Greatness and littleness, grammatically speaking, are opposites; however, in our Christian understanding greatness and littleness are, paradoxically, not only complementary, but actually inseparable. As such they parallel Saint Paul’s insistence that, for the true disciple, weakness is a prerequisite for strength, and “foolishness” a precondition for the full flowering of Wisdom. Confirming the Apostle’s teaching, […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 19th Sunday
In evaluating a person’s guilt or culpability in committing a sinful or immoral action, theologians may distinguish between vincible and invincible ignorance—with the latter involving something one could not have known (thus causing one to transgress without knowing it), and vincible ignorance, involving actions whose moral import could readily have been discovered. In the case […]
Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori
The saddening observation (in today’s gospel) that Jesus did not work many mighty deeds at Nazareth because of their lack of faith, highlights the close connection between faith and free will. For, as faith in God deepens, so does our freedom to trust God and open our hearts to receive his love. Conversely, weak or […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 17th Sunday
Prideful vainglory and perfection are sometimes close associates, while imperfection and humility can find solace in each other’s company. For many, perfection is a major prerequisite for God’s friendship and loving regard, whereas imperfection and sin invite God’s anger and punishment. In keeping with this mindset, a particular virtue is only possessed in its perfection, […]
Feast of Saint James
More than one saint who didn’t die a martyr’s death strongly desired to do so. James and John, in today’s gospel, seem very eager to do so—even if only to secure a special place at Jesus’ right and left. And Jesus does seem to promise them both the grace of martyrdom with his assurance that […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 16th Sunday
20 July, 2025, 16th Sunday, YR C: Genesis 18:1-10a; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42 The women in today’s Gospel have often been interpreted symbolically but let’s consider them as two sisters receiving a beloved guest. Is there an element of camaraderie and joking in this dialogue? After all, isn’t this an intimate scene of friends enjoying […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 14th Sunday
6 July, 2025, 14th Sunday, Year C: Isaiah 66:10-14c; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 Isn’t what Jesus proposes in today’s Gospel contrary to our culture, even subversive? Isn’t it significant that no one is sent out alone? A partner can challenge my strategy, just as I may help keep him or her on the mark. […]
Independence Day
Enemies, and those we really don’t like, occur on a common spectrum—from the one who seeks to violently take my life, to the one whose entire being irritates and tries my patience and charity to the extreme. And whereas the former is, fortunately, rarely encountered, the latter is virtually inescapable at some juncture in our […]
Memorial of Saint Junipero Serra
Looking back is one of the preconditions for gratitude—gratitude to God and gratitude towards one another. However, looking back with a morbid regret and sense of shame that excludes forgiving oneself as well as accepting God’s forgiveness, traps us in the past and like Lot’s wife, looking back renders us powerless to move forward. Aware […]
A Word from Gertrude the Great
O God, love, you alone are my wall and rampart. Those who bear distress in this world, behold, they know what kind of shelter there is for them in your peace as a defense against heat and a canopy against rain. Ah! Look upon and see my battle; you yourself teach my hands to fight. […]