The liturgy yesterday gave the opportunity to reflect on two different ways of approaching God in prayer — that of Zechariah and that of Mary. Today the contrast is between asking something of God and not asking. Mary asked “How can this be?” She wanted to understand God’s will. King Ahaz said, “I will not… Read More »
DECEMBER192017
Two questions with two different results: when Zechariah received the astonishing news of his son’s birth he asked the angel, “How shall I know this?” Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement to her was “How can this be?” Zechariah is slapped down for his question. Mary is encouraged for hers. It is not questioning God that… Read More »
DECEMBER182017
What enabled Saint Joseph to trust the dream? I have lots of crazy dreams that if I believed would have me flying like superman or leading the charge into battle. Joseph did not dismiss the angelic message as “another crazy dream” but instead trusted it for what it ways — a divine message. Of course… Read More »
DECEMBER172017
In a previous life I used to travel a lot. When I was in Colombia or Costa Rica and they asked where I’m from I’d say “the United States.” When I’m back visiting my family in Baltimore and someone asks where I live I answer “Illinois.” I was at a funeral downstate in Dwight and… Read More »
DECEMBER162017
Elijah was in Jesus’ time and is to this day an important figure in Judaism. (At the contemporary Seder table a place is set for Elijah.) He stands for the promise of God — just as God was with Elijah during his life so the return of Elijah demonstrates the ongoing presence of God in… Read More »
DECEMBER152017
Jesus quoted from what was, apparently, a common saying of the time: “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.” That reminds us that no matter what you do you’re going to get criticized. Hence, you can’t let criticism guide your actions. The… Read More »
DECEMBER142017
Jesus told the crowd: “All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John and … he is Elijah, the one who is to come.” To understand what Jesus meant the crowds had to know their own history, how God had been at work in the past. A healthy spiritual life requires… Read More »
DECEMBER132017
“Come to me” and “learn from me” are two of the commandments of Jesus. We come to Jesus by placing ourselves in prayer and acknowledge him as “the way, the truth and the life.” What do we learn from Jesus? For me, the “school” of Gethsemane is the place of the most profound learning. It… Read More »
DECEMBER122017
In 1519 Hernan Cortez brought the conquistadors into Mexico and subjugated the native Americans. With him came missionaries bringing Christianity. The the mission was not initially very successful — it was an alien religion, the religion of the conqueror. Twelve years later the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to one of those native peoples who had… Read More »
DECEMBER112017
The four guys who schlepped their paralyzed friend to see Jesus are true heroes. They must have been good buddies to do so — and they must have been persistent in their desire to be of help. Instead of turning back when the crowd prevented them from getting to Jesus, they found a way. Can’t… Read More »
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