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...
The readings today take us back to the way God intended to work with his people. He called them together as a people and gave them the gift of his law. The law is a wisdom God shared with his people. It finds its fullness in the Ten Commandments, which...
Today’s readings prompt me to share some thoughts with you about choices, decisions, and commitments. Each and every day we consider choices presented to us, and then we make our decisions. There comes a moment when our consideration ends and we raise a choice to the level of our wills,...
In 2001 Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, published a small book entitled “God Is Near Us”. One of the chapters in that book is headed The Presence of the Lord in the Sacrament. It makes wonderful reading. He begins this chapter with the very text of the Gospel of today’s Mass: He...
Last week Jesus offered the people true bread, the bread of God, which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. They had responded enthusiastically: Sir … give us that bread always. Jesus’ reply was unexpected and challenging: I am the bread of life. He who comes to...
Why does Jesus hold such interest after two thousand years? Can he solve the problems of today’s world? What can we expect of him? What can he give to support persons of our time? Is there anything in this life that can truly satisfy our deepest hunger and longing? The...