Have you had a relationship in your life that brought you closer to Jesus? Not in a forceful way, demanding certain behaviors, but by reflecting Jesus' love? Friendships like this are among the greatest treasures in life. In her visitation to Elizabeth, Mary literally bears Jesus to her cousin, and his presence brings great joy to their encounter. Do you…
John the Baptist is unsparing in his message that every person, no matter their place in society, is susceptible to and responsible for repenting of sin. Imagine what modern categories he might add to the tax collectors or Roman soldiers he addresses in today's Gospel: "He said to the... politician" "He said to the... busy mom." "He said to the..…
How quickly can you think of ways your life would be less complicated if "every mountain were made low" and "the rough ways made smooth"? Of course, there's no magical snap of the fingers that accomplishes that, not even with faith. But there's a real urgen sense in the Gospel today that disciples of Jesus need to root out any…
The Church crowns the liturgical year with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Last week we hear how the king will return in "great power and glory." This week we see that king standing meek and alone in front of a backwater provincial governor who doesn't even understand why he's worth the trouble. It's clear…
We're nearly at the end of the Church's liturgical year, and our readings remind us that our world and time itself will come to completion. Some of us have been raised to think of the end times with apprehension - a darkened sun, stars falling from the sky. But there is dazzling beauty too, as Jesus comes in the clouds…
In a very real sense, living up to the demands of family life requires us to give all that we have, our whole livelihood. There's no holding back your heart. Healthy families are generous in sharing love and affection among all their members, and part of our joy in life is seeing how the little acts of kindness and sacrifices…
How do we know were on the right track to heaven? Jesus offers some clear guidelines in today's Gospel, as an examination of conscience, they're both simple and far reaching. What does loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength look like in family life? Can we honestly say that our neighbors -- the people who literally live…
Our hearts go out when we see others go through struggles. A toddler who is heartbroken over something as simple as a crumbled cookie. A student, maybe a friend, who didn't get picked on the team they wanted to be on. A classmate who finds themselves unwanted because they broke rules that no one told them about. Whenever we see…
What are your images of authority? How have they been shaped by the way your parents raised you? Speaking to his apostles (who should know better, but nevertheless are trying to elbow their way into positions of power and prestige) Jesus negatively describes a type of authority that "lord(s) it over" others and makes itself "felt." How familiar that image…
I feel for the young man who, sincerely looking to Jesus as he seeks eternal life, points out that he's followed the rules. Although he's done everything he's been told he needs to do, he has an inkling that there's still something more required of him. Yet Jesus' answer - to give more of himself than the minimum, to let…