From the heart of Deacon Doug.
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In today’s Gospel, Luke 13:10-17, Jesus heals a woman that has been crippled by an evil spirit for 18 years, however his loving and merciful act infuriated the Pharisees because he did it on the Sabbath. They were so focused on their own laws, that Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In ancient Israel, conditions like blindness were often seen as a curse from God. People with disabilities were thus thought to be unfit to worship the Lord. Bartimaeus is smart enough to realize that Jesus is someone who can change his life. Nobody therefore is going to Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org We are in Arizona getting to meet and see our new grandson. What an amazing thing is this gift of life ! Jesus tells us a story in today’s Gospel about a fig tree. The real calamity Jesus is talking about however is a sudden death Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In today’s Gospel, Luke 12:54-59, Jesus is pointing out to the crowds that they know how to read and understand the physical world, like something so unpredictable as the weather, but they cannot read and understand the spiritual world right in front of them. Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org STAY AWAKE ! ! Did I get your attention ? Jesus today is also trying to get our attention with the parable he tells. Even Peter asks him if this parable was meant for us or for everyone. Although we may tell ourselves that we are vigilant, it’s Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Being blindsided in anything is no fun. Those unexpected surprises are especially annoying when we feel someone should have warned us. When it comes to heaven and the afterlife, we should not be blindsided. Jesus has given us adequate warning. Neither death nor his coming in glory should catch us Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In today’s Gospel of Luke 10:1-9, Jesus sends out his apostles to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers and drive out demons. He also tells them not to take any money, clothes, or sandals for the journey. Jesus told them this so they are Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org For most of us it is very hard to acknowledge Jesus before others, especially those we don’t know very well. We get flustered and embarrassed and it’s hard to speak up. We listen to attacks on our church and have a difficult time speaking up and Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In our Gospel today, John 15 :1-5, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” Let’s Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Jesus accused the scribes of not embracing the kingdom that he preached. In doing so they were preventing other people from embracing it as well. Their opposition to Jesus made other people suspicious and kept them from following him. We can also assume that their hypocrisy prevented people Read more