God Loves the Heart of a Good Soldier

Today’s readings give us God as a hands-on General. The first reading from Isaiah has Him recruiting troops (“They shall bring your brothers and sisters from all the nations as an offering to the Lord…’Some of these I will take…

Jesus the Pyrotechnician

The stereotypical image we have of old-style religious zealots is of someone dressed in sackcloth and ashes, warning people to “Repent!” In their own times if they weren’t called zealots they were called insane, or maybe even dangerous. Nevertheless, their…

Treasure Doesn’t Grow on Trees

“All things are vanity!” That’s what today’s first reading from Ecclesiastes tells us. And in this context it means futility. Not a very comforting thought for those of us who work to support their families. We like to think that…

Persistent Prayer Breaks our Bonds

Why should we pray? That’s a question children ask their parents all the time—and one we often ask ourselves when our faith flags during tough times. But a more important question is “How should we pray?”  The answer to how…

Lost in Our Destination

The faith of many religious people is strengthened in the realization that their life is a journey toward the Kingdom of God. A journey can include many stops and byways that teach us things along the way. At least one…

A Purpose-Driven Life is its Own Reward

If your kids sometimes expect to be rewarded for doing what they’re supposed to do, today’s readings are for them. Make sure they pay attention at today’s mass, or bring their attention to these readings afterwards—maybe after dinner, when they…

Be Happy Hollywood Gave Us “The Finger”

Not much that comes out of Hollywood is worth remembering, but every once in a while The Movies get something right. One of those moments is a great summary of today’s readings. If you’ve never seen “City Slickers” with Jack…

Our Vehicle to Take Us Where We Want to Go

Today’s three readings offer a map to God’s kingdom. Our only challenge is finding a vehicle to take us there. The jalopies most of us are driving now need work and won’t take us all the way without constant maintenance.…