Sunday Reflections

Abraham is known as the “Father of Faith.” He earned this title because of the numerous ways that he put his trust in God. Our first reading marks how Abraham left his homeland in response to God’s call, trusting that God would be with him as he relocated to a land that he did not know. Later, he trusts that God will bring forth a son from his union with his very old wife, Sarah. Still later, he will trust God’s command to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, for whom he longed.

Each First Sunday of lent we hear the reading of the temptation of Jesus.  Just as we are tempted, so too Jesus suffered temptation.  The evil one knows us well, and knows how to attack us, and lead us into sin.  Jesus had been fasting for forty days, so naturally the devil tempted him with food.  Jesus resisted.  Then he tempted him with testing his Father, and then to idolatry.  Jesus resisted.  He shows us that during this Lenten season our spirit and will can (and should) be stronger than our flesh.  Temptations can be overcome by being faithful t

A little boy was standing at the edge of the beach.  It was very evident that he wanted to go into the water.  A lady was watching the little boy, wondering why he didn’t go into the water.  She watched him.  The lady came over to him, and asked why he didn’t go into the water.  The lad asked her if she had gone to Church this day.  Yes, she had.  Did she listen to the Homily?  Yes, yes, she did.  Did she put some money in the basket?  Why was he asking all these questions?  Then it became clear – he wanted someone he

               The Resurrectionist Charism Statement asserts that “we believe that God calls us to work together for the resurrection of society, bringing his life and love to all.”  There is no one outside the love of God and there is no one who is outside the love that each of us is called to have for others.  This includes our enemies.  Jesus maintains in our gospel this weekend that we are called to do more than tolerate our enemies.  In fact, we are to love them and pray for t

In our human condition sometimes we can have the tendency to minimalize things - doing the minimum with the hope of the maximum benefit.  This happens in regard to the law as well.  It may lead us to think, "How far can I go without breaking the law?"  Today's gospel speaks to us about the commandments, and how we respond to it.  Naturally, Jesus is calling us to live fully our life in him, and  to contribute to the kingdom of God.  Our words and actions do have an influence on one another, and we can make a difference.  On our own we may not

WHO WILL LIGHT THIS LITTLE LIGHT?

                 The Constitutions of the Congregation of the Resurrection indicate that each Resurrectionist is “to give glory to God by manifesting the presence of the Risen Christ to the world” (article 5).  The gospel this Sunday provides a blue print of how a Resurrectionist—and indeed each Christian—might accomplish this task.  Jesus points to the value of being poor in spirit, of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, of showing mercy, and of being a peacemak

Perhaps some of you remember the iconic  World War One poster of Uncle Sam, with the caption, “I WANT YOU!”  Today Jesus says to us, “I want you!”  We see in the calling of the disciples the grace of God at work, moving them to a response – and an immediate response.  In our human condition sometimes we hesitate, and need to consider our options before we respond to God.  Each of us receives a call from God, and our challenge is to listen and respond.  Bogdan Janski heard this call, and despite difficulties and setbacks, he respond

Follow the Leader – Who Is On First?

               The Greek word from which we derive the word “epiphany” means manifestation or striking appearance.  The feast of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the manifestation or appearance of God as a human being in the person of Jesus Christ.  The gospel highlights how the magi from the east were drawn by the manifestation of God’s light, dwelling in He who is the Light of the World.