It all begins when we feel indebted, says Paul;when we feel ourselves to be guardians of the other,says the Prophet; unassuming debtors and attentive guardians: these are the two beautiful names for every person in a relationship. And the third is offered by the Gospel: restorers of bonds, those who ceaselessly mend the continually torn…
Today’s gospel asks the question, “Who is Jesus?” He wants to know how we define our relationship with Him. When I take my mom to a doctor’s appointment, the medical staff asks me, “How are you related to the patient?” I say, “I’m her son.” Essentially, I came from her, they may even notice a…
What do people say? And what do you say?Jesus uses questions to help his friends grow.Jesus’ questions in the Gospel truly serve an important purpose; they are not catechism-style questions, but sparks that ignite something, setting in motion transformation and growth. In life, questions are more important than answers. While answers may satisfy us and…
Today we remember one of Jesus’ greatest miracles, the feeding of the 5000, an important story we see recorded in all four gospels. One of the Greek words for Miracle is “Semeion” (say-mee-on) which translates to “Sign.” Think of each miracle as a road sign that points to heaven. How does Jesus use THIS miracle…
Jesus has attracted a huge crowd to a deserted place, devoid of the normal comforts yet full of joyful souls witnessing the merciful power of the Messiah. The disciples, being practical men, suggest: “Send the crowd away so they can go buy something to eat.” If He doesn’t send them away, they won’t leave. But…
The Gospel highlights how Jesus’ words resonate with the little ones—children, women, and the poor—who immediately understand him. Throughout the Bible, Go’s preference for the overlooked reflects a consistent logic of smallness, emphasizing that He invests in those whom the world disregards. And Jesus is happy about it. Despite discouraging events: John the Baptist has…
“Anyone who loves their family more than me is not worthy of me. But who can be worthy of you, Lord,with such high standards? My family—father, mother, brother, daughter—are dear to me and essential for truly living.” They inspire me to be true and authentic, motivating me to be my best self. We, even though…
Happy Father’s Day! In today’s readings we see the ups and downs of the lives of a prophets, sent by God to be His messengers. On this special day, let’s compare prophets and fathers, their journeys, and their relationship with God. The first similarity between prophets and fathers is they are both called to a…
“Do not be afraid, do not fear, do not be intimidated.” These are the three principles of a good educator:do not be afraid, do not instill fear, and free others from fear. Jesus’ deeply human approach to education: what matters is a new relationship, one in which there is no room for fear. And yet…
“When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.” Everything that follows springs from compassion, a term of infinite power and intensity: the Master feels pain for the world’s pain, for humanity’s great suffering. Jesus is compassion, the weeping of God made flesh. To weep is to love with one’s eyes. “The harvest is…