In today’s readings as well as the Responsorial, we see the reference to Jesus as the shepherd and we the people as His flock. When I was growing up, I hated the reference to being a sheep and was sure I wanted to be one of the independent thinking goats, not a…

“Jesus summoned the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. So they went off, preached repentance and drove out many demons.” Since we are followers of Jesus, do we have the ability to drive out demons? What are demons anyway? In the…

They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him?” And they took offense at him. Today’s gospel talks about the residents of Jesus’ hometown, and some of their old assumptions about him. They might have heard that he was a healer, a prophet –…

One of my favorite stories from Scripture is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. (Ch 12) Herod has increased his attacks on the early Christian community. He has beheaded James and now Peter is imprisoned – – chained and heavily guarded. The angel comes at night, loosens his chains and quietly…

What’s in a name? “A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” So why is it significant that “when I was in the womb, before my birth, he had pronounced my name.” This same question arises again in the gospel – why is it important that the…

The parable in our gospel today is one that could have many meanings. Like many of Jesus’ parables that have to do with seeds and soil and planting and harvesting, this one tells us that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground,…

The Elijah stories in 1 Kings are some of my favorites. We know that he was a heroic figure for many prophets, especially those who had a contemplative dimension to their prayer-life. Carmelites world-wide consider him the ancient model of their religious order to this day. He’s a man with…

A few years ago I read a novel entitled The Shack by William P. Young, a protestant minister. When it first came out it spent weeks on the Best Seller list. I am convinced that in addition to his theological studies, Rev. Young had to spend much time in prayer…

Last week found me driving across the country as I helped my sister with her move to Colorado. Somewhere in the middle of Nebraska we passed a large billboard proclaiming in bold letters “AFTER YOU DIE YOU WILL MEET GOD.” I’m sure they meant it to be an unsettling thought,…

If I were to count the repetitive words in the Bible, the one word that I’m sure would dominate all others is LOVE. In the second reading for today, we read “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” In today’s gospel, Jesus’…