Today’s Gospel reading highlights the familiar Beatitudes we have all encountered as Catholics. As a pupil growing up in the Catholic school system, (in Ontario) I had to memorize the Beatitudes because the Beatitudes were a way to teach about who will find favor with God. I remember thinking, “How can you be “blessed” if you are poor in spirit, or meek, or persecuted then be “blessed” if you are pure in heart or be peacemakers?” My mother was very good …
by admin 
In the second reading for today it states, “Brothers and sisters, whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have HOPE.” That word ‘HOPE’ seems to be what we need to have in these difficult days, in the days leading up to Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. To be a person who lives HOPE in life, it is likely that one …
by admin 
Today’s gospel relates the story of Jesus and the 10 lepers. Jesus heard their prayer, their cry of mercy and sent them immediately to the priests (who were designated by law, to certify healings that had occurred). Those 10 lepers trusted; they did not remain there until they were cured, no: they trusted and went immediately and, while on their way, they were cured. Only one of the lepers – a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus for healing him. …
by admin 
Actually, in 2016, I wrote the reflection for Holy Trinity Sunday. I looked back and remembered writing about the priest in my small Catholic high school who challenged us to practice our faith. He told us, that rather than getting caught up in the explanation of the mystery of the Trinity or trying to understand everything about God like one would explain a scientific theory, we needed to just remember that He is our God. He said God is balanced …
by admin 
Today, in the Gospel according to John, we hear of the story of the woman caught in adultery. It reminds us that sin, turning away from God and acting against our own dignity and worth, is not an ending. Jesus’ response to those who accuse the woman is more than a caution to us about making judgement of others. It is a profound lesson in divine mercy and forgiveness. As sinners, we are all unworthy to judge the sins …
by admin 
In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims the “good news” to the poor. Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth, unrolled the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and found the place where it was written. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year …
by admin 
For this week’s reflection, I am going to digress a little from reflecting on the reading/gospel theme, though there is mention of ‘priests’, as has been a current theme these past few weeks, and I would like to reflect on what it means to be a PRIEST.
Priests are there for Baptism, First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation; for some, commitment in marriage; when the elderly or infirmed are anointed with the oil of the sick, presiding …
by admin 
In today’s Second Reading, James teaches that faith must be demonstrated in one’s works. “What good is it, if you say you have faith, but do not have works? If a brother or sister is without clothing and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So, faith by itself, if it has …
by admin 
The gospel today relates the parable of Jesus overcoming the death of a young girl. Her father implored Jesus to come and lay His hands on her so that she could live. When Jesus and the man came to the house, they were told the child had died. Jesus took her hand and she rose and began to walk. This was one of the many miracles performed by Jesus as He ministered to the people.
We …
by admin 
Today, the 4th Sunday of Easter, is the familiar parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.”
Growing up in a solid Catholic family and benefiting from Catholic schooling, I always had an image of shepherds as being kind, loving, patient, strong …
by admin