What about the “wow” factor? That’s not an expression biblical scholars often use when we talk about the words and deeds of Jesus in the Gospels, but it’s useful just the same.

My students are just as surprised to learn that the scientist responsible for the Big Bang theory was a diocesan priest from Belgium named Georges Lemaître. I challenge them to rethink their preconceptions of the relationship between religion and science by reflecting on this statement:

The Good News of Christ comes to us in each of our countless vernaculars, in Spanish and Igbo and Kreyòl Ayisyen, in Polish and Tagalog, Korean and Mandarin and in English—just some of the languages in which we praise God in our diocese—and in so many others besides.

I returned to NY Presbyterian (Booth Memorial) as soon as I received a text that my dad had taken a serious turn with his condition. By the time I arrived, he had already been resuscitated twice. An hour later, his heartrate began to slow down again.

I am stating the obvious when I say we are living in stressful times, especially living here in New York City during the pandemic.

This weekend, we are asked to focus on the mission that Jesus is entrusting to his disciples.

We are now entering the third week of the Easter season. The readings at daily Mass reflect how the disciples of Jesus are processing the meaning as well as the implications of our Lord’s resurrection.

Today’s Gospel is easily divided into two parts: Jesus appearing to the apostles and giving them a mission, and then again with Thomas present. 

No one can prove the Resurrection for us.  There is no adequate scientific explanation.  Yet all we need to make the leap of faith surrounds us — if we are simply willing to listen with our hearts.