“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.” How easy it was for the disciples to think that only they were capable of doing good…

Christ says we must be like a child, but children are so different; what kind of personality reflects his intentions? Three boys, three children, three distinct personalities. One boy is filled with drive and ambition. His precise, logical thinking leads him to a well-organized life that eventually will see his success in…

The question in today’s gospel is aimed not just at Peter, but all of us. Let me offer my own answer, my answer to the question asked by Jesus, “Who do you say that I am?” He is king of all, but in particular he is my king. I acknowledge him…

Today’s readings, gentle reader, reminded me of the simple fact that people are all the same – in Christ’s eyes there are no favorites – everyone is loved, everyone is worthy, and anyone might need our help at one time or another. James was truly on the mark when he told the…

Jesus pulls no punches with the Scribes and Pharisees in today’s gospel. The Scribes were the so called “elite” among the Pharisees because of their knowledge of the Mosaic Law and the traditions added on to it. Both prided themselves on their strict, rigorous observance of the law and the traditions. They…

My Philippine daughter in law, Jessica, will be arriving in the United States for the first time later this week. Like Ruth, in the Old Testament, she has chosen to give up her homeland, her family, the comfort zone of her own culture, to follow her heart and her husband to this…

Today’s celebration of the Eucharist reminds me of the story a woman tells about her 4 year old niece and nephew. She was babysitting the pair one day and for lunch she gave them their favorite food—burritos and apple juice. As she left the room, she heard her young niece start to…

I’m writing today from a camp in the foothills of the Adirondack mountains. There’s no television, no cell phone service and very few full-time neighbors along this forest-lined road. The lake is calm for the moment. My mostly-solitary life here will be ending soon, and I’ll return to the busyness of more…

Peter was a grateful man. Happily married, with two wonderful kids, he was the principal of a high school and had won many accolades for his innovative ideas. Yet, he was unhappy and restless. He felt something was missing in his life. He decided to talk to a counselor, an acquaintance…

The multiplication of the loaves and the fishes, a story of the Eucharist found in today’s Gospel of John, teaches us that the Eucharist is an action. In the Eucharist we are fed by Jesus Himself, and we are sent to serve others. Each of us must be ready to serve each…