In 1950 the dogma of the Assumption of Mary became a part of the Catholic tradition. For hundreds of years prior to 1950, August 15th was celebrated as the Assumption of Mary. The Church stated that Mary, “having completed the course of her earthly life, (Mary) was assumed body and soul [...]

When I took a homily class in school the instructor warned that using sport’s analogies might do well for some in the congregation but not everyone will appreciate it. So I have refrained from using them in the past. Today however, I think in safety I can quote a famous contemporary religious person [...]

For those who have experienced a spa having your feet massaged is one of the treats of such an experience. I have not had this experience. Yet, I can imagine the aroma of sweets smells of heated scents, dim candle lit room, relaxing music. Taking big breaths, absorbing the surrounding while someone massages the [...]

Today we enter the church singing Hosanna to the Son of David, Oh blessed is he, oh blessed is he, who comes in the name of the Lord. It’s a jubilant song full of emotion and anticipation. Take a moment and take yourself back to the day when Jesus entered into the city of [...]

Today’s gospel continues with Jesus in the synagogue of his home town proclaiming to those listening that the words he just proclaimed are being fulfilled in him. Those in the assembly were mystified at his claim, so much so they turned to anger and disbelief that anyone in their company could make such [...]

Imagine yourself feeling the Spirit gently pushing you to stand up in a crowd and expressing what is on your mind. This would not be something that is acceptable in our society like calling out to at an umpire that his called strike was a lousy call. Nor would it be like screaming [...]

The first reading from Isaiah puts it so well, that God loves us like a spouse or partner. God is wed to us and rejoices in us. God will never leave us in this loving covenant even during sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in good times and in bad, God’s [...]

If we have not already, the decorations of Christmas will soon be removed, packed up in boxes until next year. Live trees will be tossed, but first the ornaments will be gently removed, then the lights taken off and also packed away. In a way, the visible season of Christmas comes to an [...]

I really appreciate this Sunday’s celebration of the Holy Family. For it gives some insight into what the family dynamics between Jesus, Mary, and Joseph might have been in Jesus’ early life. Although this takes place at Jesus’ 12th birthday, long past the terrible two’s, it is a time when he was entering [...]

The Gospel story of the widow’s mite is not what it might at first appear to be.  When you hear this story perhaps the first thing you think of is Jesus is praising the woman for giving away all she owns to the Temple.  However, that is not what Jesus is doing.
Many of the religious [...]