THE SCRIPTURES WE proclaim today are especially important for us in the Diocese of Brooklyn as they employ in the first reading and the Gospel the image of a shepherd. In just a few days time, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, by the selection of Pope Francis and with the pope’s mandate, will ordain to the episcopacy two priests for service as auxiliary bishops in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Sunday Scriptures
Walking Together in Trust and Love
From Marine Park to Howard Beach to Elmhurst and now Rome, I have had an incredible experience of priesthood for many reasons. In light of today’s Gospel, perhaps I might articulate two of them: first, “going out two by two,” and second, “taking nothing for the journey.”
What’s Your Kryptonite?
IT’S A FUNNY THING, kryptonite. The phrase has entered into our popular lexicon and comes from the one element that can depower the comic book character Superman. Actually created for the 1940s radio series, “The Adventures of Superman,” even before being introduced into the comics, kryptonite is a mineral from the now destroyed home planet.
Being Conduits Of Jesus’ Love
USUALLY THE GOSPEL teaches us a spiritual message that directs us toward living for the Kingdom. Today is no exception. However, the message today, as heaven-oriented as it may be, has to be lived out in the here and now, in our neighborhoods and homes. Imitation of the example of Christ in today’s Gospel must be lived with those people we see from day to day, hour to hour. To imitate Christ in today’s Gospel means to love the people around us.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
By Msgr. Joseph P. Calise ONE OF THE most important tools of the spiritual life is a spiritual director. As an old saying goes, “we all need somebody to talk to.” One day, I was speaking with one of the Passionist priests at the Bishop Molloy Retreat House in Jamaica Estates about something that was […]
Progress Not Perfection
THE PARABLE OF THE mustard seed presents us with an interesting paradox. The smallest of seeds becomes the largest of shrubs. That comparison, along with the introductory analogy of the Kingdom of God being like a seed that is planted and left to grow by God’s grace, presents us with not only an interesting perspective on the Church, but also a challenge to our daily lives.
Make the Love of Christ Visible to a World in Need
ABOUT 15 YEARS ago, while I was still rector-principal at Cathedral Prep, I received the invitation to preach at the Holy Thursday liturgy being celebrated in a local monastery.
Three Persons United in Love
By Father Anthony F. Raso MANY YEARS AGO, during my seminary years, I saw a short film – one of the “Insight” series, which were used at that time in religious education programs – that attempted to “illustrate” the Holy Trinity. Up there in Heaven, the Father was depicted as a late-middle-age man, an “old […]
Embrace Pentecost With Convert-Like Enthusiasm
By Father Anthony F. Raso CONVERTS TO THE Roman Catholic faith are always a great blessing to the rest of us who were baptized as babies. Whenever we get to forgetting how inspiring our faith really is, the converts will remind us well by the sound of their voices and the look in their eyes. […]
Forgiveness Without Bounds
By Father Anthony F. Raso IF I REVEALED my mother’s age in the pages of The Tablet, I might never be able to go home again – maybe. Let’s just say that since I will be 67 years old this coming Tuesday, my mother is now well over 39 years of age and we’ll leave […]
