Readings for June 30, 2013: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Spirituality is really about the soul and the things of the soul. The body and its needs do not matter. In fact, the body is the soul’s prison. Salvation is really…
The Truth about the Flesh
The Messianic Secret
Readings for June 23, 2013: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus asks a simple question. “Who do the crowds say that I am?” (Luke 9:18) All volunteer an answer, because describing other people’s opinions requires no personal commitment whatsoever. …
Why Call God “Father?”
Readings for June 16, 2013: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time A hundred years ago this month, Father’s Day was first observed in Spokane, Washington. This June not only the USA but 55 other countries around the world will honor the…
The Feast of Faith
The Eucharist is a meal. It’s the Lord’s Supper, as well as a holy sacrifice. It has to be both. Christ becomes present so that we can not only see him under the appearances of bread and wine but also…
Is the Eucharist REALLY the Body of Christ?
Readings for June 2, 2013: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ The Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, namely, that in the Eucharist, the communion wafer and the altar wine are transformed and really…
Is Trinity Sunday Relevant?
Readings for May 26, 2013: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Many are ready to give a polite nod of some sort to Jesus of Nazareth. Most honor him as a great moral teacher. Many even confess him as…
Pentecost: Call to Activate
Readings for May 19, 2013: Pentecost As a teen, I thought the clergy were supposed to do everything. We laity were just called to pray, pay, and obey. Oh yes, and keep the commandments, of course. The original 10 seemed…
Finding the Excitement in the Ascension
Readings for May 12, 2013: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord The celebration of the Ascension used to leave me a bit flat. It was clear what Good Friday did for me. And Easter Sunday’s benefits were indisputable. But…
The Paraclete
Readings for May 5, 2013: Sixth Sunday of Easter He wore steel rimmed glasses and had hair to the middle of his back. The fringe on his buck-skinned jacket bounced as he walked. At least that was the way I…
Love One Another (Even the Annoying)
Readings for April 28, 2013: Fifth Sunday of Easter Often Christians act surprised when they try to do good and things don’t go according to plan. Sometimes it’s small but irritating annoyances that get in the way, and other times,…