From the heart of Deacon Doug.
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Happy Cinco De Mayo !! This week’s passage about the vine and the branches is one very familiar to us. Sometimes it’s so familiar that we miss the powerful impact of that imagery. Jesus speak so graphically of the real connection between himself and his disciples. He had spoken Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Jesus made no empty campaign promises. He was honest with his followers. In inviting people to follow him, he promised happiness and peace. But Jesus also cautioned that following him can be difficult, frustrating, and sometimes people will take advantage of you. Following Jesus is a risky Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In our Gospel today from John 14:6-14, Jesus says some incredible words; “whoever believes in me will do the works that I do and will do greater ones than these. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it”. How can any person Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Happy “May Day” to you all. In 1955 to foster a deep devotion to St. Joseph among Catholics, and as a response to the May Day celebration for workers sponsored by the Communists, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. This feast Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In our Gospel today from John 14:1-6 , Jesus is telling his followers that he will leave them soon. He says, “In my father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org There is a closeness between the Father and the Son. Jesus said; “Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father…!” But it’s also true that Jesus had an amazing closeness to his disciples and followers. Isn’t it striking how I can know something is mine Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org There are many things that I do that are not for pay, such as: Holding the door for someone. Going to Mass. Visiting the sick. Doing housework. Being a parent or grandparent. Big things and little things that I don’t get paid for can Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org A shepherd is different from a hired hand. No matter what happened, the sheep were his responsibility and he accepted that. In the Gospels, Jesus never backed away when people were critical of those who were part of his flock. When a woman entered the banquet and washed Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In our Gospel today from John 10:1-10, Jesus is talking about sheep and says, “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” Jesus was referring to the Jewish religious authorities Read more…
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org This Sunday’s passage from John’s Gospel presents what is perhaps the best known and best loved image of Jesus. That is the image of the good shepherd. One of the distinguishing qualities of the good shepherd, as opposed to a hired worker, is ownership of the flock. When Read more…