Jesus told a parable about a successful farmer who had an excess and so he wanted to “tear down my barns and build larger ones.” Our Lord critiques this attitude because the farmer is storing “up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” What is it that matters to God?… Read More »

The “nones” are increasing dramatically. That is not “nuns” as in religious sisters. No, it is “nones” as in those who do not claim any religious affiliation. According to the latest research 26% of Americans say they have no religious affiliation. Among millennials it is even higher – about 40% among the youngest cohort. Even… Read More »

At Bible Camp we used to sing a song “Father Abraham had many kids.” That children’s ditty was actually taken from the thinking of St. Paul. He addresses “those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us.” For the Apostle, all those who worship the one God (monotheists) are… Read More »

St. Luke described Jesus sending out missionaries. “The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs.” Why in pairs? Wouldn’t a single missionary be able to cover more ground? Pope Gregory the Great suggested it was because a preacher must learn to practice charity before proclaiming the word. If you… Read More »

“For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” This phrase from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans was very important to Martin Luther, and hence, to the Protestant movement he initiated. Faith alone saves is the catch phrase. Looking at the context the Apostle was stressing that… Read More »

When you explore why people have stopped going to the Church one frequent answer is: I felt judged there. On the one hand judging is a necessary aspect of human existence. We make a judgement whether french fries or green salad would be a better side dish. The Bible warns us that we shouldn’t be… Read More »

St. Paul’s letter to the Church at Rome is his personal introduction to people who don’t know him but who, no doubt, have heard about him. He presents “the gospel he preached” to show he is not someone to fear. He begins the argument by saying that everyone, even non-Jews, are subject to God since… Read More »

For the next four weeks the readings will be taken from St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans. This letter differs from others that Paul wrote in that he did not know the Roman Church personally. His other letters dealt with issues and problems that he was familiar with. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome… Read More »

The story of Jesus curing the ten lepers serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to give thanks. We know this from our own experience. Everyone appreciates when their work and efforts are applauded. However, all too often we neglect thanksgiving even though it is at the vital heart of the spiritual… Read More »

“He’s one of our own.” As a grandchild of Polish immigrants I loved to hear the story of the heroes of Poland: King John Sobieski saving Vienna from the Turks, Madame Curie winning the Nobel Prize (twice!), Frederic Chopin redefining music. I would take pride in what “my people” had done. A similar sentiment is… Read More »