifts to God by using them as best as we can for the greater honor and glory of God. We do this by helping all of God’s people live better and more loving lives on a day to day basis. So, as we continue in this Christmas season, let our epiphany be to understand our responsibility to use our talents and treasures for the betterment of humanity and thus return these precious gifts to God.

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Christians are a people of joy. Today is “Gaudete Sunday” or Joy Sunday. “Gaudete” is latin meaning rejoice. Catholic Christians cannot be a people of...

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Advent is a time of getting ready or preparing the way for our favorite season, Christmastime. It is a time that not only tries, but builds up and rei...

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Both the Old and New Testaments contain many passages expressing the human desire for the Lord’s presence. How deep is our wish that God will break in...

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