HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 03 – Year II A Critical Decision (Dan 3:13-95; Dan 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42) *************************************** Perhaps you have heard this tongue in cheek saying, “The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable.” A disciple is a life-long learner, a “mathetes,” someone who seeks the truth, and strives […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 05 02 – Year II The Cross as Spiritual Vaccination (Num 21:4-9; Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30) ***************************************** Have you ever wondered why we Catholics put so much emphasis on the crucifix, bearing a corpus, and not just a plain cross? One example would certainly be my own Oblate cross. The readings today […]

LENT WEEKDAY 05 01 Year II Jesus Reveals a Non-Violent God (Dan 13:1-64; Ps 23; Jn 8:1-11) ******************************** What is the key difference between the first reading and the Gospel? Jesus reveals to us a God who is above all non-violent, inviting us to live out a gospel of mercy, compassion and non-violent, unconditional love […]

HOMILY LENT SUNDAY 5-A Believe, and Experience the Glory of God (Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45) ********************************************************* What grave are you in right now? Believe in Jesus, and you will experience the glory of God. Sandra participated in a 12 Step pilgrimage. A fashion designer, she wore heavy make-up and was dressed […]

HOMILY WEEK 04 06 – Year II Speaking with Authority (Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7; Jn 7:40-53) ****************************************** “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” (John 7:46) That exclamation by the temple police in todays’ gospel stands as a clear invitation for us to listen to the Word of God, revere it and let it […]

HOMILY WEEK 04 05 – Year II The Threat of the Other (Wis 2:1-11; Ps 34; Jn 7:1-30) ****************************************** “Something there is that does not love a wall; that sends the groundswell under it.” The readings today invite us to resist evil, believe in Jesus, and get to know him better through prayer. Those words […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 04 – Year II Faith in Jesus and his Gift of Life (Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106; Jn 5:18, 31-47) ******************************************* How strong is your faith? Is the Word of God dwelling in you? Are you enjoying eternal life, here and now? The invitation that comes to us from the readings today […]

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION Birthing Jesus into the World in Imitation of Mary (Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10d; Ps 40; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-28) ************************************************* Sr. Connie Piska UJ of Edmonton gave me a gift she made for my priestly ordination in 1974 that still hangs on a wall in the bathroom so that I see it […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 02 – Year II Plunge into the Healing Waters of God’s Grace (Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46; Jn 5:1-6) *********************************************** Four times a week, I am in a swimming pool for a half-hour aquacize session. That practice not only provides health benefits for me, but also deepens my appreciation for the […]

HOMILY LENT WEEK 04 01 – Year II New Creation through Faith and Love (Isaiah 65:17-21; Ps 30; Jn 4:43-54) ******************************************** How strong is your faith? How deep is your love? Important questions, these, because today’s liturgy invites us to be part of God’s new creation through faith in Jesus, and love for one another […]