Fifth Century Saint Augustine is one of the most influential Christian thinkers in the history of the Church. Like some very famous saints, he had a sordid, sinful past. His mother was Saint Monica who prayed for her son’s conversion tirelessly for many years. Through the grace of God she lived to see that day. [...]
“She was a great saint.” They said at the woman’s funeral. But she had worked no miracles, she had written no great books, she had held no great church office. Indeed, she had not even spent most of her life in prayer for she had been far too busy. Coping with the cares of her [...]
Death, famine, war, disease, terrorism, addiction, cruelty, natural disasters are a part of everyone’s life. No adult I know has lived a life without suffering. What does the Bible say on the subject? For the most part no one wants or seeks suffering. We are like James and John in today’s gospel. “Lord, let us [...]
During the wedding rehearsal, the groom approached the priest with an unusual offer. "Look, Father, I will give you $100 if you'll change the wedding vows. When you come my part that I will love, honor and obey and forsaking all others to be faithful to her forever, I'd appreciate it if you just left [...]
Today’s Gospel focuses on marriage and specifically on divorce. Marcia and I were married at an early age… we didn’t follow the popular wisdom of finish your education first, then get married…we were in love, I was going off to college and we thought this was the right thing to do. We’ve beaten all the [...]
A couple was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. At the banquet the master of ceremonies posed this question to the husband, “What is it like living with the same woman for 60 years?” The man gave a little smirk and said, “I deserve a medal.” The master of ceremonies turned to the wife and asked [...]
An elderly couple were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. All through the day crowds of family and friends dropped by their house to congratulate them. So they were grateful when evening came, the last guest departed, and they were able to be alone.... After a while the old man looked over fondly at his wife [...]
A priest dreamed he died and came to the gates of heaven. There he was met by St. Peter who informed him that there was a point system and one needed 100 points to enter paradise. The priest said, “Well, I was a good Christian all my life.” Peter replied, “One point.” “I prayed and [...]
Looking around at the people turning their backs on him, Jesus says to the apostles – his closest followers, “Do you also want to leave?” ………. They were free to walk away or walk with Jesus. From its very beginning to and including the present, there have always been scandals in the Church. [...]
Every Sunday we sit in the “nave” of the church, a word whose origins come from the Latin navis which means “boat” or “ship.”Jesus invites us to get into the boat which provides us safety and security…BUT When we are in the boat do we realize that Jesus is sending us into troubled waters? [...]