25 Jan – Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul St. Paul (3-65) was a Jewish Talmudic student and a Pharisee. He was a tent-maker by trade. Saul the Jew hated and persecuted Christians as heretical, even assisting at the stoning of St. Stephen the Martyr. On his way to Damascus to arrest another group... Continue Reading →
5 July, Friday — When He calls.
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 →
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 →
18 March, Monday — We judge too easily
Monday of the 5th Week of Lent Dan 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62Jn 8:1-11 “If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Did she sin? – Yes Did she get caught sinning? – Yes Was she repentant? – Yes It does seem like a perfect ending... Continue Reading →
9 January, Tuesday — Hannah and Eli
Tuesday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 1:9-20Mk 1:21-28 …for she was speaking under her breath; her lips were moving but her voice could not be heard. He therefore supposed that she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to be in this drunken state? Rid yourself of your... Continue Reading →
25 August, Friday — Focusing on God and our faith
Aug 25 – Memorial for St. Louis of France, married man; Memorial for St. Joseph Calasanz, priest, religious founder As king of France, Louis (1214-1270) made numerous judicial and legislative reforms. He promoted Christianity in France; established religious foundations, aided mendicant orders, propagated synodal decrees of the Church, built leper hospitals, and collected relics. “In prosperity, give thanks... Continue Reading →
1 May, Monday — Willing Sacrifice
May 1 – Feast of St. Joseph the Worker St. Joseph (d. 1st century) was a descendant of the House of David. He was a layman, a builder by trade; traditionally a carpenter, but may have been a stone worker. He was the earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the foster and adoptive... Continue Reading →
27 March, Monday — We judge too easily
Monday of the 5th Week of Lent Dan 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62Jn 8:1-11 “If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Did she sin? – Yes Did she get caught sinning? – Yes Was she repentant? – Yes It does seem like a perfect ending... Continue Reading →
23 January, Monday – Caught Up In The Moment
Monday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time Heb 9:15,24-28Mk 3:22-30 ...but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness Football is the purest expression of gladiatorial sport in our age. Brute force is pit against battle wits to move a football down to the opponent’s end zone. It is violent.... Continue Reading →
3 September, Saturday — Strengthening our relationship with Jesus
Sep 3 – Memorial for St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor St. Gregory (540-590) collected the melodies and plain chants so associated with him, that they are now known as Gregorian Chants. He was elected by unanimous acclamation for pope. Incidentally, he was also the first monk to be pope. Before his papacy, he... Continue Reading →