Category: faith

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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”

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The Mercy of the Risen Lord

Divine Mercy Sunday:  John 20:19-31

 

Once we reach this day, also known as the Second Sunday of Easter, we have completed the Octave of Easter: the eight days when we celebrate, in a most special way, the victory that Christ has won for us through His Passion, Death and Resurrection. Sin and death no longer have ultimate power over us. They can do their worst, but God in His merciful love comes down to us and saves us.

During the Octave of Easter, the Church – so to speak – invites us to take a victory lap with Christ. Sin is overcome. Death is defeated. The way is now open for us to receive the very life of God and to know a peace and joy and love beyond all understanding. As St. John Paul II once remarked, “We are an Easter People, and Alleluia is our song!”

So. Ready to take that victory lap with Christ? Continue reading “The Mercy of the Risen Lord”

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Preparing for Lent

Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time (C)

In a few days, Lent begins.

Even though Lent begins relatively late this year, it always seems to come quickly after the memories of Christmas and New Year’s have begun to fade. Lent, of course, brings with it its own memories: purple vestments and altar  cloths, giving up things we like, trying to take on a more penitential spirit. Continue reading “Preparing for Lent”

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Does Anybody See What I See?

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B): Mark 12:38-44

Is anybody there?
Does anybody care?
Does anybody see what I see?

– John Adams, from the musical “1776”

Jesus is sitting opposite the treasury in the Temple as we encounter him in this Sunday’s Gospel, observing people as they make their donations. Why is he there? What is he looking for?

At this point in Mark’s Gospel, it is Holy Week. Holy Thursday would happen in a day or two. Jesus has been preparing his disciples for what is about to happen. They have tried to understand him and to follow him, but they aren’t quite there yet. Jesus knows that their faith will be severely tested very soon. What might help them survive that hour?  Continue reading “Does Anybody See What I See?”

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The Cloak

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time (B) – Mark 10:46-52

He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. – Mark 10:50

At the time of the year when visions of pumpkins, candy corn and black cats dance in our heads, it may be easy to miss the context of our Gospel for this Sunday. It takes place not in fall but in early spring. Passover is imminent. Jesus and his disciples are nearing Jerusalem. This is the last event Mark gives us in Jesus’ life before Holy Week. Everything that Jesus has been saying about his life and purpose is about to be fulfilled. Jesus will be put to the test. So will his disciples.  Continue reading “The Cloak”