God has blessed me with many talents and strengths throughout my life. But one of the things that I am not very good at is gardening, particularly planting. Every plant that I seem to have ends up dying.
Sunday Scriptures
Life in the Spirit
On Sunday, June 16, 1996, I received the sacrament of confirmation at my home parish of Queen of All Saints in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn.
Apostles Are Heroic Models of Life-Giving Witness
Why isn’t everyone Catholic? This Sunday, we observe the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and as we see in today’s Scriptures, they tirelessly gave their lives to help make that question obsolete.
Unifying Power of the Eucharist
Across our diocese and around the world, countless believers honor the body and blood, soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ today. Through innumerable processions and devotions, today marks the most public display of our love for Jesus, Who loves us so much that He gives us the gift of Himself.
Which Will You Choose?
At its heart, today’s feast is primarily about communion. Moses desired it, and so he prays, reflecting every person’s inherent desire for God. Nothing can take His place, and so Moses humbly implores Him, “do come along in our company” (Ex. 34:9).
The Healing Fire of Divine Love
Last weekend, we read about the first place the Apostles went after the Ascension of the Lord: the Upper Room.
The Greatest Treasure on the Planet is Ours – Every Day
It is no coincidence then that as soon as Christ ascends into heaven, the apostles return to the birthplace of the Eucharist – the Upper Room – and dedicate themselves to prayer, modeling the very thing we do each week.
Called to Be Living Stones, Not Stumbling Blocks
We are “living stones” building upon an everlasting and living foundation…
The Easter season and today’s fifth Sunday invite us to an ongoing reflection and response to the call of God’s Spirit in our everyday lives and actions. As I read this Sunday’s Scriptures, I was brought back to a memory of more than 30 years. I was the principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Cypress Hills, and each Monday the classes came to the auditorium to pray at the start of a new week. We called it “round-up” as they gathered and listened to God’s Word.
Heirs to the Promises of Easter
Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter, but we are hearing Pentecost readings. We reflect on God’s Voice, God’s Word, The Voice and the voices of those who believe.
I do not open the Bible, read from the Lectionary or pray the psalms without recalling these words.
Leave Skepticism in the Tomb – Rise and Give Witness to Christ
Thomas must have had quite a reputation among the very earliest followers of Jesus!