This is an interesting reading, and even a bit odd, giving us another insight into Jesus’ teaching methods. First with those who are closest to him – who have been traipsing around the country for almost three years. This is the group who believe in him so he is quick to correct their human thinking that gets in the way of their perception of just who he is. I can see him (can you?) walking … [Read more...]
Holy Family
This weekend the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family and, on Sunday evening, the Vigil of Feast of the Mother of God. So, what does that mean for us as monastics? We came from a family, we still have families and together we live in an intentional family. Our life together as family is guided by the simple, yet profound, guidelines designed by St. Benedict. He was a man of great … [Read more...]
Don’t Just Do Something…
Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ Transfiguration reminds me of the story of a young seminarian on summer duty in a parish who walked into the sanctuary of the church and saw Jesus Himself praying at the altar. He alerts the pastor, who alerts the bishop. The bishop tells the pastor that he will have to report this to Pope Francis at the Vatican, and he will call him right back. The phone rings shortly … [Read more...]
How Well Do You Read Signs?
Last Sunday we heard Jesus' observation about the contributions being made to the temple treasury and the example of sacrificial giving that he saw in the poor widow's offering. If we read Mark’s gospel continuously from that incident to yesterday’s Gospel, we also know about Jesus’ prediction about the destruction of the Temple, his teaching about the costs of discipleship, the woes that will … [Read more...]
