Human beings like explanations, like to link up cause and effect. When the Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed and taken into exile in 721 B.C. by the Assyrians (i.e., the Iraqis — some conflicts are perennial) the Biblical author explained the catastrophe as a result of the people of the northern tribes (now we… Read More »

Sometimes it’s a matter of asking the right question. Einstein claimed that the theory of relativity developed because he asked, “What would it be like to ride on a beam of light?” The ancient Rabbi Hillel inspired modern-day politicians as diverse as Robert Kennedy and Ronald Reagan with the question: “If not us, then who?… Read More »

Jesus was not reluctant to supplement the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament with some commandments of his own. The Sermon on the Mount contains several of Jesus’ commandments; for example, “Thou shalt not worry.” Several times in Matthew 6 Jesus hammers home the point. “Stop worrying about tomorrow.” Obeying that commandment runs clean counter… Read More »

Back in the day the nuns would urge us to give a “spiritual bouquet” to someone on special occasions. We would make up a card where we would list all of the masses, communions, rosaries, prayers, etc. that we would offer for that individual. When I heard the words of Jesus, “store up treasures in… Read More »

It is one year since the massacre of the church goers at Mother Bethel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. The current pastor was interviewed on the news and the commentator was amazed that so many of the family and friends of the victims were ready to extend forgiveness to the gunman. “What would you say… Read More »

Elijah is take up to heaven in a horse-drawn fiery chariot. From this Biblical story arose the tradition that Elijah did not die and that he will return to once again bring the message of God into the world. The prophets spoke of Elijah’s return heralding a new age. Both John the Baptist and Jesus… Read More »

“Turn the other cheek.” “Give to those who ask.” “Love your enemies.” “Be perfect.” Every now and then I feel like saying to Jesus, Give me a break. I’m a good person. I’m okay. I’m decent. Why are you such a nudge? Perhaps the point of the Sermon on the Mount is Jesus telling us:… Read More »

Jesus would sometimes use hyperbole for emphasis. No one really should pluck out their eye if it causes them to sin. Was he doing that in the Sermon on the Mount when he says: “offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to… Read More »

St. Barnabas is the only one the church calls an apostle outside of the Twelve and St. Paul. But really, every Catholic is called to be an apostle, as the founder of my religious congregation, Fr. Thomas Judge, C.M., used to say. In Barnabas we see three of the characteristics of apostles. First, he brings… Read More »