Every now and then a particular text from scripture bites me. Today in the sermon of St. Peter he says, Now I know, brothers and sisters, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did. This is, of course, an echo of the word of Jesus from the cross: Father, forgiven them for… Read More »

For the past several months St. James has been using a program called Sycamore. The usual pattern for Catholics is to provide the catechism which has all the answers. Sycamore is designed so that those who attend can ask questions. In an age which calls itself “spiritual but not religious” the starting point has to… Read More »

When I was growing up the emphasis was on learning the catechism. As long as you knew the right answers you were in good shape. The problem with this approach was that the faith could remain theoretical, something in a book with little to do with life. Today the emphasis has shifted to having “a… Read More »

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. That this gospel is designated for the day Pope Francis died seems almost a commentary on his life. The Risen… Read More »

One of the old Latin hymns for Easter starts off this way: “The strife is o’er, the battle done; The victory of life is won; The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!” That hymn captures the meaning of the Resurrection. Jesus has faced the worst that human beings can do to each other and overcome… Read More »

Earth, air, fire, water – ancient writers in many cultures described everything in the world as made up of some combination of those four elements. Modern people might have a bit of smug superiority reading how the different elements combined to make elephants, hurricanes and Jello brand gelatin. But to be honest, while I am… Read More »

In the days when Christ was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. This passage from the Epistle to the Hebrews is an echo of the story in the gospels… Read More »

Holy Thursday tries to do many things at once. It is the day when we remember that Jesus first celebrated the Eucharist and left the sacrament with us as his ongoing presence in our midst. “Do this in remembrance of me.” That commission reminds us that the apostles were empowered to celebrate the sacrament as… Read More »

During Holy Week the Church reads four selections from the Book of Isaiah which scholars call the Suffering Servant Songs. This section of Isaiah was probably written at the time of the exile. The nation had been conquered. The king and leadership eliminated. The temple destroyed. Israel was experiencing extremes of suffering and despair. The… Read More »

A Hasidic tale: all of the angels were rejoicing after Moses led the people through the Red Sea and into safety. Gabriel noticed that God was weeping and asked why.”Your people Israel are safe, O Lord.” Yes, God answered, “My people Israel are safe but my people the Egyptians are dead on the shore.” Jesus… Read More »