Loved and Loving (Heb 13:1-8; Ps 27; Mk 6:14-29) ********************************************* Today’s readings remind us of how loved we are by God, and invite us to live out of that love in a multiplicity of ways. The author of the letter to the Hebrews lays the foundation for the whole liturgy: “God has said, ‘I will […]

Emissaries of a New Covenant: Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions (Heb 12:18-24; Ps 48; Mk 6:7-13) ***************************************** Do you realize that you are, or can be, part of an exciting, life-giving and life-changing missionary venture? The liturgy today is meant to blow wide open our concept of God, church, and mission, and send […]

Cavalry in Slow Motion: Memorial of St. Agathe (Heb 12:4-15; Ps 103; Mk 6:1-6) *************************************** Archbishop Emeritus Adam Exner OMI speaks about martyrdom for us as “Calvary in slow motion.” We probably won’t be physically martyred, but are still called to die to ourselves day by day. The readings today invite us into deeper faith […]

Faith and Holistic Healing (Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22; Mk 5:21-43 ******************************************************* Fr. Mike Dechant OMI did a lot of youth ministry in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He recounts the story of a young boy who shared with him the morning after a penitential rite in their school, “Gee, Fr. Mike, that was good yesterday afternoon, and I […]

Faith and Healing: Optional Memorial of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr (Heb 11:32-40; Ps 31; Mk 5:1-20) *************************************** Linda’s son consistently got his clothes dirty every time he went out to play, no matter how often she admonished him. One time, he came back with green grass stains on the knees of his jeans, and […]

With Jesus in Our Boats (Heb 11:1-19; Lk 1; Mk 4:35-41) ********************************** The readings today challenge us with the question of how strong is our faith? We are subsequently invited to pray for a faith like that of Abraham, famously known as our ancestral father in faith, and one that surpasses that of the apostles, […]

Planting Small Seeds of Faith: Memorial of St. John Bosco (Heb 10:32-39; Ps 37; Mk 4:26-34) *************************************** The late Brother Anton Zisper OMI had a unique sense of humor. His comment about a set of identical twins was, “They really look alike, one more so than the other!” The readings today present us with two […]

A Provocative New Way (Heb 10:19-25; Ps 24; Mk 4:21-25) ********************************************** Are you considered a provocative person? Today’s readings invite us to be provocative – to provoke one another to humble honesty, love and good works as part of a new and living way. This new and living way hinges on a great shift that […]

Soul Gardening: Living Word and Covenant Relationship (Heb 10:11-18; Ps 110; Mk 4:1-20) ******************************************************** Gardening can, and should be, a spiritual experience. The liturgy today invites us to attend to the garden of our soul, where the living Word of God can bear the fruit of an intimate covenant relationship with God.  For years now, […]

Doing the Will of God: Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Hebrews 10:1-10; Ps 40; Mk 3:31-35) *************************************** A well-to-do lawyer was visiting St. Mother Teresa’s clinic in Calcutta. Observing her ministering to rejected and dying patients, some of them smelling awful and covered with sores, he made this comment, “Sister, I wouldn’t do that for […]