Jul 20 – Memorial for St. Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr According to tradition, Apollinaris was a native of Antioch in the Roman Province of Syria. He was made the first Bishop of Ravenna by St. Peter during the persecutions of Emperor Vespasian (or Nero, depending on the source), On his way out of the city,... Continue Reading →
30 June, Sunday — Faith and Fear
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 1:13-15,2:23-242 Cor 8:7,9,13-15Mk 5:21-43 “Do not be afraid; only have faith.” These are the words spoken by Jesus to the synagogue official named Jairus. Jairus’ daughter is desperately ill and at death’s door. Jesus is surrounded by a crowd and can only move slowly through the throng of people... Continue Reading →
20 May, Monday — Signs of Patience
May 20 – Memorial for St. Bernadine of Siena, Priest St. Bernadine (1381-1444) was a Friar Minor, a priest, an itinerant preacher, and a theological writer. His preaching skills were so great and the conversions so numerous, that he has become associated with all areas of speaking, advertising, public relations, etc. Bernadine’s charismatic preaching filled... Continue Reading →
25 March, Monday — Who’s Judging?
Monday of Holy Week Isa 42:1-7Jn 12:1-11 “she had to keep this scent for the day of my burial…” As we head into Holy Week, it is time for some deep reflections. Today’s Gospel is an interesting one. It recounts the dinner where Jesus is at the table with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, whom our... Continue Reading →
24 March, Sunday — True Worship
Palm Sunday Mk 11:1-10Isa 50:4-7Phi 2:6-11Mk 14:1-15:47 “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” It’s Palm Sunday! Lent is over! Before you rejoice so ever quickly, curb your enthusiasm just a tiny bit for the moment. Most Catholics know the significance of Palm Sunday -- it is when Jesus entered Jerusalem... Continue Reading →
1 March, Friday — Distorted Views
Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent Gen 37:3-4,12-13,17-28Mt 21:33-43,45-46 “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.” Today’s readings have a similar theme. Joseph’s brothers were so jealous of their father’s love for Joseph; they were so distorted with anger, they wanted to kill him. Likewise, in... Continue Reading →
13 February, Tuesday — Beware of the Leaven
Tuesday of Week 6 in Ordinary Time Jas 1:12-18Mk 8:14-21 “Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus mentioned the yeast of the leaven of the Pharisees. It seems like an odd topic. But we know Jesus never says... Continue Reading →
12 February, Monday — Signs of Patience
Monday of Week 6 in Ordinary Time Jas 1:1-11Mk 8:11-13 …try to treat them (your trials) as a happy privilege…your faith is only put to the test to make you patient but patience too is…so that you will become complete…” Have you ever lost your patience? With God, with others or with yourself? Have you... Continue Reading →
17 January, Wednesday — Anger Issues
17 Jan – Memorial for St. Anthony, abbot Following the death of his parents when he was about 20, St. Anthony (251-356) ensured that his sister completed her education, then sold his house, furniture, and the land he owned, gave the proceeds to the poor, joined the anchorites who lived nearby, and moved into an... Continue Reading →
14 January, Sunday — Shibboleth
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 3:3-10,191 Cor 6:13-15,17-20Jn 1:35-42 …Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, “look, there is the Lamb of God.” A few years ago, I reconnected with an old friend. She and I had a falling out years prior, over a stupid quarrel. We’re both proud women,... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 