In the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” which is taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes, we hear the words, “For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”. Today Jesus’ answer to the scribes and Pharisees is simple: there is a time and place for both feasting and Read more…
In times of trouble or difficulty, who do you go to ? Jesus’ disciples freely brought their troubles to him, because they found him always ready and able to deal with any difficulties they encountered. When Jesus entered Simon Peter’s house he immediately healed his mother-in-law. The same is true for Read more…
One of my favorite places in the Holy Land is Capernaum. The ruins of this town are located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. In Jesus’ time it was a very large city and a major route for travelers. Peter was from Capernaum, and Jesus made his home there. It was Read more…
We babysat for our four year old granddaughter all weekend. There is nothing better to hear than, “I love you Grandpa.” When we took her home she was so excited to see her baby sister and give her a big hug. Think about how easy it is for young children to show Read more…
There is a virtue in our Catholic tradition called magnanimity. It comes from two Latin words: Magna, which means great and Amina which means soul. Therefore this virtue is “Greatness of soul”. This virtue is a quality which enables me to think grand thoughts, and to have a sense within me that I Read more…
Today’s Gospel story is one of the most gruesome in all of the Bible with the beheading of John the Baptist and then bringing the head in on a platter. Actually Herod could have killed him at anytime but he enjoyed listening to him. There was something about John that attracted Read more…
Today is the feast day of St. Augustine who reminds us that our hearts will not rest until they rest in the Lord. In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the ten virgins, five who took extra oil for their lamps and five who did not. Sometimes it seems unchristian Read more…
Today is the feast day of St. Monica who is best known as the mother of St. Augustine. Not a bad way to be known. She was a mother of two children and had an adulterous husband, all who she prayed for constantly until their conversion. She is the patron saint of alcoholics, Read more…
For 2000 years the Jewish people knew that they were God’s chosen ones. They had separated themselves from other nations, at God’s direction, and treasured the bond between God and themselves. God had taken them as his bride. When I think of all that history and background, I can only imagine Read more…
The story of Nathanael in today’s gospel reminds us of the process of conversion. First Nathanael is told about Jesus by his friend Phillip. Second Nathanael doesn’t accept this at first but wants to look into it further. He doesn’t believe the Messiah could come from Nazareth since he subscribes to the Read more…