Prayer in Time of Violence
I have to admit, God, that sometimes it’s hard to even call your name. On days like this I can’t help but think that if you had been there, we wouldn’t be here— —here in a world where so much … Read More
When doing ministry is not doing the Father’s will
Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Like many of you, I have spent most of my adult life doing something for the church—choosing and rehearsing music for Mass, preparing liturgies and liturgical ministers, teaching and writing … Read More
The privilege of opportunity
Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A In today’s Gospel, one aspect of the landowner’s generosity is often overlooked. Not only did he give all the workers a just wage; he also gave everyone, even those who … Read More
A Year of Mercy isn’t enough
Readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A It has been almost a year since Pope Francis closed the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in December, 2016. Perhaps we might take stock to see if anything about the … Read More
WWJD on the www?
Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A As immediate, remote, and anonymous communication has become so easy to do in our culture, something has shifted in us for the worse. Just read the comments on many Catholic … Read More
A Prayer for Dreamers
God of our waking and our sleeping, in every age, you have spoken to your prophets in dreams and visions and have promised that our sons and daughters shall prophesy through your Spirit. Through the dreams of young Joseph, you … Read More
Anything but this
Readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Take up your cross and follow me. We may have heard these words many times, and we might easily say yes to this invitation. In reality, these words aren’t calling … Read More
Faith by heart
Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Have you ever met someone who responds to questions of faith with answers that sound like they come from a textbook? They may have a deep personal faith, but they … Read More
Does liturgy have anything to do with justice?
I am saddened that some who love the liturgy and love the church and care deeply about the injustice that plagues our world today still believe liturgy has no connection to justice. Some of them say things like, “Liturgy is … Read More
The courage to speak and the courage to be changed
Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A The healing given to the Canaanite woman’s daughter is certainly a key focus for today. Yet we have clues in the first reading and responsorial psalm that draw our attention … Read More