“POPE FRANCIS CALLS us to be a community which builds bridges rather than walls… that is what Jesus teaches us with His words and His actions …” – Father Andy Alexander, S.J., Creighton University. The writing of these Scripture reflections begins weeks before they are read. This one was started the day ABC aired a very moving 20/20 special edition featuring a virtual audience with the Holy Father.
Sunday Scriptures
Called by Name, Or Nickname
By Father Jean-Pierre M. Ruiz I’M VERY FOND OF my two patron saints. Some friends are convinced that my parents entrusted me to the care of two patron saints by naming me Jean-Pierre because they anticipated I would need more than the average amount of heavenly intercession to keep me on the right path. I […]
How Well Do We Imitate Christ?
I FELT SOMETHING – or someone – tugging on the edge of my chasuble after Mass one Sunday morning. At first, I paid no attention to it, busy as I was greeting and exchanging a few words with parishioners who were heading home. But I felt another tug, this one insistent enough that I couldn’t ignore it.
Embrace the Logic of the Cross
As Catholic schools throughout our diocese opened their doors last week to welcome students back after the summer break, I found myself praying in gratitude for the teachers whose seemingly endless energy and generosity contributed so much to my own education.
The Privilege of Discipleship
Biblical scholarship recognizes that the Gospels were originally written in Greek. Taking literary shape in the decades after the death and resurrection of Jesus, in the heart of the nascent Church, the Gospels nourished the first generations of believers with apostolic testimony to the words and deeds of Jesus.
Be Doers, Not Just Hearers
For me, one of the most moving parts of a diaconate ordination ceremony is the handing on of the Book of the Gospels. The ordaining bishop has the Book of the Gospels in his hands and the new deacon kneels before him to receive it. As the bishop hands over the Book of the Gospels, he says these words, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”
Teaching the Truth
I think it would be safe to say that most of us have had one teacher in our lives that made a tremendous impact on us. Whether it was in grammar school, high school, college or graduate school, I’m sure there was one teacher that made us say “wow!” That person inspired us to work hard and to always reach our potential. One of the many images of Jesus that I love is of Him as teacher.
Heeding Words of Wisdom
I WAS TRULY BLESSED to have both my maternal and paternal grandmothers with me for most of my years growing up. Both of my grandmothers have now gone home to God, but I will always remember the way they imparted words of wisdom upon my sister and me.
The Greatest Consolation
Not only will Jesus give us the strength and nourishment that we need in this world, but He also gives us that same nourishment in the world to come.
We Must Believe
JUST THIS PAST spring, I had the great joy of celebrating Mass for our First Holy Communion children at St. Peter Claver Church. I could see the excitement and joy on their faces as they prepared to receive Jesus for the first time in the Most Holy Eucharist. It was equally a great joy for […]