Author: The Anchorite

Posted on

Eccentric Faith

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (C) – Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?  – Luke 18:8

No man can serve two masters. – Matthew 6:24

 

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Thus begins this Sunday’s second reading.  It goes on to bring before our eyes Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as exemplars of this faith, with a particular emphasis on Abraham and his wife Sarah.  This is not surprising to us.  Abraham is often praised as an example of great faith in both Old and New Testaments. We often refer to him as our father in faith.  By faith, Abraham left his native land and took up a nomadic life in the land of Canaan, believing God’s promise that, one day, this land would be given to him and his descendants.  Abraham is one of the central characters in the Scriptures. Continue reading “Eccentric Faith”

Posted on

Praying With Persistence And Confidence

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C):  Luke 11:1-13

“Lord, teach us to pray”.

Jesus’ disciples, seeing Him praying, make this request of Him. They do not ask this because they have never heard of prayer.  The Hebrew Scriptures, what we call the Old Testament, are filled with example after example of prayer.  The disciples, as sons of Israel, would have been taught various prayers from the time they were first able to speak.  They would have seen their parents (and other people) praying at home, praying in the synagogue, and praying in the Temple.  Prayer was a vital part of the Israelite’s daily life.  Jesus’ disciples have been praying all their lives. Nevertheless, they ask Jesus to teach them to pray. Continue reading “Praying With Persistence And Confidence”

Posted on

Stations of the Cross For Autistic People – Now On Amazon

This is just a quick note to let you know that my Stations of the Cross For Autistic People is now available on Amazon, in either paperback or Kindle format.  You can find them here.

I’m not making any money on this.  This is just to make the Stations available to as many people as possible.

May these Stations help you encounter the wondrous love of Our Lord!

 

 

Posted on

Choosing The Better Part

16th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C): Luke 10:38-42

 

Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her. – Luke 10:42

This Sunday’s Gospel is very brief. It tells its story in just a few lines.  Yet, this short story has made many people uncomfortable through the centuries, as it makes us uncomfortable now.  We naturally relate to Martha, who is busy with all the practical details of hospitality. We feel for her plight, and we are puzzled and irritated by Jesus’ response to her – a response that seems to favor her sister Mary, who – to our eyes – appears to be doing nothing of any practical worth. Continue reading “Choosing The Better Part”

Posted on

Boasting In The Cross

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C): Galatians 6:14-18

May I never boast except in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  – Galatians 6:14

It is usually very difficult for us to see ourselves clearly.  At times, we can be too lenient on ourselves and excuse ourselves of things we should look at.  At other times, we can be too critical of ourselves, and make a problem or fault far worse than it truly is. In either case, we find it difficult to acknowledge a fault (either because it would damage our self-image or hurt us too much). In either case, we become all the more ready to notice the fault in someone else. Continue reading “Boasting In The Cross”