The Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Respect Life Month Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm23; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14 The image that the US bishops have chosen to mark Respect Life Month this year is The Virgin of the Lilies, painted in 1899 by French artist, William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Academic in style. Serene and quiet in atmosphere. It is a tender image as the Virgin’s eyes are humbly cast down holding her child. It is a beautiful image but is it true?

The Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a; Matthew 20:1-16a This parable has so many issues. Doesn’t the landowner know how many daily workers he will need? He goes out five times throughout the day to get more workers. And there’s the issue of payment. But something doesn’t sit well I expect with most of us. Those who worked an hour receive the same full daily wage, it just doesn’t seem fair. Yet the men

The Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sirach 27:30 – 29:7; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35 Which aspect of forgiveness do you think is the most difficult to realize? Is it, to ask forgiveness of another person or to bestow the gift of forgiveness requested? Is it to accept forgiveness, and related to that, to forgive one’s self? Some clarifications. When I say, ask for forgiveness, I don’t mean saying, “I’m sorry.” Rather, I mean asking, “Will you – can

The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 145; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21 The story of the loaves and fishes must have been considered very important to the early Christian communities. For it is was recorded, with some variations, six times across the four Gospels. But I’ve come to reflect that the story is not about loaves and fish; not about filling the stomach and satiating physical hunger. We can do that. As Jesus says to his disciples which

The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a; Psalm 89; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10:37-42 Since my retirement, I have two experiences when I gather for the Sunday Eucharist. When I come to a parish to preside, vestments on arm, I am warmly welcomed in the sacristy. People are helpful as I ask my questions. A wonderful, welcoming and hospitable experience. I know the experience of the prophet Elisha. Though no as yet has created me an In-Law Suite for ove

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Daniel 3:52-55; II Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18 Whether for an evening stroll or metaphorically in life, what does it mean to walk with someone? Doesn’t it mean you walk shoulder-to-shoulder? You don’t walk slightly ahead as if leading. Nor do you walk slightly behind as if following. You become one. Pope Francis used the word accompanying. We should accompany people. To my mind either word holds no suggest