Category: Scripture Reflections
The Messianic Secret
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. But then Jesus asks them a tougher question: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Answering this one entails sticking your neck out a bit. The [...]
Why Call God “Father?”
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 roles fathers play in the family and the community. This modern secular holiday invites us to ask a very important question – what does it [...]
Eucharist: Body and Blood of Christ
The Catholic Church teaches that in the Eucharist, the communion wafer and the altar wine are transformed and really become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Have you ever met anyone who has found this Catholic doctrine to be a bit hard to take? If so, you shouldn’t be surprised. When Jesus spoke about [...]
The Doctrine of the Trinity Matters and Here’s Why
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 Savior. But the Incarnation of the Eternal God? Second person of the Holy Trinity? God can’t be one and three at the same time. Such a notion [...]
The Difference the Spirit Makes
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 overwhelming enough. Then I discovered the Sermon on the Mount and nearly passed out. Perhaps this is why many inactive Catholics [...]
Relevance 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 as for the Ascension, what’s in it for me? Christianity is about a kind of love we call agape or charity. It is love that looks away [...]
Getting to Know the Holy Spirit
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 was accustomed to seeing Mike as he bopped around town. It was just a few years after Woodstock, and we were all taken with [...]
Christian Disunity
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, other times serious calamities. The Bible says that, “He shall wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out [...]
Be not afraid for the Lord is your Shepherd
We live in a world that is at times dark and dangerous. The events of this past week in Boston remind us of this sad truth. In a moment all can change; our earthly lives can end. Deadly violence – unlooked for, unexpected, senseless and sudden. That the world is filled with sin, violence and [...]
Hearing the Voice of the Shepherd
What was the response to Jesus’ preaching, according to the New Testament? Some who heard him were impressed; others wanted to push him over a cliff (cf. Luke 4:29). The same was true for Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journeys. They were hailed by some and run out of town by others. Jesus summed [...]
Recent Comments