So…the first part of the gospel text sounded pretty cool. In modern terms, it was as if Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Dad’s willing to put his assets in your name now. Soon you’ll have more than you need.” Such news might cause one to think...
To a cry for equity regarding a share of his family’s inheritance, Jesus replies, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” To someone whose favorite activity is poking around thrift stores, his words give me pause. Seriously, I try Lord. While looking around,...
The disciples do not wish to pray silently. The neighbor will not leave without bread. Making needs, desires and wishes known is imperative to meeting them. During the Poor People’s Campaign in Washington, D. C. I held up five different glossy cardboard signs. At the...
The gospel text says, “A woman named Martha welcomed Jesus and his disciples into her home.” In her mind, she was the responsible party, the primary cause of them being there. Only she would be eligible to receive credit or blame. After all, who else...
What can be said about this passage? Well for starters, it reinforces a few things present in our weekly liturgy. Whatever is offered: grace, peace, communion or forgiveness comes by way of God. It is by God’s authority that even Jesus heals and foils Satan....
You’ve heard the expression, “Timing is everything.” Let’s see how timing plays a part in today’s scripture texts. In the first reading, Elijah was given a list of people to enlist, so to speak, into God’s service: two kings and a prophet. I guess the...
At first I thought, no way am I going to preach about this guy on Father’s Day. He represents a man who is ultimately tortured and has no dignity. For a long time he has lived naked among the dead without so much as one...
The Holy Spirit of wisdom and truth is no afterthought. She was there before earth began, crying to all that live. Beside God, like a master worker, she was God’s daily delight. She herself rejoices before God always, rejoices in the world we inhabit and...
What does it take to be amazed and astonished? How about a moon turning to blood? Would that do it? Whenever I pursue a thing or experience advertised as amazing/astonishing, I’m rarely impressed. I often feel misled and conclude that the name given tried to...
In John 15, verses 12-13, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” Memorial Day is a civic not religious holiday,...