Who is a saint? Most of us respond to this question by thinking of martyrs witnessing publicly to faith by enduring excruciating torture leading to eventual death. Very few Christians will ever have this opportunity.|Today's ...

I'm a little overwhelmed to be writing about Easter Vigil. As a convert, I grew up going to church on Easter morning, and even now I still tend to go to Easter morning Mass because it feels more like Easter to me. I ...

Today's gospel reading would not require a homily or an online reflection, once Jesus has taken the time and effort to explain the meaning of the parable. What can one say after that? There is not much room for second-guessing ...

Although today's gospel reading from Matthew narrates Andrew's calling for the first time, John's gospel brings that calling back to the very beginning of Jesus' public life and that narrative presents us with some remarkable ...

The readings today provide us with directions yet again on how to live the God's teachings. They flow from a search for wisdom and a "prescription" for our behaviors to words of Jesus demonstrating His wisdom.||The first ...

We pray for the desire to overcome our sins by prayer, fasting, and works of mercy. Prayer will reduce us to our baptismal dignity. We pray so as to hear more clearly our baptismal name and mission.||Fasting puts us in a ...

I am always eager to see my assignments for the reflections and the inevitable connections.  It seems that either the readings are exactly what I need to hear at that moment and give them some serious reflection for my ...

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. (John 6:68c)|Jesus knew Chapter 58 of the book of the Prophet, Isaiah, which we read on the Friday and Saturday after Ash Wednesday. He knew that it was not sacrifices themselves ...

Jesus challenged the authorities of the world in his ministry. At first glance his seemingly trick question asking whether John the Baptist's authority came from heaven or was of human origin seems almost too blunt and ...

In Mark's first chapter the crowds are amazed at how Jesus speaks with authority and touches their hearts; they recognize the truth of what he says, without asking for his credentials, and turn to him in hope. In John's ...