The Ascension of the Lord                   Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; seek the things that…

We thank God for sending us his peace and the Holy Spirit!                   Today, Jesus  says, “You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.” Were the disciples joyful and at peace when Jesus told them about his departure? Probably not! They ignored what Jesus had taught them about his…

Love One Another                   Today we hear words spoken by Jesus before his death and Resurrection. Jesus is teaching at the Last Supper. John’s Gospel does not include an institution of the Eucharist narrative; instead, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. Immediately after, Jesus predicts his betrayal by Judas. Today’s Gospel follows that prediction. It can…

The Good Shepherd                The fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, is also the “World Day of Prayer for Vocations.”  The Scripture lessons for this day concern the role of the shepherds of God’s flock in the Church.  Each year on this Sunday, we reflect on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who devotedly…

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…