Gospel Reflections for Challenging Times

  Wednesday – 30 th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 13:22-30 A Tight Squeeze Caesarea Philippi Years ago, when I was considerably younger and a bit foolhardy, I took a weekend camping trip with some buddies of mine down to southern Illinois to Garden of the Gods, a beautiful state park with magnificent mountains, rock outcroppings and miles of scenic trails.   One particular path took us through “Fat Man Squeeze”, a very narrow gap between huge slabs of rock.   It was not for the faint-hearted.   The only way through was to squeeze through sideways and holding your breath. It took courage and stamina and the willingness to suffer a bit for the experience.    I took a pass and skipped that little adventure! No thank you!   I will just stand aside and watch someone else navigate that ‘squeeze’. Jesus today talks about striving to enter through the narrow gate.   His intent is clear – entering the Kingdom will take effort and courage. ...

  Tuesday – Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles Gospel – Luke 6: 12-16 Any Given Name Rosary Procession, Nazareth So a simple question to start the day!   When you were little, how did you know that you were in trouble at home??   My guess is that Mom or Dad called you by name.   Not your nickname or familiar name!   Your given name!   And not just your first name, your whole name, middle name included!   That usually meant you were in trouble, big trouble!   “William Joseph Frere Jr, come here’!   Uh oh!   How worse can it get, unless of course they go the extra mile and also include your Confirmation name? We celebrate today the Feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude.   Simon, but not Peter!   Jude but not Judas!   And what do we know about them?   What stories about them do we find in the Gospels or Acts of Apostles?   Short answer –NOTHING!   All we have is their name, mentioned in today’s Gospel!  ...

  Monday – 30 th Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Luke 13:10-17 Standing Tall Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem A few years ago, when I was still teaching at St. Pat’s, I remember meeting a Muslim mom and her son as they were touring the school.   I greeted her with the traditional “ As-Salaam-Alaikum” – peace be with you!   She had the biggest smile on her face as she returned the greeting.   And it led to a wonderful conversation on faith and shared beliefs.   A simple gesture but such an opportunity to share one’s faith! When was the last time when you had the chance to stand up for something, to make a difference, to profess your faith?   Maybe we stood our ground against a bully.   Or we saw an injustice, and we called out for a change.   Or it could be as simple as just being an honest person when someone unknowingly drops a $20 bill on the ground.   But what about standing up for our faith?   What about a time when we professed our b...