Spiritual Reflections

Raising grapes is hard work. The vines are demanding – sensitive to soil and climate. They’re having to move the burgundy vines in France further north; the region of Burgundy is too hot. You have to prune each vine in…

Ezekiel   18:25-28 Philippines 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32 In the reading from Ezekiel God rejects the claim that God’s judgments are arbitrary or unfair but focuses on the human actions and choices that result in the judgments.  Peter’s letter to the…

When I read the Gospel and heard about the people looking for work at dawn, 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m., my thoughts went back to the first reading. The line from Isaiah that says “Seek the Lord while God…

Sirach 27:30-28:7          Romans 14:7-9          Matthew 18:21-35 Perfect timing, that’s what today’s readings are, perfectly timed for the events and crises and commemorations in the news this week. Forgiveness, giving it and receiving…

Ezekiel 33:7-9, Matthew 18:15-20 In the first reading today, God is speaking to Ezekiel. I find the reading difficult to understand. I also find it filled with thoughts of hopelessness. It seems to be about correcting the other person, the…

Matthew 16:21–27 In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” These are strong words. We often think of the cross as something heavy we are…

I have to make a confession to you; I’ve thought about this Gospel for years!  I wondered why Jesus chose Peter for this job of leading His Church. Only lately have I realized, as you might expect, It’s my issue,…

Let’s begin looking at today’s Gospel by walking in the sandals of the woman from Cana. She is desperate to find help for her child, who is apparently suffering from some sort of seizures attributed in those days to possession…

Sometimes you see a collection of funny church signs. Here’s one that always makes me laugh: Sunday’s text for the sermon will be “Jesus Walks on Water.” Wednesday’s Bible study is titled “Searching for Jesus.” Yes, today we read that…

Isaiah 55:1-3 Romans 8:35,37-39 Matthew 14:13-21 Let us gather around the food, Let us go bearing the bread, carrying the cup, Laying the table for a hungry world. Nearly 50 years ago, Archbishop Oscar Romero wrote, “A church that doesn’t…

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 • Romans 8:26-27 • Matthew 13:24-43:“Let both grow together until the harvest.” (Mt 13:30) The readings for this Sunday invite us to contemplate anew the mystery of God whose strength is revealed not in domination or swift…

Gen 49: 29-32; 50 15-26 and Matthew 10: 24-33 Today’s readings are interesting juxtapositions. The story of Joseph is of a family riddled with secrets and lies. Then the Gospel reading tells us that everything done in the dark will…