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…
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…
“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…
A small community of Trappist monks lived deep in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria. Their lives were intimately intertwined with the local people, most of whom were Muslims. In peaceful…
As an adult convert to Catholicism, I can relate to the religious leaders who question Jesus in today’s Gospel reading. A few verses prior, they plead, “How long are you…
There are times when we feel absolutely helpless to prevent terrible injustices, abusive language and behavior, and unnecessary disasters. Our helplessness may be fed by fears of reprisals and revenge.…
Adapted from Gerhard Lohfink's The Most Important Words of Jesus It is not with the help of the head of all demons that Jesus drives out demons, but with the…
For me, the most challenging part of today’s Gospel reading is Jesus’ command to “do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you.” Before Jesus describes the hypocrisy of religious…
In her time of dire need, Queen Esther knows where to turn in today’s first reading: to God, her only hope. Her uncle, Mordecai, has warned her of a plot…
The exultant fronds of Palm Sunday have been reduced to ashes. The Church reminds us of our own mortality and bids us to reorient our lives. There is a certain…
