Everyone likes a mountaintop experience when things are going well, when there his energy and excitement, when you feel on top of the world. Peter captured how wonderful a mountaintop experience is when he said, “Master, it is good that we are here.” He wanted to build tents so they could stay in the mountaintop,… Read More »

The prophet Nahum, writing after the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed and Jerusalem itself was threatened takes a victory lap on hearing the perpetrator of such violence, the kingdom of Assyria, had been destroyed. Celebrate your feasts, O Judah, For nevermore shall you be invaded by the scoundrel; he is completely destroyed. Of course… Read More »

The characters in ancient literature seem larger than life. You can’t imagine bumping into Achilles or Aeneas at the local WalMart. On the other hand, Peter is somebody with whom we would like to share a pint at the local pub. He is a genuinely human character with all of the glory and all of… Read More »

When Jesus is confronted by the “Canaanite,” i.e. pagan woman, he initially rejects her request. Jesus said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Despite his seeming hostility the woman persists, and Jesus sees things in a new light. His mission is more expansive than he had… Read More »

In the midst of the experience of exile Jeremiah confronts another prophet, Hananiah, for giving the people false assurances. Jeremiah wants the people to face the conversion that will be necessary to get right with God. After the destruction of the nation is complete Jeremiah shifts in tone. Yes, the prophet says, we have been… Read More »

The polarization that afflicts society has also impacted the Church. Competing voices all claim that they are speaking for God. This is, of course, nothing new as we see in the dueling banjos of Hananiah and Jeremiah. Both prophets claim, “This is the word from the Lord.” How to tell which is right? Ultimately, Jeremiah… Read More »

Most weeks the various committee meetings or other parish gatherings will begin with a prayerful reflection on the Sunday gospel. Hearing the word of God, those who are present have the opportunity to share what this particular passage means to them. By sharing faith in this manner the scripture becomes a living word with resonance… Read More »

A current phenomenon in American politics is the call in certain quarters for “Christian nationalism.” While not exactly sure what that means I am sure that it is not a Biblical idea. The image of imposing Christianity by force (which, by the way, has been tried and failed in history) runs counter to the gospel.… Read More »

The feast we celebrate today used to be dedicated only to St. Martha. Pope Francis added her siblings, Mary and Lazarus so now we remember all three of them on the same day. This might be a good day to thank God for our brothers and sisters. More importantly, as the gospels relate, the three… Read More »

Jeremiah and other prophets used actions as well as words as a way to deliver a prophetic message. Perhaps the most famous is his trip to the potter’s house where he saw the clay molded and remolded into the form the potter wanted.  Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in… Read More »