There’s Nothing Magical about a Miracle
My older brother and I came home one night in 1967 to an empty house. I was 11, my brother 18. No one there but a cop who told us our mother had a heart attack and was taken to the…
Millions of Basket Cases
“Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. … I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.” (is 55:1-3) If we didn’t know this was a quote from the prophet…
Longing for When We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
I wonder if L. Frank Baum knew he was writing the parable of our age when he authored his “Wizard of Oz” series. Study this Sunday’s mass readings and you’ll realize they all contain elements of that story—or, I should…
Hate is a Killer Weed
It’s one of life’s great mysteries how, collectively, mankind can feel so all-powerful while a single human being can feel so powerless. Yet, each person is born with the seeds of great power sown into his soul. There are two…
Make Your Story Your Salvation
Them that’s got shall have Them that’s not shall lose So the Bible says and it still is news Mama may have, Papa may have But God bless the child that’s got his own, that’s got his own. These lyrics…
Escape Herod’s Dynasty of Slavery
Poor King Herod. Which one? Take your pick. They were all pathetic individuals in their lust for power under the boot of the Roman Empire. At the root of that lust was fear; fear of losing the earthly trappings that…
With Faith Our Blessing Cup is Never Empty
“I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” How many of us have felt like…
Be Like a Trained Seal in the Desert
The combination of readings for this Sunday’s celebration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is like reading a Navy SEAL training manual. The SEALs are trained to operate in all environments, including climate extremes like the scorching…
Stick Your Neck Out and Look Within
“If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.” What a timeless sentiment in Moses’ prayer in…
Welcome to God’s Kingdom; Population: 1
This is the weekend of Pentecost Sunday. We associate this day with the Holy Spirit’s possession of Jesus’ disciples, enabling them to speak many foreign languages. But we can also look at Pentecost as the day when people of many…