St. Paul writes today’s reading from prison. His are not the words of a man sitting comfortably in an office. These are the words of someone who has been rejected, beaten, imprisoned, and is now suffering because of the Gospel. Yet listen to what he says: “The word of God is not chained.”
What Cannot Be Chained Read More »
One of the saddest things in life is not failing. It’s letting the fire go out. We all know what that feels like. There was a time when we were passionate about something.
The Fire You Refuse to Let Die Read More »
In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees and Herodians think they have Jesus trapped.
Whose Image Are You Carrying? Read More »
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of a vineyard. A landowner plants it, cares for it, leases it to tenants, and goes away.
The Owner Is Coming Back Read More »
On Trinity Sunday, many people expect the priest to explain one of the greatest mysteries of our faith. And while the Trinity is indeed a mystery, today’s second reading doesn’t begin with a theological explanation.
The Three Gifts of the Holy Trinity Read More »
In today’s Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders approach Jesus with what seems like a reasonable question: “By what authority are you doing these things?”
The Question Behind Every Question Read More »
In today’s Gospel, Jesus approaches a fig tree looking for fruit. Finding none, He curses it. Then He enters the Temple and drives out those who have turned a house of prayer into a marketplace.
Leaves Without Fruit Read More »
In today’s Gospel, we see a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sitting on the roadside while Jesus passes by. And honestly, Bartimaeus is surrounded by the kind of people we still meet today. People who tell him to be quiet.
Stop Pretending You Are Fine Read More »
The disciples are walking with Jesus toward Jerusalem. Jesus tells them plainly that He is going to suffer, be rejected, mocked, and killed. And right after hearing this… James and John ask for seats of honor.
Ordinary Time is not “less holy” time Read More »
In today’s Gospel, Peter says: “Jesus, we have given up everything and followed You.” You can almost hear the emotion underneath it. “Lord, was it worth it?”
God Cannot Be Outdone in Generosity Read More »
Staying is harder than we think. It is easy to stay when things are joyful, when prayers are answered, when faith feels exciting.
The Courage to Stay Read More »
In today’s Gospel, the disciples are gathered behind locked doors. And honestly, that image describes so many of us spiritually
What the Holy Spirit Does to a Locked Room Read More »
Tomorrow we celebrate Pentecost – the day the Holy Spirit came like fire upon the fearful disciples and transformed them into witnesses
The Gospel today is one of the most personal conversations in all of Scripture. Jesus does not stand before Peter as a judge. He stands before him beside a charcoal fire
Do You Love Me More Than Your Failure? Read More »
In our first reading, Paul stands before men who want answers, but really, they want sides. Pharisees on one side. Sadducees, on the other hand.
Take Courage: Christ Stands Beside You Read More »
