Monthly Archives: January 2014

Saint John Bosco, Priest 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17; Psalm 51:3-7, 10-11;Mark 4:26-34 Of its own accord the land yields fruit. (Mark 4:28) The kingdom of God is real. Better yet, it’s here now, growing bigger and stronger, like the mustard … Continue reading →

3rd Week in Ordinary Time 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29; Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14; Mark 4:21-25 To the one who has, more will be given. (Mark 4:25) Many experts agree that exploring alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power is … Continue reading →

Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19;Psalm 24:7-10 Mark 3:31-35 Rise up, you ancient portals. (Psalm 24:7) The psalmist’s imagery is simple: gate, an opening in a wall or a fence, for going in … Continue reading →

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 8:23–9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14;1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23 I urge … that you be united. (1 Corinthians 1:10) The Corinthian church was out of control. Some members were visiting prostitutes. One was … Continue reading →

Saint Vincent, Deacon and Martyr Are my tears not stored in your vial? (Psalm 56:9) 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:2-3, 9-13;Mark 3:7-12 In a popular joke, a husband explains his secret for dividing up responsibilities with his wife: “I … Continue reading →

2nd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10;Mark 3:1-6 Stretch out your hand. (Mark 3:5) Instead of avoiding the religious leaders’ scrutiny, Jesus called forward the man with the disability and asked his detractors a … Continue reading →

Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr 1 Samuel 16:1-13;Psalm 89:20-22, 27-28; Mark 2:23-28 Do not judge from his appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7) You can’t judge a book by its cover. We’ve probably all heard this timeworn adage from childhood. But when … Continue reading →

Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr 1 Samuel 15:16-23;Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Mark 2:18-22 Obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22) If you’ve ever had to wrestle toddlers to get them fed, dressed, into car seats, and then into … Continue reading →

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3;John 1:29-34 I did not know him. (John 1:33) When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who … Continue reading →

Saint Anthony, Abbot 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22; Psalm 89:16-19;Mark 2:1-12 When Jesus saw their faith . . . (Mark 2:5) Try to imagine you are one of the people carrying this paralyzed man. What is your relationship to him? Maybe … Continue reading →