Reflections of a Roman Catholic Priest
Gospel Reading: Mt 18:21–19:1 The message for us today is clear and simple, even though it is not easy. You and I have received mercy and forgiveness from God for our sins, and we must give mercy and forgiveness to those who have sinned against us. The debt that you and I owe God because... Continue Reading →
With great joy, we celebrate today the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when God raised His blessed Mother into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. In the year 1950, Pope Pius XII declared that this belief about Mary has been held by Christians since the early... Continue Reading →
We celebrate today the memorial of St. John Vianney, patron of all priests. The Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours includes this beautiful reflection from the saint on what he calls the “glorious duty of man.” From the Catechetical Instructions by Saint John Mary Vianney, priest(Catechisme sur la prière: A. Monnin, Esprit... Continue Reading →
Jesus tells us today the parable of the dragnet. A dragnet is a very large net that brings in all kinds of different fish and debris from a lake. Fishermen cast this net over a very large area of a lake and then pull it in to the shore. After they draw in the catch,... Continue Reading →
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” What a challenge it is to heed Jesus’ call to love our enemies rather than hating them. Who are the “enemies” in your life right now? Who are the people you struggle to love rather than hate? Who comes to mind? Doesn’t Jesus understand how... Continue Reading →
Image: Hattiesburg Community Church When do the Lord’s plans for us run out? Does He stop doing ‘new things’ after our eightieth birthday? Surely ninety is too old for His mercies to still be new every morning? Clearly, though, this is not the Biblical witness. Think of Abraham and Sarah. Think of Zechariah and Elizabeth.... Continue Reading →
St. Thomas Aquinas "Wisdom from above is first of all innocent. It is also peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and the kindly deeds that are its fruits, impartial and sincere. The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace."-James 3:17-18 What is wisdom? It seems to be one of those... Continue Reading →
Image: ©Kevin Carden/Goodsalt.com We have a very wow-worthy faith. There are so many truths of our faith that move our hearts and minds with endless awe and wonder. One of these awe-some truths that the Church presents us with during the Easter Season is given in Romans 8:11- "The Spirit of him who raised Jesus... Continue Reading →
The following post was completed for a class assignment in ST 74, "Sexuality and Marriage," at Mount Angel Seminary. Introduction But now, thus says the LORD,who created you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel:Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by name: you are mine.-Isaiah 43:1 Hey there! Whoa hold on…you can... Continue Reading →
Throughout the first ten or so years of my life, my most persevering career aspiration was to be a teacher. I remember being mesmerized by the life and work of my own teachers—their seemingly limitless wealth of knowledge, their passion for building up young souls and filling up young minds, and their creative and effective... Continue Reading →
Total Surrender 