Jul 11 – Memorial for St. Benedict, abbot, religious founder Born to Roman nobility, Benedict (c. 480–547) was the twin brother of St. Scholastica. He studied in Rome, Italy, but was dismayed at the lack of discipline and lackadasical attitude of his fellow students. He fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a hermit... Continue Reading →
10 July, Monday — In God I Trust
Monday of Week 14 in Ordinary Time Gen 28:10-22Mt 9:18-26 “Be sure I am with you; I will keep you safe wherever you go...” There will come a time in our lives when we feel as alone as Jacob did when he left his home. The journey stretches before us through unfamiliar territory, the scorching sun will wear... Continue Reading →
9 July, Sunday — God Knows Best
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Zec 9:9-10Rm 8:9,11-13Mt 11:25-30 Jesus exclaimed: "I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.” When Jesus made this statement, he had earlier rebuked certain cities for refusing to believe and repent, even though many miracles had been wrought in... Continue Reading →
8 July, Saturday — New Wine in the Making
Saturday of Week 13 in Ordinary Time Gen 27:1-5,15-29Mt 9:14-17 “...they put new wine into fresh skins and both are preserved.” The Gospel states that people put new wine into fresh skins instead of putting it into old wineskins; if they do the latter, the old wineskins will burst. Jesus is referencing this to the ministry... Continue Reading →
7 July, Friday — Letting go and letting God lead
Friday of Week 13 in Ordinary Time Gn 23:1-4,19;24:1-8,62-67Mt 9:9-13 …he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. In today’s Gospel passage, Matthew the tax collector was at work, sitting at the customs house, when Jesus walked by and said to him, “Follow me”. And he got up and followed... Continue Reading →
6 July, Thursday — Jesus Sees Our Faith
Jul 6 – Memorial for St. Maria Goretti, Virgin & Martyr Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was a beautiful and pious farm girl, one of six children of Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini. In 1896 the family moved to Ferriere di Conca. Soon after, Maria’s father died of malaria, and the family was forced to move onto... Continue Reading →
5 July, Wednesday — Fighting Demons
Jul 5 – Memorial for St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest St. Anthony (1502-1539) studied medicine at Padua, receiving his doctorate at age 22. Working among the poor in Cremona, he felt called to the religious life. He was ordained at age 26; legend says that angels were seen around the altar at his first Mass.... Continue Reading →
4 July, Tuesday — God, You’re So Good
Jul 4 – Memorial for St. Elizabeth of Portugal Elizabeth (1271-1336) was a princess with a pious upbringing who became Queen of Portugal before she was a teenager. Elizabeth suffered through years of her husband’s abuse and adultery, praying all the while for his conversion, and working with the poor and sick. She rode onto... Continue Reading →
3 July, Monday – A Skeptical Mindset Can Be Valuable
Jul 3 – Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle Thomas (d. 72) was ready to die with Jesus when Christ went to Jerusalem, but he is best remembered for doubting the Resurrection until allowed to touch Christ’s wounds. He preached in Parthia, Persia and India, though he was so reluctant to start the mission that he... Continue Reading →
2 July, Sunday — We have died with Christ
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Kgs 4:8-11,13-16Rm 6:3-4,8-11Mt 10:37-42 “…and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.” An Exorcist Tells His Story -- I am now reading this book breathlessly. At the end of my reflection, you will know why. For many years during Sunday mass, I often wondered what was... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 