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Compassion Awakened
The centerpiece of the Gospel reading today is the story of the healing of the centurion’s servant. It is a marvelous story of Jesus healing by his Word, in response…
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Liberating Forgiveness
My children don’t always get along. I often find myself intervening. It can be a minor infraction, like when my two-year-old daughter takes my four-year-old son’s corn chip. Other times,…
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Loving with All
Couples married for any length of time know that love requires compromise, understanding, and sacrifice—loving with all your heart cannot be conditional or halfhearted but must be total and complete.…
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My Soul Thirsts
I can relate to the religious authorities in today’s Gospel. They are so concerned about how the crowds will react, that they forget to stop and consider what they believe.…
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A Perpetual Presence
We are all included in this touching prayer of Jesus. Aware that he must soon leave the ones he has loved and mentored, Jesus is pouring out his heart to…
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Welcoming All Voices
Today’s second reading depicts the Ephesian church’s congregational culture. They offered fellowship to people of varied social backgrounds, support for itinerant strangers, and restraint in public discourse. Priscilla and Aquila…
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What Remains
In a podcast today, I discovered that Sesame Street was createdin the 1960s to promote social good. The creators were tryingto level the playing field for all kids by teaching…
Illustration by Frank Kacmarcik, OblSB, Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota. Used with permission.
Loaves of Care
Modern images of starving families in war-ravaged countries are haunting. Children hold out empty pots in the hope that they will receive even a few crumbs. Against the backdrop of…
Illustration by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana. Used with permission.
Hallowing Emptiness
Have you ever wept like Mary Magdalene when you sought but could not find the One whom your soul loves (Song 3:1-2)? This experience of grief in the spiritual life…
Illustration by Frank Kacmarcik, OblSB (1920-2004), Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota. Used with permission.
God Returns Anew
“My kingdom does not belong to this world,” Jesus says to Pilate. The logical question is, Why not? Jesus’ mission has been one of peace, compassion, inclusivity, and reconciliation. Sounds…
