Deep Calls to Deep Roc Homily for the Twelfth Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
This is the strangest Fathers Day homily I’ve ever done. It’s challenging because, with this gospel passage, Jesus began to instruct his disciples about the meaning of his messiahship – “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” And, guys, it’s humiliating to be […]
Roc Homily for the Eleventh Sunday Ordinary Time 2016
Yes, it is still the Year of Mercy. And, today’s gospel contrasts two different ways of dealing with Mercy. The first is Simon the Pharisee, who acts as an observer-critic, as one completely detached from Jesus. The other is Susanna (I gave her a name; every one needs a name) who trusted Jesus would receive her as she […]
Another anniversary to remember today (6/8/16)
Thirty-seven years ago, Andy Alexander, SJ, Dave Matkzo, SJ, and I were ordained to the priesthood at Holy Name church in Omaha, NE by Archbishop Daniel Sheehan. And, next week on the 15th is the same anniversary of Gerry Stockhausen, SJ, who died in January. We corresponded this morning, sharing deep gratitude for the blessing […]
An anniversary worth recalling… GM Hopkins
Gerard Manley Hopkins: Jesuit Priest and Poet (1844–1889) Gerard Manley Hopkins was born in England to a prosperous Anglican family. Though he excelled at Oxford and seemed destined for a brilliant career, these expectations were dashed when he announced his decision in 1866 to become a Roman Catholic, and then a Jesuit priest. A gifted poet, […]
Roc Homily for the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ 2016
In the homily, I asked people to meditate on their open palms – what does this gesture elicit? Might doing it mindfully help be present to the Christ whom we receive? And, I asked folks to reflect on meanings of the ‘breaking of the bread’. Lastly, how can we hungry people tolerate our hunger long […]
A Reflection on Memorial Day 2016
We do remember those who died in battle to maintain the integrity of the U.S. – 620,527 in the last 100 years: 116,516 in WWI / 405,399 in WWII / 33,686 in the Korean Conflict / 58,209 in Vietnam / 4,488 in Iraq / 2,229 in Afghanistan We do remember all who serve in the military today. Let us […]
Preparing for the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ 2016
As a way of preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ 2016, I post this interview from 2008 for Catholic Comments Podcast with Creighton University Theology faculty, Dr. Wendy Wright & Dr. John O’Keefe. You’ll hear some history and theology. I did not name the encyclical of John Paul II […]
Happy 75th Birthday, Bob Dylan!
I’m supposed to dine with you sometime, Bob. That’s what our rabbi told me anyway – me and Rev. Dr. Lucy Forster-Smith, former head chaplain at Macalester College, now chaplain at Harvard University. Just before Rabbi Bernie Raskas (God rest his soul) was going to Jerusalem for the summer in 1999, Lucy and I had […]
Roc Homily for Feast of the Most Holy Trinity 2016
Rather than speaking about the Trinity (still a mystery!) I reflected on our immersion in the life of the Trinity in the liturgy. See whether it helps. Blessings! –roc,sj
Deep Calls to Deep 
Year of Mercy Revisited – June 17, 2016
Here’s something to do with your weekend… or whenever… Dr. John O’Keefe & Dr. Wendy Wright, two stalwarts from the Creighton University Theology Department, interviewed me about the Year of Mercy when I visited campus in April to give a talk on same. It was a lively and engaged conversation for their Catholic Comments podcast. 20 Minutes. I […]
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