Jesus the Shepherd-KingOn this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King. In a world filled with various forms and types of leadership and authority, we look to Jesus as our true king, the onewho reigns with love, compassion, and selflessness. The king we honor is one who identifies…
God Takes a Risk With UsWe all love getting a nicely wrapped gift whether it is for our birthday or at Christmas. Weopen and unwarp the gift that has been kindly given to us. Think how the person who gave us the giftwould feel if we didn’t open it; instead we simply put it away…
Stay Awake and Be ReadyThe readings this Sunday encourage us to be wise and to look for wisdom. In scripture, wisdom isnot intelligence or academic excellence, but an openness to listen to the word of God and to be ready toparticipate in the life of God. In the first reading, from the book of Wisdom,…
Follow the LeaderAt the time of Jesus the religious leaders of the Jewish people were the Scribe and Pharisees. In front ofthe people gathered, Jesus makes a very public condemnation and criticism of these religious leaders. Jesus clearly says for everyone to hear, ‘do not be guided by what they do, since they do not…
Love, is the Essence of DiscipleshipLove, Jesus teaches in this gospel passage, is the essence of discipleship. All that God asks of us can be boiled down to two deceptively simple commandments: that we love God with every part of our being, and that we love our neighbors as ourselves. These commandments are not original…
Caesar and GodIn today’s Gospel Jesus reminds us of the necessity of giving things their proper importance.The Herodians and Pharisees were giving too much importance to the issue of the payment of taxes.Jesus reminds them that loving and honoring God is of greater importance. In family life we do manyimportant things, but we remember that…
All are Invited, All are WelcomeIn Today’s gospel the image and symbol of the meal and banquet are used to let us know how generous God is. The table is set and the food is ready. However, those invited gave various excuses why they could not go to the feast. In response, the king invited…
Gratitude to GodIn this Sunday’s readings we hear two parables that speak about vineyards. Vineyards were special fields that were very carefully looked after in order to produce the best wine possible. In the gospel, Jesus speaks of a second vineyard that the Father owns. The Father also expects fruit from his vineyardand sends messengers…
Accepting the Gift of RepentanceOur journey through life is filled with ups and downs, successes and failures. We stumble, we falter, andat times, we hurt those we love most. We strive to live by Christian principles, which call us to love unconditionally as Christ did, yet we fall short. In moments of reflection, we may…
The Mercy of God Elevates JusticeToday’s parable speaks of the mercy of God that does not negate justice, but elevates it. St. Paul invites us today to “conduct ourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This alone is the way worthy of the gospel of Christ: to delight in the blessings of…