“On a journey to Jericho, a man fell victim to robbers. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan who … Continue reading “The ICE Agents Who Fell Victim to Robbers”
Author: Editor
Free To Be Peacemakers
The Old Testament reading tells us, “Thus says the LORD: Rejoice with Jerusalem… In Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.” “The LORD’s strength shall be revealed to his people, but to his enemies, his wrath.” In the Gospel, disciples are sent out beyond Jerusalem, not to show their strength through wrath against enemies but through … Continue reading “Free To Be Peacemakers”
Human Rights
“King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword and… proceeded to arrest Peter also.” “He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.” Kings, Prime Ministers, Presidents, all … Continue reading “Human Rights”
Silent Slaves or People of Conscience
In the Old Testament reading, Abraham has slaves whom he takes to war as soldiers to kill enemies. Upon victory, an allied king, Melchizedek, who also uses slaves as soldiers, glorifies Abraham as God/Godly. Abraham gave the war’s plunder to his slaves/soldiers. “Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.” Melchizedek specifically tells Abraham, “Give me … Continue reading “Silent Slaves or People of Conscience”
Fathers and Sons
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. What are the hopes and dreams of every father for his son? Perhaps it is that he too should know the joy … Continue reading “Fathers and Sons”
A Culture of Pentecost
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.” “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.” “People from every nation under heaven were staying in Jerusalem… and each one heard them speaking in their own language.” … Continue reading “A Culture of Pentecost”
Presenting Ourselves Alive
Luke begins his writing of the Acts of the Apostles by referring to his writing of the Gospel, “In the first book, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught… He then presented himself alive to the disciples… after he had suffered” and died. What is our commitment to receiving with joy that most … Continue reading “Presenting Ourselves Alive”
An Invitation to Peace
Jesus says to the disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Pietro di Morone (1209-1296), whose feast day was recently celebrated, was a peaceful monk who had both retreated from … Continue reading “An Invitation to Peace”
Making Things New
Sunday’s readings coalesce around the theme of making things new. Acts of the Apostles describes early disciples being missionaries, bringing Jesus’ new message to Gentiles. The Book of Revelation describes a new heaven and a new earth. In the Gospel Jesus is letting disciples know he is going to be killed. How will they go … Continue reading “Making Things New”
The Dreams and Prayers of Mothers
Jesus said: ‘My children hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.’ “Children, I come back today To tell you a story of the long dark way That I had to climb, that I had to know In order that the race might … Continue reading “The Dreams and Prayers of Mothers”