This week, the readings for the 2nd Sunday
of Easter have a theme of “doubt,” as evidenced by Thomas who could not believe
that Jesus was alive unless he saw proof. We all have moments of doubt, uncertainties,
confusion, disbelief, hopelessness, selfishness and frustrations. Henri Nouwen
has stated that, “Doubt stubbornly exists. It’s an unmistakable part of life that we
can’t seem to get rid of. We doubt ourselves; we doubt whether or not we’ve
made the right decisions, …
This week’s readings and gospel reflect the theme of the ten
commandments. “Those who obey God’s laws will become great in the kingdom
of God.” It has been said that the
Ten Commandments given by God are meant to protect His children from self-destruction;
they are not harsh rules meant to enslave and oppress. They give us our
boundaries; the boundaries that make our hearts pure and prevent self-destruction.
Catholicism is a faith of rules and …
This week, in the second reading from the Letter of Saint James, we are told to be “patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
“Being patient” is something we all have experienced. Patience is a hard discipline. It …
This week’s gospel reflects the importance of faith in our lives. It is a lesson about faith and reminds us that faith is sometimes found in unlikely places. Jesus commends the man, a Samaritan, for his faith, which has been his salvation.
The gospel made me think about the concept of faith. I had a very positive example of strong faith~ “living proof”~ in my mother. Her faith sustained her through many trials, early widowhood, health issues, the obstacles …
Today’s Gospel according to John is the familiar story of Jesus appearing to the disciples after His death. But Thomas, who was called the Twin, was not with them at the time and doubted that this was indeed true. Hence the term “Doubting Thomas” one of few biblical references that retains instant recognition.
In “The Genesee Diary” Henri Nouwen recalled that Didymus, the name of Thomas, means, “twin” and that the Fathers of the Church had commented that “all of …
Two
phrases, one from the first reading by Sirach and the second from the Gospel
reading, resonated with me to reflect on today’s readings. The first reading
states, ” So a person’s speech discloses the cultivation of the mind.
” The gospel by Luke reveals,
“for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”
It made me recall being told as a child that it is not necessarily what goes
into …
Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. As a child, I referred to this time as “Little Christmas”. I had mixed feelings about the celebration because it meant taking down the Christmas tree and putting away the decorations, etc. for another year, so it made me sad. But I was also pleased because it was a happy occasion when the Baby Jesus was honoured by the three Magi who brought important gifts for Him. These three men named Caspar, Balthazar …
Today’s Gospel narrative remembers Jesus’ observation and reflection upon the generosity of the little people in His own day. Jesus pointed out the example of a poor widow who contributed to the Temple’s charitable storehouse not from her excess, but from what she had to live on. Her generosity meant that she would have less to eat herself precisely in order that others would have at least something to live on. Jesus was subtly being critical of the wealthy, who, …
“What good is it if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you?” In these words James teaches that faith must be demonstrated by works. The basic idea is that what is the good of going to church then walking out and not ‘doing’ anything in between attendance at Mass? In the second reading, James also says, “Someone will say, you have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your …
The gesture of the Sign of the Cross, an outward profession of faith, and the words “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen” identifies Catholics worldwide. From childhood, we are reminded of the significance of the words, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit – the Most Holy Trinity.” It is also the principle mystery of the Catholic faith – the love of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God …