Father James Rodriguez reflects on Scripture’s mountaintop imagery, the Mass as a wedding feast, and God’s call to communion, faith and eternal life.
Sunday Scriptures
St. Francis’ Humble Life Connects 800 Years Later
Father James Rodriguez reflects on the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death and how his humility, faith and love of the Eucharist still speak to Catholics today.
Yesterday’s No, Today’s Yes
Sometimes the person who says “no” is the one who eventually shows up, while the person who eagerly says “yes” is nowhere to be found. We naturally feel encouraged by an immediate yes and disappointed by an initial refusal. But experience teaches us not to judge people by their first answer.
When Grace Feels Unfair to Us
Heaven is not a reward reserved for those who arrived first. It is the generous gift of a God who keeps going out searching for His children.
Forgive, But Don’t Forget Justice
Perhaps forgiveness begins by recognizing that we cannot always do it by ourselves. Sometimes the most sincere prayer we can offer is simply, “Lord, I am still angry. I am still hurt. I want justice. But please do not let this anger control me.”
When Correction Becomes Care
There will always be faults in every family, parish, workplace, and community because every community is made up of imperfect human beings, ourselves included. Our responsibility is not to police one another but to love one another enough to seek what is good.
Peter’s Lesson in Imperfect Faith
In the Gospel we heard last Sunday, Jesus asks his disciples who they believe him to be. His question, “Who do you say I am?” sparks Peter (then known as Simon) to reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The Question That Changes Us
This section of Matthew’s Gospel invites us to answer for ourselves, for Christ and for the Church, who we think He is, and what place we want to give our faith in our daily living.
God’s House Welcomes All Who Seek His Love
It is not always what you say but often how you say it that makes a difference. For example, a husband affectionately calling his wife “honey” is far different from a drunk adult in a restaurant addressing his teenage waitress with the same term. One is romantic, and the other is lecherous. Sometimes nicknames that would be considered offensive from strangers are actually affectionate between friends. This helps solve a difficulty in today’s Gospel.
Through Every Storm, Jesus Walks Near
Last week we heard the Gospel of the multiplication of the loaves. It begins with Jesus wanting a much-needed rest after the death of John the Baptist, but being denied that rest because, upon seeing the crowds, he wanted to meet their needs. This week’s Gospel begins with Jesus claiming that rest.