What is the significance of the 153 fish caught by the Apostles? It is hard to speculate, but St. Jerome assumed it referred to the number of fish species in the Sea of Tiberius (Sea of Galilee). Whether or not this theory has merit, the point is that the catch was large. The greater miracle…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun. As Jesus was sent by God, so too does Jesus send his disciples. Jesus grants the means to accomplish this mission when he…
Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! Today, we celebrate the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, and peace over chaos. We celebrate hope, patience, and the fulfillment of God’s Promise to his people. We also celebrate the uniqueness of our religion, the resurrection of our Lord. Through his resurrection, Jesus affirms…
This Sunday, called Palm is the first day of Holy Week. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are called the Triduum, three days that are the highlight of the Church year. Throughout Luke’s Gospel we see that Jesus’ words and actions proclaim the Kingdom of God. This motif continues throughout…
Something New in Us In Jesus we begin to understand the wonder contained in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Remember not the events of the past; see, I am doing something new.” The truth is: Jesus knows our sins better than anyone, even us. But he chooses not to condemn us. Jesus doesn’t…
Pause in the Time of Uncertainty Familiarity with the parable of the prodigal son may breed superficiality. Hearing the parable year after year might cause us to breeze past the hardship, knowing that a beautiful scene of contrition, mercy and fundamental goodness awaits. No judgement here. After all, we need stories of grace that reassure…
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree which was planted but bore no fruit for three years. Rather than tearing the tree down, the gardener insists on giving it the chance to grow for one more year. He hopes the tree may strengthen and bear fruit, if only he fertilizes…
The gospel writers were aware of the significance of a mountain, with its connotations of struggle, achievement, and revelation. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Transfiguration of Jesus could have no better setting than to take place on a mountain. On that mountain, which took a bit of an effort…
In the Desert, Jesus is Tempted by the Devil In each of the three Synoptic Gospels, after his baptism, Jesus is reported to have spent forty days in the desert, fasting and praying. The devil tempts Jesus to use his power to appease his hunger, he offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if…
The gospel reading today reminds us that the moral value of our actions in community really does relate to actual, material outcomes. This doesn’t mean there’s no room for mistakes. Sometimes our intentions are good, but things don’t work out. Sometimes a situation is beyond our control. Sometimes there’s information I’m missing. If repeatedly, over…