Jewish sages wrote the Book of Genesis as a series of meditations on the origin of the universe and the genesis of humankind. A popular form of Jewish writing was employed setting forth very profound ideas in simple forms of storytelling. Everything happened, they told us, because a caring and...
A few moments ago, we heard that Jesus said, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” What does this Bible passage mean? Are we to understand that Jesus is saying that He is tolerant of those who minister in His Most Holy Name apart from His association? Are we...
The question ‘Who do you say I am?’ was correctly answered by Peter last week. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit he stated: You are the Christ. Jesus immediately orders them, and orders them strictly, not to tell anyone about him because another important question remains unanswered, ‘What is...
In many situations asking the right question is critically important… but coming up with the right question at the right time is an art. If a scientist doesn’t ask the right question he or she will follow paths that do not lead to solving a problem that confronts them. If...
We have a Gospel today that calls our attention – not just for the miracle, but the way Jesus accomplishes it. He heals a deaf man, but not by a simple word or touch. He takes the man apart from the crowd, places his finger in the ears, touches his...
If you would be an Olympic gold medal athlete, an accomplished musician, or poet, or writer… or if you would be a renowned scientist, or at the top of your profession, or a successful businessman, you will be required to live a disciplined life. You will have to observe a...
If you were reading readings for Mass last Thursday you would have read Matthew’s gospel – chapter 22, verses 1-14. A king prepares a banquet of fine foods and sends his servants to call those who had been invited; but they are not interested. Some just walk away (one to...
Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench when one turns to the other and says: “Jim, I’m 83 years old now, and I’m just full of aches and pains. I know you are about my age. How do you feel?” Jim says, “I feel just...
The event we read about in today’s Gospel, the multiplication of the loaves and fish, is one of the most extraordinary miracles Jesus did during his earthly life. Even though we weren’t there 2000 years ago to be fed by the hands of the disciples, this miracle is also one...
1. Good shepherds – bad shepherds – what’s all this talk about shepherds? a. Does the term shepherd even have any significance in our society today? i. I think the culture war battles we’ve witnessed over the past few years may well answer this question for us ii. This came...