From the heart of Deacon Doug.
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org At the end of John 6 we see those with him really struggling when he told them that they need to eat his flesh and drink his blood. The scriptures say that many of his followers left him because this was hard. The question is: do these Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In our Gospel today from John 6:52-59, the Jews were quarreling among themselves because they were thinking literally; how can we eat his flesh and drink his blood, just as Nicodemus struggled with literally being born again. Jesus was giving a foreshadowing of the institution of Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org This week I have been reflecting on two of my favorite sections of the Bible. I call them the sixes and they help me focus on how many blessings I have received from God. First is Acts 6. We read about the ordination of the first deacons. Then Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org All four Gospels, in different ways, tell the story of the disciples’ encounters with the risen Lord. In each account, the disciples had a hard time believing Jesus had really risen. Perhaps the biggest reason for their unbelief was the way Jesus died. In his death he Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Jesus tells the crowd that, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger.” Think about the implication of eating with someone. It’s one thing to be in the crowd and see a great celebrity. But to have a meal with that person Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In our Gospel today from John 6:22-29, Jesus is chastising the crowds that followed him after the feeding of the 5000, saying “you are looking for me not because you saw signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” He is telling Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Today’s Gospel passage picks up right after the two disciples, on the road to Emmaus, were joined by Jesus, whom they didn’t recognize until the breaking of the bread. Remember that he then vanished from their sight. The two returned immediately to Jerusalem to tell the others Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org Today’s reading from Acts 6 describes the selection of the first seven deacons. It’s interesting to note that the apostles placed the responsibility for finding the first deacons on the community. They were asked to select from among their community seven reputable men. I think the message is Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org In our Gospel today from John 6: 1-15, a crowd of 5000 gathered to be with Jesus. Jesus asked where can they get food to feed them. Philip says they don’t have the money to buy enough food, and Andrew says we only have 5 loaves and Read more
Orange County Cursillo | communications@occursillo.org | occursillo.org For those of us who teach in the RCIA, this time of year is known as Mystagogy. It is a 50 day period from Easter to Pentecost. It’s when church members, both new and old, deepen their understanding of their baptismal commitment. It should include the sprinkling rite Read more