In today's Gospel, Jesus proclaims that he is the one prophesied to save Israel, the Messiah sent from God to bring healing to the world. The prophet Isaiah's description of the restoration he brings resonates to this day; the poor are given hope, eyes are opened, the oppressed set free. It's a vision that's inspired centuries of sacrifice by missionaries,…
What strikes me in today's Gospel of the wedding at Cana is that when we're out of wine, Jesus works with what we give him, even plain old water. I'm not saying that it's OK to not try hard at what I do, but when my very best prayer is nothing more than a sincere, "Well I'm here God" then…
Baptism is the most decisive moment in the life of every Christian. It's the moment our identity is rooted in Christ, the moment our separation from God is vanquished, and the moment when we are adopted into the family of God. At Baptism, we receive a candle and are reminded "You have received the light of Christ." Do we think…
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…