The Gospel presents a strange scene. Thousands of people are walking for miles and miles, far into desert west of Jerusalem to see John the Baptist, not because they want to hear him speak, but because they want to acknowledge their own faults, their weakness, and sinfulness! Who would want to do that! They are […]

Thanksgiving is a good symbol of the three day Vatican Conference I attended last week. Thanksgiving is the one holiday that all can enjoy no matter what faith we have. People travel great distances just to be together on that day, and the dinner table is famous for having all kinds of different people at […]

Gospel Reflections for November 9 2014 The first reading has a compelling image of a massive flood of water pouring out in all directions from the Temple in Jerusalem. This is good news? When I see anything like that I call a plumber, but here the image is a positive metaphor for God’s abundantly flowing […]

Gospel Reflections for November 2 2014 What about our loved ones who have died? Are they in Heaven? We hope so! Can we know for sure? Well …we can’t, but we can surely pray for them. The only people the Church makes any claim at all about heavenly status are the saints, and only after […]

Gospel Reflections for October 26 2014 Religion can become quite complicated at times. I am grateful when someone tries to keep it simple, truthful, and direct. That happens in this Sunday’s Gospel. A man approaches Jesus and simply asks “What is the greatest commandment of all?” What a great question! The man just wants Jesus […]