July 2012

Today’s Gospel story – the feeding of the multitude – invites us to understand something. The evangelist St. John, in writing down the story, calls it a “sign.” Jesus is giving the people a sign, a message. Actions speak louder than words, and Jesus uses the occasion of a hunrgy crowd gathered around Him to

The Gospel reading today reflects experience of people gathering together, to listen to the words of a teacher. After a hectic time of missionary work, the disciples are exhausted, and Jesus says, “You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while.” As they sail away, the crowds of

One of the dismissals from the new transtion of the Holy Mass says, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by you life.” This is what Amos and the apostles were called to do. We are sent out from the Holy Mass renewed and refreshed to make the good news of Jesus’ promise of love and

Jesus of Nazareth did not need a talent contest to establish His credentials 2000 years ago. Yet, by the same token, His fame and His popularity were enough for His townsfolk to become suspicious and start casting aspersions. How could someone they knew so well be a prophet? Of course, the real trouble was that

In today’s Gospel Jesus brings back to life a child who is actually dead. On the three occasions recorded in the Gospels when Jesus raises someone from the dead, He demonstrates extraordinary compassion. Jesus raises the young man at Nain because of his pity for the widow. He raises Lazarus because He feels compassion for