In our first reading today (2 Corinthians 1:18-22), Paul has incurred a certain amount of criticism from the Corinthians and is coming to his own defense. In the verses just preceding today’s reading, he admits that he had intended to pay them a double …

Today we re-enter the liturgical season of Ordinary Time.  Throughout the centuries, Christians have called upon and honored Mary as their mother. People like St. John Paul II have asked Mary to be a mother in a very personal way, especially in times of …

The name “Pentecost” comes from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” Like Easter, it is tied to a Jewish feast. Jews celebrate the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) 49 days (7 weeks, or “a week of weeks”) after the second day of Passover. Passover celebrates the …

It is the time of year when we celebrate young people concluding their studies and graduating from either high school or college.  The celebration of graduation often is called “commencement,” and for very good reasons.  The graduates will commence a new life where they …

Last week we witnessed the glorious Ascension of Jesus back to his Father.  Back to our Father.  Back to his home. Back to our home.  Now we are waiting for Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit will again descend upon us and be with us …

“… that they all may be one, as you, Father, and I are one … so that the world may believe …” Unity seems to be the theme for the readings during this seventh week after Christ’s resurrection Easter Morning.  In many ways, these …

The farewell words of Jesus and Paul in today’s readings (John 17:11‑19; Acts 20:28‑38) are wonderful.  Jesus is addressing his Father, and Paul is saying goodbye to the priests of Ephesus.  It is moving to listen to Jesus pray for us.  It is powerful, …

“But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.” Like Jesus, the master he knew in the Spirit but not in the flesh, Paul takes leave of his friends to whom he has selflessly preached the kingdom of God, and heads for …

As we approach the feast of Pentecost this coming Sunday, our readings lead us to reflect on how the Spirit intervenes in gathering the Church. In today’s Gospel (John 16:29-33), Jesus predicts that the disciples will fall apart under pressure and abandon Him, despite …

Today, in the United States, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.  Historically, this feast was celebrated exactly 40 days (remember the importance of the number 40 in biblical writing) after the resurrection of Christ on Easter.   If you count …