Archive: September 2014

No Words Can Deal With Rejection

What’s one of the big things that has preoccupied you since you were a child and throughout all of the years that have followed? Isn’t it fear of rejection? Recall your early days as a child. Even as a tiny baby you screamed, shrieked, and cried if...

Becoming A Christian

For some people, appearances are more important than reality. About twenty years ago, for instance, the nation of Italy passed a law requiring all motorists to wear seat belts when driving their cars. Italy is known for having many independent...

Empty Means Full

The second reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time is from the second chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (2:1-11). The reading contains one of the most beautiful Christological hymns in scripture. Paul begins by telling the Philippians...

At Weddings, There Are So Many Images

As we gather this evening, so many images surround us. In our midst are a beautiful bride and handsome groom surrounded by their parents, family, and friends. Alone, these images seem sufficient. And yet, there are more. In the celebration of...

Gadgets and Grace

If God attempts to communicate with Americans or other westerners these days, chances are He’ll get a busy signal. Our romance with cell phones, not to mention laptops and tablets, video games, music devices, and other electronic gadgets has passed...

Honesty Is The Core Of Our Religious Expressions

On this 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, I want to begin by putting in front of us some phrases I am sure you have all heard. “Talk is cheap, it’s actions that count.” “You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” “Actions speak louder than...

Doing The Father’s Will

Each one of us is born into this world possessing certain gifts and talents. These gifts and talents were given to us by God. They are specific to each and every individual and, along with our own unique appearance and personality, define who we are...

A Christian View Of Self

“That I feed the hungry, that I forgive an insult, that I love my enemy in the name of Christ—all these are undoubtedly great virtues . . . But what if I should discover that the least among them all, the poorest of all the beggars, the most...