In my community when we get a new assignment we are sent an “obedience letter” which reads: “It seems to be the will of God that you be sent to ….” As someone who signed many of those letters I can testify that getting to what seems like the will of God is a messy… Read More »

A school teacher friend told me that once a student asked if Jesus celebrated Christmas. “Well, he more likely celebrated Hanukkah, since he was a Jewish boy.” No way, the student answered. St. John tells us that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, the Feast of the Dedication, as, no doubt, did Mary, the apostles and all of… Read More »

Jesus said, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” If you google “life to the fullest” lots of websites come up with good advice — one site even offers 101 suggestions!  “Live in the moment. Fully embrace the now, no matter what the situation.  Do the things you love.”… Read More »

There is a scene in Alice in Wonderland when Alice, who has been shrunk down to three inches tall, encounters a Caterpillar and has the following exchange. “Caterpillar: Who are you? Alice: Why, I-I-I hardly know, sir. I’ve changed so many times since this morning, you see and… Caterpillar: I do not see, explain yourself.… Read More »

In St. John’s Gospel Jesus is portrayed as being in complete control, aware of  how the plan of God was going to unfold. Hence, when people decide to stop following Jesus after his “Bread of Life” discourse it was no surprise. Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe. All of which… Read More »

When Saul got knocked off his proverbial horse (there was no horse in the story!) he wanted to know why. He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Saul, the persecutor, would become Paul, the Apostle, by recognizing the intimate presence of Jesus in those who are suffering.… Read More »

The John 6 is commonly called the “bread of life” discourse. Jesus promises that he gives of his very self (“my flesh”) in the form of bread. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever. The Holy Eucharist is our way of having Jesus be really… Read More »

The martyrdom of Stephen provoked a spasm of violence that caused the first Christians to flee the city. There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria… Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. What seemed like a… Read More »

St. Luke tells the story of the first martyr (protomartyr) St. Stephen in parallel to the crucifixion of Jesus. In both accounts there is commendation of the individual into the hands of God and there is a prayer of forgiveness for the executioners. Stephen says,  “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when… Read More »

During the both trials, of Jesus and Stephen, “false witnesses” testified against them. When you look at the Bible, however, the testimony doesn’t seem false at all. For example, at the trial of Stephen the witnesses said, “this Jesus the Nazorean will change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” That sounds about right.… Read More »