Did you ever notice that in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis that God does not create the water? “A mighty wind swept over the waters” in the beginning according to Genesis 1:1. On the second day God created “a dome in the middle of the waters, to separate one body of water… Read More »

When you go for a job interview what do you talk about?   Your qualifications, your accomplishments, your abilities — all the things you can do which would make a positive contribution to the company.  When you enroll in school what do they ask for?  Your academic achievements, your past performance, your potential for future success… Read More »

The apostles came back tired from their missionary journey so Jesus said to them, Let’s go on vacation. St. Mark says, “They went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.” I’m sure they were looking forward to some “me” time. However, people got to their get away place ahead of them. When… Read More »

When someone approaches me seeking help for some need that they have I remember the words from the Epistle to the Hebrews. “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” I help them since they might be angels. When they come up a second and a third time I don’t think… Read More »

In Matthew, Mark and Luke Jesus sent out the twelve on mission. Their marching orders were remembered differently by the different evangelists — bring a staff, don’t bring a staff; wear sandals, don’t wear sandals. What is remembered clearly is that Jesus sent them out two by two. Why? When you are by yourself you… Read More »

St. Mark tells us that Jesus “was amazed at the lack of faith” in him exhibited by his family and friends.  He should not have been amazed because our families have the tendency to put, and keep, us in a box. They have an experience of what were like as children and we are always… Read More »

One of the cautionary tales of the Bible concerns Lot’s wife. She “looked back” and was turned into a pillar of salt. Looking back can fill us with fear and  anxiety as we notice all of the mistakes and troubles which litter our story. The Epistle to the Hebrews says to look forward.  “Let us… Read More »

In St. Mark’s gospel the usual pattern after Jesus performed a miracle is that he told the healed person not to tell anyone about it.  Scholars call this the “messianic secret.” An exception to this occurs when Jesus heals the possessed man in the Gerasene territory (pagan territory on the other side of the Sea… Read More »

Go into a store during these next few days and you’ll see lots of cupid hearts and red roses.  Valentine’s Day is coming, the day when our country celebrates love.  We use that day to remind us that love makes the world go round.  Turn on any radio station and listen to the songs.  How… Read More »

“Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way.” The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer puts it that Jesus was “like us in all things but sin.” Since Jesus is like us he had to learn — maybe particularly to learn how to deal with difficult people.… Read More »