Deep Calls to Deep Holy Trinity Sunday – A Starting Point…
We could begin with scriptural proofs. We could begin with theological proofs. Let me suggest that beginning with the liturgical immersion in the life of the Trinity can help many, not to understand Trinity, but to walk into and engage the Trinity as the living God. Hold this verse from Acts of the Apostles (which […]
Memorial Day – Remembering Heroes, Neglecting their Grief…
It’s either a huge paradox or a gargantuan irony on Memorial Day – As much as we make them heroes, we are off the hook and can neglect their wounds, fears, losses, and grief. Perhaps this is the reverse-undertow that subtle-like has moved our nation (generalizing here, obviously) from whatever depths we may have been […]
Feast of the Holy Trinity 2018 – Pope Francis leads us into Prayerful Reflection
Pope Francis shared this in his morning Angelus Address – to ‘baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit’ means to immerse each person in the depth of God. It’s a great lead-in to reflections on the Trinity this week. Therefore, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity makes us contemplate the […]
Pentecost – 2018: The Fire of the Spirit in John’s gospel… (3) [+ Audio]
How does the Risen Jesus, who breathed on the disciples and shared out the Spirit, continue the purifying work of the Spirit? He engages with Simon Peter to disclose the process of purification working in all of us and for all of us. Simon Peter and the boys went fishing. Nada. Jesus hailed them with […]
Pentecost – 2018: The Fire of the Spirit in John’s gospel… (2)
Instead of fire from heaven, John’s gospel portrays the Risen Christ, Jesus, the Word of God as effective and purifying Chapter Twenty: Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy […]
Pentecost 2018 – The Fire of the Spirit in John’s Gospel… (I)
First of all, there is no fire of the Spirit in John’s gospel. And, yet… Jesus sharing of his Spirit, the Advocate, brings about purification in his disciples, the very healing each needs. Chapter Nineteen: After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A […]
Ascension – Let’s talk about Demons & Snakes in Mark…
The second ending of the gospel (written sometime in the early 100s) shows Jesus sending the eleven forth to continue his mission… and then some. But, demons & snakes? Yikes! Jesus wages war against demons in Mark’s gospel to convey the breadth and depth of his ministry. Jesuit scripture scholar, Brendan Byrne, SJ, addressed this […]
Ascension – “People, Stay, Just a Little Bit Longer…” (!)
Actually, that wasn’t the point of my homily, but it’s a great song to go with the gospel. So, here’s THE Question to frame this week’s reflection on the Ascension: Is it easier to leave, to get the hell out of Dodge, OR to be left? What’s your experience? Most of us leave somewhere, someone, some […]
6th Sunday Easter – My Confirmation name was Peter…
Go figure. Yeah, I chose Peter, “Rock,” because I was a good Catholic boy burdened with doubt and ambivalence. It had more to do with my youthful fascination with Gibraltar. So, what does this have to do with Sunday’s gospel: Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. […]
6th Sunday Easter –
Last Sunday, I was privileged to confirm three young adults who had decided it was time to complete their initiation as part of a kind of return to the church. I didn’t preach about the gospel directly, about love. Remember the Word? John 15:9–12 As the Father has loved me, so […]
Deep Calls to Deep 