They are called the Paradoxical Commandments. People wrongly credit these words to Saint Teresa of Calcutta. They were written by a man named Kent Keith, but she had them framed and on display. I’d like to share them with you: • “People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. • If you are [...]

It is generally believed that so-called Fish Stories usually include at least some — if not a whole lot — embellishment and exaggeration.  The teller of the tale wants people to know what a spectacular fisher he or she is.  Today’s gospel, however, is different.  Peter and some of the apostles are in the right place, with a proper boat, using good equipment, and drawing upon the [...]

Homily Notes from Father Paul on the Occasion of the Funeral for Deacon Don Wise (April 23, 2019) Helen Keller learned a great deal about trust in her life as one who was both blind and deaf. She learned to trust people, upon whom she was often dependent. She learned to trust herself and lived [...]

We know this Sunday’s parable as the “Parable of the Prodigal Son.”  Indeed, most of the story has to do with him and how he wasted his inheritance.  But some preachers believe it make as much sense to name it the “Parable of the Prodigal Father” since the man is prodigal (that is, extravagant and [...]