In the celebration of the Eucharist, the glorified Christ becomes present under the appearances of bread and wine in a way that is unique, a way that is uniquely suited to the Eucharist.  In the Church’s traditional theological language, in the act of consecration during the Eucharist the “substance” of the bread and wine is  Read more …

In today’s epistle, St Paul issues a call to build our community.  Paul’s exhortation is similar to that of Nehemiah (2:18) found in the Old Testament.  How did Nehemiah and companions re-build the walls of the city to protect the Temple?  How can their story inspire us to build our community Church?  Nehemiah… means “the  Read more …

Law and Morality Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? asked Jesus.  In other words, is it permitted to do “goodness” or “rightness?”  Jesus’ question ignites the debate about law and morality. From the Latin moralitas, “manner, character, proper behavior,” morality is the differentiation of intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are  Read more …

Loss and Hope This week, our meditation will focus on the story of the widow of Nain from the gospel of Luke (7, 10-15).  In fact, this text is one of sorrow and misery, recounting for us the pitiful state of a woman who, having first lost her husband has now lost her only son  Read more …

Do you know why your priest postures change during the mass?  Do you know why/when he faces East (the apse) and faces the people at the celebration?  Have you (been) asked that question?  In this piece, I will address some aspects of that very important theological question. During the mass the priest’s posture changes alternatively  Read more …

No Worries In this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 6:24) we are called to simplify our lives and focus more on God. Jesus calls us to radical simplicity:  “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear…” The American Psychological Association says that 70% of Americans  Read more …

The tithe is 10% of your income, and it should be given to God faithfully. Tithing honors God , the Scriptural principles of generously providing for those in need, and laying up treasures in heaven. Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to give the first part of our resources to God as an expression of honor  Read more …

Please heal me. Coping with health issues is stressful whether it is injury, receiving a diagnosis, chronic disease or terminal illness.  According to many experts, depression, sadness frequently stems from an “incoherent story”, an “inadequate narrative account of oneself” or “a life story gone awry”.  Serious illness is a time of profound change for people  Read more …

“Rise and Come forward.” Jesus spoke these words to a man He had singled out in a synagogue almost 2021 years ago.  For us, these words also express our mission and our faith.  Our passion is for people.  For many, life-changing treasures in the Church have remained “buried”.  The Scriptures, the sacraments, the lives of  Read more …

Over the centuries, the head of John the Baptist has ranked high on the list of the most sought-after relics in Christianity.  The Jewish preacher and prophet, celebrated as one of the earliest Christian saints, is believed to have paved the way for his distant cousin, Jesus, whom John famously baptized in the Jordan River.  Read more …