From the heart of Deacon Doug.
The gospel today is John 3:16-22. Most people only know John 3:16. They skip verses 17 thru 22. Deacon Shane in the Obstacles to Grace Rollo explains this passage very well. In fact it is the best “Sin” Rollo I have ever heard from any Deacon including myself. He talks about God’s judgement as either Read more
Isn’t it amazing how good and patient God is with us. Our lack of focus, our tendency to get confused or to not listen closely doesn’t deter or hinder God. God is patient with us. He find many different ways to speak to us so we will understand. For example, when feelings Read more
There’s something really mysterious about the Christian life. How could St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta keep smiling in the midst of all the suffering she encountered working with the poorest of the poor ? Or what about St. Maximilian Kolbe a prisoner in Auschwitz who volunteered to take the place of another Read more
The scriptures today tell us: “the doors were locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews”. Today the doors of our churches are locked for fear of the Coronavirus. Just as the disciples overcame their fears, we can overcome this time of testing away from the Eucharist. Jesus’ Read more
As you have heard at Cursillo, Grace happens ! It happened to the apostles. During this time between Easter and Pentecost God’s grace changed ordinary men and prepared them for the day when the Holy Spirit would come down upon them. That day transformed their lives to have the courage to proclaim Read more
At the Sea of Galilee the disciples once again don’t recognize Jesus. Outside the empty tomb Mary Magdalene thinks he’s the gardener. On the road to Emmaus the two do not recognize him. In each of these situations however something happens that causes them to finally recognize him. Many of us have Read more
Even though they had heard all the reports and testimony that Jesus had risen from the dead, there were still lingering doubts among the apostles. Can you imagine then the fear they felt when he was standing there before them. Who wouldn’t be terrified! Who wouldn’t doubt! Doubt is a Read more
You may have heard stories of people who spend years living on meager means unaware that a distant relative has left them a huge fortune. Sometimes on a spiritual level we are just like this story, unaware of all the riches Jesus has left us. In the talk on Grace Read more
Father Justin Freeman writes: “The current stay-in-place measures are an opportunity for Catholics to renew our families and homes” ! We need to use this time to reconstitute family activities. Since those who have children can’t run all over to soccer games or little league practice, let’s use this time Read more
Throughout the Easter Season our readings include the Book of Acts. As Acts progresses, we see Peter and other disciples, like Stephen, preaching the gospel in Jerusalem and Judea. Then the focus shifts to Phillip who spreads the gospel farther by proclaiming Christ in Samaria. Finally, we witness Paul bringing the message Read more