Pope Francis has emphasized our need to "go to the margins". Our mission of evangelization should start with those in most need. We see this in Philip's interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch in today's first reading (Acts 8:26-40). In evangelizing the Ethiopian, Philip makes the outsider a part of the community.
The Gospel of St. Mark recorded webinar
Recently I enjoyed giving a webinar on the Gospel of St. Mark for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. If you are interested, you can find a link to the recorded talk below. The webinar explains some of the general characteristics of the Gospel, analyzes a few important texts (e.g. Jesus' encounter with the Syrophoenician woman in Mk 7:24-30), and discusses how the message of Mark can inspire our life of discipleship.
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Moving from sadness to joy
How do we experience the joy of the Resurrection when we feel sad and hopeless? The story of the road to Emmaus in today's Gospel (Luke 24) shows us that when we reach out to those in need with an act of kindness we are awakened to the presence of the Risen Lord in our midst.
Hope in eternal life
In a fascinating detail from today's Gospel (John 3:7-15), Jesus compares his death on the cross to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Unlike the bronze serpent, the life Jesus gives us is eternal. The promise of eternal life is a great source of hope to us especially especially during difficult times.
Divine Mercy Sunday
We often judge the Apostle Thomas harshly because he expresses doubt (John 20:19-31). Although his faith is not what it should be, we can learn from his example. Thomas is honest about his struggle and because of this Jesus can help him in his particular need. Likewise in our life, when we are honest with God about our needs He can more readily give us His mercy, healing and assistance.
Doubt and the resurrection
Like Jesus' first followers, we can have difficulty believing that He has truly risen from the dead. We can take hope, however, knowing that after the resurrection Jesus embarks on a mission of convincing His disciples, us included, that He is indeed risen (cf. Luke 24).
Accompaniment and social distancing
Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged us to practice the art of accompaniment, something Jesus does with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). During the pandemic, accompaniment is more important than ever and requires creativity during this time of social distancing.
Even better than normal
Happy Easter!
When will things get back to normal? Since the pandemic has begun, we have heard this question many times. We long for a return to normal. As wonderful as that will be, the Resurrection shows us that God wants better than normal for us. Jesus has brought about a greater world and each of us has a part in bringing it to fruition.
When God remains silent
On Holy Saturday God can seem hidden, silent. Jesus lays in the tomb and things appear hopeless. Today we contemplate the places in our life where God seems silent and we feel frightened and abandoned. On Holy Saturday we try to be consoled because Jesus entered this "no man's land between death and Resurrection" and will one day take us by the hand and lead us to life (Benedict XVI, 2010).
Mercy can't stop on the Cross
On Good Friday we recognize that when Jesus died on the Cross for us we did not get what we deserved. Instead of death we received mercy and life. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we are transformed to become more merciful and forgiving to those who have harmed us.
Living the Eucharist
On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist. How can we mark this great day at a time when many of us cannot receive Communion? Perhaps one way is by reminding ourselves that the Eucharist leads us to love and serve like Jesus, to wash the feet of others. When we try to humbly serve in this way we live a Eucharistic life.
Relationships and risk
The Wednesday is Holy Week is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" because today's Gospel (Matthew 26:14-25) tells us about Judas' betrayal. A lesson we learn from Spy Wednesday is that relationships are always a risk. Jesus shows us that it is a risk worth taking.
The Wednesday is Holy Week is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" because today's Gospel (Matthew 26:14-25) tells us about Judas' betrayal. A lesson we learn from Spy Wednesday is that relationships are always a risk. Jesus shows us that it is a risk worth taking.
A Messiah who is compassion itself
Jesus is an unexpected kind of Messiah. The Gospels of Palm Sunday remind us of this. He does not take away our suffering, but He suffers with us, He is compassion itself. This encourages us to be compassionate to others, to be "the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth" (St. Teresa of Avila).
Link to video reflection:
Is God still with us?
During the Exile, the prophet Ezekiel gave hope to people who felt that they were separated from God's presence. Ezekiel reminded them that God still dwelt among his people just as he had dwelt in the Temple. God's covenant is everlasting. Ezekiel's message can give us hope during this time that may in some ways feel like an exile.
For the video message click the link below:
https://youtu.be/W5IQpz3MzUY
For the video message click the link below:
https://youtu.be/W5IQpz3MzUY
How the pandemic provokes
In today's Gospel, Jesus asks people a provocative question in order to help them see things differently and to grow (John 10:32). In this pandemic, God may be doing something similar with us.
Find hope in Jesus' promise
In the Gospel today (John 8:51-59), Jesus promises us life, that we will never see death. This is something even greater than what promised Abraham (Genesis 17). Reminding ourselves of Jesus' promise can inspire us with hope in difficult times.
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