Gospel Reflections for Challenging Times

  Thursday – 13 th Week in Ordinary Time    6/30/22 Gospel – Matthew 9:1-8 A Helping Hand Magdala Chapel A couple of weeks ago, I stopped at the drug store yesterday to pick up a prescription.   No, not for me!   This one was for one of our cats, Gracie, who was suffering from high blood pressure.   Little did I know that was the last time I would pick up a prescription for her.   Days later we would have to say goodbye to her as she succumbed to her final illness.   As the pharmacist was ringing up the purchase, she asked me if I had any questions about the medication.   I told her NO, especially since Gracie and I are both taking the same drug.   She just burst into laughter and thanked me for really making her day! Looking back now on that moment, it reminds me how sometimes all it takes is just a few words to brighten someone else’s day!   What you think is a simple gesture can be a miracle, a kindness, to someone else!   And even now as I (we) continue to grieve ove

Wednesday – Sts. Peter and Paul Gospel – Matthew 16:13-19 Who are You? Church of St. Peter Primacy, Sea of Galilee Who are you?   No, I don’t mean the theme song from CSI!   I mean, if someone asked you who you are, how would you answer?   Some would respond simply with their name.   Others might say I’m a father, a wife, a son, grandma, cousin, friend.   Still others might say teacher, police officer, carpenter, lawyer, nurse, student, bus driver, web designer, athlete. No matter what the answer, each response speaks of a relationship, a connection to others.   Each response ties us to others in unique and personal ways.   None of us live in isolation; we all live in relationship with others. Jesus asks a similar question in today’s Gospel.   Who do people say I am?   Some say John the Baptist reborn, or Elijah or Jeremiah or a prophet.   Jesus then asks - who do YOU say I am?   And it’s Peter who responds – You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!   Peter’s answer

  Tuesday – 13 th Week in Ordinary Time   6/28/22 Gospel – Matthew 8:23-27 The Storm Inside Stormy Night, Tel Aviv Ever been driving in the middle of a snowstorm?   Roads are iced up and you can barely see ahead of you.   Windshield keeps fogging up and you can’t even tell if you’re on the right side of the road?   Ever been home in the midst of a long and loud thunderstorm? The house is shaking and the windows are rattling to the point you think they will break.   And you keep checking the basement for water.   Terrifying times that shake you to the core. That’s where the disciples are in today’s Gospel.   This is no leisurely ride on the Sea of Galilee.   Storms pop up out of nowhere and this one is terrifying even for the disciples, most of whom are fishermen and should be used to it.   They are scared and fearful for their life.   And Jesus?   Well, He is sleeping!   After awakening, He rebukes them for being worried for their safety. He reminds them that He is

  Monday 13 th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Matthew8:18-22 Disciples Wanted!! Via Dolorosa In light of Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel – FOLLOW ME! Posted in the Jerusalem Times 2000 years ago! WANTED!   Someone to follow Me!   Must be willing to leave old life, family and career behind!   Eager to take risks and expect harsh reactions, if not outright hostility.   Must be prepared to face physical suffering, hunger, minimal living conditions and even death.   Position involves a lot of walking and listening; classes and lessons happen on a daily basis!   Must be adaptable to changing work conditions – stormy seas, hot days, cold nights, long walks.   Willing to make do with the clothes on your back! All are welcome, no experience necessary! Experience as a fisherman or farmer is a bonus but not required.   This is a volunteer position; no salary is involved.   No sick days!   No vacation!   All benefits will be distributed at the end of the journey.   Hardship

  13 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 9:51-62 On The Road Jerusalem A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an Envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Dad.' With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter. Dear Dad: It is with great regret and sorrow that I am writing you.   I have had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with you and mom.   Stacy is so nice. I just know she is the one for me.   But I knew you would not approve of her because of her tattoos, piercings, leather motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is so much older than I am.   Dad, Stacy promised me that we would be very happy together.   She owns a little cabin out in the woods and has already chopped a stack of firewood to get us through the winter.   Please do not worry, Dad, I am 15