Live Lives Worthy of the Gospel (Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20-24, 27; Matthew 20:1-16) ********************************************************** As a young man, Tom was a landscaper in Calgary. When asked by his uncle how many men he had working for him, he replied that he had one steady employee. However, because the nature of landscaping is […]

Birthing the Kingdom (1 Tim 6:2-12; Ps 49; Lk 8:1-3) *************************************** Have you ever had the experience of a line of scripture that you have read many times before, suddenly take on a whole new meaning? That was my experience with today’s readings and the following words: “Take hold of eternal life” and “proclaiming and […]

Unity, Community and a Spirituality of Letting Go (Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19; Mt 9:9-13) ***************************************** How have you responded to the words of Jesus, “Come, follow me,” addressed to you? The readings today, on this feast of St. Matthew, offers us three interrelated suggestions on how to follow Jesus: work for unity, build community […]

  KOREAN MARTYRS Revelation, Resistance and Vindication (1 Tm 3:14-16; Ps 111; Lk 7:31-35) ************************************** Three words capture the essence of today’s readings: revelation, resistance and vindication. These three words also offer us a clear message: we are to place our complete faith in Jesus Christ and express that faith by being the Church. St. […]

Holy Compassion – St. Januarius (1 Tm 3:1-13; Ps 101; Lk 7:11-17) ********************************** Today’s readings, and liturgy honoring St. Januarius, present us with two miracles to ponder and appreciate, and a double message to absorb and live. Interestingly, the two miracles involve a body and blood. The double message is clear and simple: be holy […]

Humble Faith Expressed through Prayer and Caring (1 Tm 2:1-7; Ps 18; Lk 7:1-10) ********************************************** Can you imagine Jesus saying, “Not even in the Catholic Church have I found such faith!” Would that shock you, or would you find it thought provoking? The readings today invite us into humble faith and a life of prayer […]

Learning To Forgive (Sirach 27:30-28:7; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-25) ****************************************************************** What would happen if God treated us the way we think we deserve to be treated? Forgiveness is the core of following Jesus. The gospel today is a lesson on the meaning of forgiveness. Jesus’ reply can mean seventy times seven, or seventy-seven […]

Memorial: Our Lady of Sorrows (Heb 3:7-9; Ps 31; Lk 2:33-35 or Jn 19:25-27) ************************************************** A lady at a table in front of me in an airport restaurant noticed my cross and starting apologizing profusely for her coarse language. I replied that I had not heard it, but (pointing upwards) said that “he” had. She […]

Look, Love and Live (Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17) **************************************************** Do you know the origin of the symbol on a medical alert bracelet? The readings today provide the answer. A message provided by these readings is very simple and clear: Look to Jesus; love as he did, and live in the Reign […]

Renewal and Revelation – St John Chrysostom (Col 3:1-11; Ps 145; Lk 6:20-26) ******************************************** If you’re green you grow, if you’re not, you rot! That rather striking statement carries a lot of truth and actually applies to today’s readings that invite us into a life-long process of renewal and transformation. St. Paul, as usual, sets […]