Today’s readings begin with Simeon, a priest known for renovating the house of God. This relates to St Francis, on his feast day, to whom God said, “Go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling completely to ruin.” Francis, who lived in the 13th century, began with physical labor, repairing one church…
Reflection on Matthew 21:33-43The parable is both somber and clear: the vineyard symbolizes Israel, the world, and me—a source of wild grapes, as noted in Isaiah, and a harvest of blood in Matthew. I reflect God’s disappointment. Its harshness foreshadows a violent conclusion, as evident in the vineyard workers’ chilling statement: “This is the heir;…
I look at the day through the eyes of the least among us—those sitting in the square with their tools of the trade laid aside, useless, who feel they have failed in their mission to provide for their families: those who feel unable to care for their children are suffering, suffering greatly. The call that…
“A man had two sons,” and each son had two hearts, reflecting a common human experience: one heart that says yes and another that says no. There is no third son with a unified heart—no ideal son who perfectly aligns words with actions. We are unfinished, contradictory people: I do not understand myself; I do…
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…