Monthly Archives: July 2014

Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146:1-6;Matthew 13:47-53 Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:6) In the popular children’s story “The Polar Express,” a number of … Continue reading →

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21; Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18;Matthew 13:44-46 Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure. (Matthew 13:44) There’s one thing about the treasure seekers and merchants in today’s Gospel: they … Continue reading →

Jeremiah 14:17-22; Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13; John 11:19-27 (Alternate Gospel Reading);Luke 10:38-42 Saint Martha Martha, Martha. (Luke 10:41) Most likely, Martha was already busy with her everyday chores when Jesus and the disciples arrived, but she cared too much to … Continue reading →

Jeremiah 13:1-11; (Psalm) Deuteronomy 32:18-21;Matthew 13:31-35 17th Week in Ordinary Time It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. (Matthew 13:32) Solanus Casey (1870–1957) was what some would consider a “small … Continue reading →

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; Romans 8:28-30;Matthew 13:44-52 of joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44) Have you ever noticed how much effort … Continue reading →

2 Corinthians 4:7-15;Psalm 126:1-6; Matthew 20:20-28 Saint James, Apostle … that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7) Pirates stored their treasure in chests bound with chains and heavy padlocks. Banks and casinos … Continue reading →

Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest Why do you speak to the crowd in parables? (Matthew 13:10) Comedian Buddy Hackett used to quip, “My mother’s menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it.” Today’s Gospel reading presents the same alternatives, … Continue reading →

Saint Bridget, Religious To whomever I send you, you shall go. (Jeremiah 1:7) Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10;Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17; Matthew 13:1-9 The prophet Jeremiah was sent to the people of Jerusalem during a time of sweeping change. As a boy, … Continue reading →

Saint Mary Magdalene Whom are you looking for? (John 20:15) Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 85:2-8;John 20:1-2, 11-18 We are all very familiar with the story of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus on Easter Sunday. But as often as … Continue reading →

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church You have been told … what is good, and what the Lord requires of you. (Micah 6:8) Micah 6:1-4, 6-8;Psalm 50:5-6, 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Matthew 12:38-42 Through the prophet … Continue reading →