My word . . . shall not return to me void.

SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP AND MARTYR (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL) My word . . . shall not return to me void.  Have you ever been inside a greenhouse? Its transparent walls trap heat and humidity, creating a tropical atmosphere—even in the wintertime. The walls also keep out...

Upon this rock I will build my Church.

THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE (FEAST) Upon this rock I will build my Church. The use of the word “chair” in the title of today’s feast has a double meaning. It really does involve an actual piece of furniture. In the ancient Church, bishops had a special chair...

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish.

FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY This, rather, is the fasting that I wish.  In today’s first reading (Isaiah 58:1-9), God is calling his people to a different kind of fast than we are used to. He tells them, and us, to fast from injustice—to set free those who are...

Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  When we think about how to “save” something, we think about keeping it in a safe place. We put our money in a bank and our good china in a cabinet. But when it comes to our lives, Jesus...

Your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

ASH WEDNESDAY Your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  Doesn’t Lent seem like boot camp sometimes? Prayer, fasting, almsgiving—all require sacrifice and effort. Of course, we take up these practices because we want to please God (and maybe lose a few pounds!)....

They concluded among themselves . . .

6TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME They concluded among themselves . . . A seasoned kayaker would know to make sure he has packed enough food and water for his journey. So why did the Twelve, most of whom were fishermen who made their living on the water, forget to pack food...

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