I am not aware of anyone in our parish who is literally blind, but given that many are in their golden years, I suspect some have experienced either cataracts or glaucoma. I understand that both of these illnesses develop so gradually that at first one doesn’t notice the deteriorating eyesight, but when the condition is surgically corrected, it is indeed like the miracle story we just heard. “I can see clearly!” patients gleefully say.

When Bartimaeus pleaded with the Lord, “Master, I want to see,” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Instead of going elsewhere, Bartimaeus followed Jesus. More than his eyes were opened that day. Unlike the apostles, he could see who Jesus truly was and followed him. We may have good eyesight, even 20/20, but how well do we see Jesus with our eyes of faith?

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30th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

Some scripture scholars observe that in Mark’s gospel, the disciples come across as being rather dense during much of Jesus’ ministry. Three times Jesus predicts his passion and death. The first time, he called Peter Satan. The second time, the disciples got into an argument as to who was the greatest among them. This time, we find James and John asking for the top positions in the kingdom. As we heard, Jesus cautions them that they must first be bathed in pain as he will be and realize that greatness comes from serving others, not prestige.

This gospel is a fitting one for us to ponder on Mission Sunday. The closing line sums up the message of this day well, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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29th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

What draws us to live the Catholic faith is the deep awareness that God loves us unconditionally. Like parents who care deeply for their children, God wants what is best for us, thus God sets before us blueprints for best living life. Those who follow them discover the kingdom of God in this lifetime. Our Church takes the teachings of Jesus so seriously that she will take the risk of offending even some of her own members in order to speak the truth and do so with respect and love.

The teachings of Jesus and of scriptures touch every part of our lives, our entire human condition and yes, even our sexuality. These rich and challenging teachings always point to the dignity of the human person, a point Jesus reiterates in this gospel scenario between him and the Pharisees who are seeking his approval of divorce since Moses allowed it.

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27th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

SCRIPTURE:
1ST Reading: Numbers 11:25-29
2nd Reading: James 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Wow!!! Did you really hear what Jesus was saying to us in today’s Gospel from Mark? Does it put that feeling into the pit of your stomach that says, ” I’d better pay attention to what Jesus is saying to me or I will be in deep trouble!!”

What is Jesus saying to us? Let me refresh your memory. Put a great Millstone around our neck only to be thrown into the sea? Cut off our hand? It is better for us to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna? Cut off our foot or go to Gehenna? Pluck out our eye or go to that place again, called Gehenna, where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched? What the heck is Gehenna, anyway? Holy Cow, I don’t want any of this! Would you?

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26th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »

One evening, a family went out to dine at a local restaurant. Everyone was given a menu, even Molly who was 8 years old. Since the conversation was an “adult” one, Molly sat there feeling ignored. When the waiter took their orders, he came to her last. “And, what would you like to eat, young lady?” he asked. Molly answered, “I will have a hamburger, French fries, and a large root beer.”

Her mother spoke up, “No. She will have a small salad with low fat dressing, baked chicken, carrots and rice.” Her father added, “And milk to drink.” The waiter looked at Molly and asked, “Would you like catsup or mustard on your hamburger?” She said, “Catsup with some fried onions on top, please. Oh, and put a very small piece of lettuce on top to please my parents. Thank you very much!” As the waiter walked away, Molly turned to her family and said, “You know what? He thinks I am real.”

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25th Sunday of Ordinary TimeRead More »