Author name: Essjay Peatoo

In today’s Gospel passage (Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20), Jesus entrusts the proclamation of the Good News to his disciples by sending them out to preach. Until this time, the disciples were following him, learning from him, asking him questions, and seeking clarifications. Now it was time for them to put what they had learned into practice. […]

Yesterday’s Old Testament reading took us to the end of the story of Abraham (Genesis 23:1-4; 19; 24:1-8; 62-67). As the reading opens, we learn that Abraham’s wife Sarah has died at Hebron.  She was 127 years old. Abraham is plunged into mourning for his wife.  Leaving her bedside, he goes to the Hittites who

July 4, 2025 Today, we in the United States celebrate the 249th anniversary of our independence to enjoy freedoms that few countries in the world get to enjoy.  Today we have the opportunity to reflect on our freedom and the costs we have paid to have that freedom. I still remember vividly my first visit, with

Today I am going to take some time to catch us up on the Gospel readings that we have been neglecting this week.  In Tuesday’s short Gospel (Matthew 8:23-27), we heard the story of Jesus calming the storm while he and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Their destination was a place known

I find the first reading for today (Genesis 21:5, 8-20) somewhat disturbing.  It details how the animosity between the offspring of Ishmael, Abraham’s first son, born of the slave Hagar (the Arabs), and the offspring of Isaac, Abraham’s second son, born of his elderly wife Sarah (the Israelites), came about.  That animosity continues to this

Part II Today’s first reading (Genesis 19:15-129) is the familiar story of the destruction of the two cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as a punishment for their terrible immorality. Omitted is the scene when the two men, who are now being called angels, and who represent God’s own presence, are offered hospitality in Lot’s house.

Part 1 For the next two days we read the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. As we begin the reading (Genesis 18:16-33), we see Abraham’s three mysterious visitors preparing to continue their journey to Sodom. As an act of courtesy on the part of a host, Abraham accompanies them on the beginning

APOSTLES St. Peter “I do so love St. Peter,” says a friend of mine. “Whenever he opens his mouth, he puts his foot in it.” She is right, of course. Whatever else St. Peter may be, he is not the model of a wise and noble hero. Yes, he walks on water – but then panics

If today you were walking down the street, would you recognize God coming toward you, coming to greet you as His friend, coming to do wondrous things for you?   Would you be willing to give up all your worldly status, humble yourself before your Lord, and be receptive to what Jesus has to say?

Solemnity Each summer, usually in June, nineteen days after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.   In the Gospels, Jesus’ heart is moved with pity for the crowds (Matthew 9:36) and He tells us that He is gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29). The Sacred Heart of Jesus