Homilies (Page 5)

A Note from the Pastor – July 7

The Gospel records one of those sudden roadblocks that ignited Jesus’ words with wonder. The source of divine joy stemmed from the little ones, the children, the women, the simple of heart, and the poor because when God moves nimbly, they immediately get it. In the Bible, God’s economy of littleness supports those often overlooked.…

A Note from the Pastor – June 30

He who loses his life finds it. Play on words between losing and finding; an essential paradox found six times on Jesus’ lips. We understand that to lose is not letting life slip away or go astray but actively giving it away. As one does with a gift, with treasure spent drop by drop. I…

A Note from the Pastor – June 23

“Do not be afraid, fear no one, do not be frightened.” Jesus opposes fear three times this Sunday, but instead of proposing courage, he signals faith, as when the Master shocked his frail disciples one stormy night: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mk. 4:40). We believe faith is the antidote…

June 18 Homily

Happy Father’s Day! Today’s readings put a whole new spin on “raising children.“ In the first reading, think of God as the Father and his Chosen People as His children. In thisreading we can learn a lot from how God sees the role of a FATHER. “If you harken to myvoice and keep my covenant,…

A Note from the Pastor – June 16

Jesus asserts, “The harvest is abundant.” When we look at our world, it might seem that the fields of society are arid and the times bleak. In the opinion of many, much has to happen until the harvest, with tremendous efforts to mix seed and sweat, and still return empty-handed like Peter on the lake.…

A Note from the Pastor – June 9

“Remember the journey,” whispers the First Reading. Remember! For forgetfulness is the root of empty hearts. Remember the desert and the mountain, the wind of the trails, how our life journey has had so many hiccups, and then the strength that came down suddenly when you no longer expected it, just like manna in the…

A Note from the Pastor – June 2

The words we use to explain the Trinity have become so convoluted that we dread to explain it and trip over our tongue twisters. Jesus chooses to use words about the Trinity that are household names and titles of affection: “Father and Son” are names that embrace and support each other. Spirit is a name…

A Note from the Pastor – May 26

Pentecost was better known in Jewish times as Shavuot; on this feast, which occurred 50 days after Passover (coming out of Egypt), the people of Israel received the law in Sinai. Move the camera to the upper room in Jerusalem around one thousand years later: 50 days after Jesus was crucified on Passover, but now…

A Note from the Pastor – May 19

The disciples have a date with Jesus at a familiar mountain after his crucifixion and glorious resurrection. Even though they feel undeserving of his invitation, they cannot afford to miss this meeting. They know he will provide what is needed to fulfill his purpose if he calls them. So it’s not a farewell but a…

A Note from the Pastor – May 12

Why does our Sunday gospel have a conditional: “If you love me.”  Love in this passage refers to the word Agape (ἀγάπη): a sacrificial love at the highest level that unites and heals; It is selfless. It is the highest, most pure form of love as a choice, not out of attraction or obligation. The “If” is…