In today’s Gospel Jesus commissions and sends out the Twelve to be his witnesses. The word “apostle” comes from the Greek verb “to send” (apostellõ). Jesus tells the Apostles: “Behold, I am sending (apostellõ) you like sheep in the midst of wolves.” Who are these...
Today’s first reading from Genesis is the story of Jacob’s ladder or stairway. This ladder reaches from the ground to the heavens. God’s “messengers” or angels were “going up and down on” this stairway. God reveals himself to Jacob as the God of his ancestors and...
In today’s Gospel Jesus performs an exorcism and drives demons out of two people possessed by these demons. The story is rich with symbolism. The story takes place in the territory of the Gadarenes, thus an “unclean” Gentile territory. The demoniacs were coming...
What is a disciple of Jesus? A disciple a student and one who follows him. Jesus invites us to follow him and tells us his yoke is easy, and his burden is light. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and...
Today we celebrate the love of God on this Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading: “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” This love of God is made concrete in...
