Gospel Reflections for Challenging Times

  Satur day – Feast of St. Jerome Gospel – Luke 9:43-46 Life’s a Journey St. Jerome’s Cave (home), Bethlehem    Speaking strictly as a certified sci-fi geek, I love my Doctor Who.   And one of my favorite lines in the decades-long series is when the Doctor complains to his intelligent time machine (it’s a long story) that it never takes him where he wants to be.   And the Tardis’ response?   Yes, but I always take you where you need to be! Looking back on my life, I could have stayed home in the countryside of Southern Maryland and taken over Dad’s country store and post office.   I could have stayed in the seminary and served as a priest in Mississippi or Alabama.   I could have finished college at U. of Maryland instead of moving out to Chicago.   I could have continued my job in retail sales (ugh).   Different life, different wife!   And you all have similar stories!   So many forks in the road; so many choices!   And yet here you are; here I am! I truly believe tha

  Friday – Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels Gospel – John 1:47-51 Angels Among Us Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth A few years ago, I learned that one of my favorite teachers from my high school years in the seminary, Fr. Brendan, was suffering from terminal cancer.   It was very sad news; Father Brendan was my English teacher, our theater director, my spiritual guide and mentor. Physically larger than life, he was such a gentle soul, someone who nurtured me and encouraged me when I first began to commit my thoughts and aspirations onto paper – a journey of self-awareness and self-discovery.   Luckily I was able to get in touch with him in those last few months and we had a phone chat reminiscing about our time together.   It was an opportunity for me to thank him for being such a role model and inspiration to me, especially in my moments of doubt and hardship.   He truly was and is an angel in my life. We celebrate today the Feasts of Sts. Michael,

  Thursday – 25 th Week in Ordinary Time First Reading – Haggai 1:1-8 I Can’t Get No…….. Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth Now thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; And whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. So?   How’s your life going?   Enough to eat?   A modest savings account?   Roof over your hear and clothes to wear?   Are you comfortable?   Are you satisfied?   Or is there something nagging at you, something that keeps asking you – is this all there is?   Isn’t there something more to life than just human needs and possessions? It reminds me of a Rolling Stones song! I can't get no satisfaction I can't get no satisfaction 'Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try    When I'm driving in my car When a man co

  Wednesday – St. Vincent de Paul     Gospel – Luke 9:1-6 Traveling Light! Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv With all of our recent trips to Tennessee, Ginger and I are at a point in our lives where the last thing we want to do is check a bag at the airport. I mean, why add more time running to baggage claim, wait for the bag and then leave.   Time is a-wasting! That means figuring out not just what to bring but how to pack it all into a carry-on.   Not so easy!   But, after our 10 day trips to the Holy Land, Ginger has become a whiz at organizing and packing our luggage.   What to bring, what not to bring.   And then the arranging and sorting of clothes for each day! And finally the actual packing, making sure everything fits!   And trust me, she has discovered some really cool ways to expertly make use of every inch of space.   And then in today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ travel tips to the disciples.   Essentially what NOT to bring, what NOT to pack!   No walking stick,

  Tuesday - 25 th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 8:19-21 Family Matters Holy Family, St Joseph Church, Nazareth We are family I got all my sisters with me We are family Get up everybody and sing No (we), we don't get depressed 'Cause here's what we call our golden rule Have faith in you and the things you do You won't go wrong, oh no This is our family jewel Old song but the idea is worth hoping for!   What if we all really were a family? What if we all really treated each other as family? Consider this!   A family member suffers an unexpected accident and cannot manage on their own; maybe it’s a son or a mom, a dear grandparent or a cherished father-in-law or a husband.   All at once, schedules are shelved and plans are dropped; life is suddenly put on hold as we seek to care for the sick/injured.   And it’s not just the family!   Friends and neighbors all come together to offer love and support, prayers and assistance.   Some prepare