John the Baptist is one of the pivotal figures in the history of salvation. Jesus himself said, “Of those born of women, there is no one greater than John.” How about that for a letter of reference! At his birth people said, “What, then, will this child be?” But really, can’t we say that about… Read More »

When you enter the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. the first thing you notice is a giant mosaic of Jesus entitled Christ in Majesty. It is a severe image, of a judge and ruler. Certainly nothing of the “meek and humble of heart” person Jesus proclaimed himself to be. Perhaps one of… Read More »

Jesus keeps stressing the importance of forgiveness among his followers. He weaves  the theme of forgiveness in what we call today the “Lord’s Prayer.” The prayer is presented in St. Matthew’s gospel with an addendum highlighting forgiveness. Jesus keeps coming back to forgiveness because he knows how hard it is to forgive. When we have… Read More »

Fr. Andrew did tremendous work raising funds for the missions. I asked him once if he missed being on the missions himself. He was surprised by my question. “But I am on the missions,” he answered. “Read St. Paul and see how often he requests support for his work as a missionary.” What is interesting… Read More »

Jesus said, “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” How can I be perfect? I’ve already messed up plenty. Is this another saying that should be filed under “are you kidding me?” When you look at the text things are not as they appear in the English. The word translated as “perfect” in… Read More »

Jesus said, “Offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” One of the student Brothers said you could file this theologically under, “Are you kidding me?” We think, of course you offer resistance to evil. As the cycle of… Read More »

Certain philosophies in both East and West have been skeptical about feelings. For example the Stoics felt that feelings were unreliable guides for human behavior. It was better to trust in reason. On the other hand, the Bible is a book full of passion.  St. Paul insists the “the love of Christ impels us.” It… Read More »

What does it mean to be a spiritual person? I ask that because when I talk to my nephews, nieces, and other relatives about going to Church they answer, “I’m a spiritual person but I’m not religious.” Which translates, as near as I can tell, as I have my own way of connecting with God… Read More »

Back in the day I had a poster that read: When you find the perfect church, join it. Just be aware that the minute you join it, it ceases being the perfect church. St. Paul reminds us that we church members are not perfect but are “earthen vessels,” fragile, frail, faulty, finite. But maybe in… Read More »

My ordination class chose as our theme this line from St. Paul: “it is not ourselves we preach but Christ Jesus and ourselves as your servants.” One of the startling messages of Christianity is that God counts on us to proclaim in word and deed the love of God we have come to know in… Read More »