Religious Education - Children
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The Gospel today reflects several teachings of Jesus, It speaks of a wallet. The Greek word for wallet is pera which can mean collecting bag. Very often priests went out with these bags to collect contributions for their temple and their god. They have been described...
Dismissed
In today’s gospel, on the sabbath day Jesus attended the synagogue and was given the opportunity to speak about the reading from the sacred scrolls. The entire congregation was astonished at his teaching, which prompted questions concerning the source of his doctrine...
Preparing the Heart for Lent
Back in the day when I was working in the world and spending way too much time on airplanes accumulating way too many frequent-flyer miles, it seemed to me business travelers did three things on longer flights: sleep, work, or read Stephen’ Covey’s “The 7 Habits of...
All Are Welcome
“Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.” Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation. Mary and Joseph, as good and observant Jews, perform the ritual of bringing their child...
Paying Attention
The second, longest, and most complex of this Gospel’s narrated exorcisms, Mark 5:1-20 is a tale of terror. Jesus encounters a demoniac who horrifies his neighbors by howling among tombs commandeered by diabolical powers that provoke him to appalling self-abuse. The...
Nature’s Lesson
“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God…” In today’s Gospel Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom or Reign of God where God’s will is done. Jesus uses examples from everyday life, planting and mustard seeds. Nature can teach us about the ways of God if we...
Under A Bushel Basket
Jesus is the light of the world who brings light to our life: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). As we hear in today’s Gospel that light, the teachings, deeds, and sacrifice of...
Generosity and Persistence
In the traditional understanding of the parable of “The Sower and Seed,” the focus is often on the soil as a description of our hearts, of our openness to the word of God being sown into our lives. The soil/heart is described as a well-trod path, rocky ground, a...
Who are my mother and brothers?
The reading from today's gospel (with a few extra verses) and St. Francis of Assisi's answer to the question. 20 Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. 21 When his relatives heard of this they...
True Conversion
This past year has challenged us to see our lives in new ways. To appreciate what is most important to us, our families, our friends, our colleagues, to realize the work and dedication of so many dedicated professionals, workers, who make it possible for our families...