In his autobiographical work, Confessions, Saint Augustine admits that although he thinks he understands the concept of time, when asked to actually explain time, he finds himself at a loss. Something similar occurs with regard to Christian faith: We may think we understand what faith is, until someone asks us to explain it. We have […]

24 August, 2015, 21st Sunday, Year C: Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30 I don’t believe that Jesus is being evasive when he doesn’t reply with a number to the question, “will only a few people be saved?” I suspect he’s indicating that his interlocuter is asking the wrong question. What is as stake […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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. […]

27 June, 2025, Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, YR C: Ezekiel 34:11-16; Romans 5:5b-11; Luke 15:3-7 It’s no surprise that today’s solemnity is about love, but how do I understand “love”? I don’t believe genuine love resembles the good feelings or effervescence of romance or infatuation. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is […]

It is perhaps necessary to remind ourselves that the period between Christ’s resurrection and ascension that we have been celebrating these last six weeks was not some kind of transitional existence in which he was no longer in the world and yet not quite in heaven either—and thus the need for the Ascension. Instead, this […]

25 May, 2025, 6th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts15:1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29 In only seven verses, today’s Gospel covers an immense territory, from fidelity to Jesus’s teaching, to intimacy with God, to the promise of the Holy Spirit AND the Spirit’s role in our understanding; to the peace that only Jesus […]

4 May, 2025, Third Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 5:27-32. 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 I draw your attention to Jesus’ question to Peter: Do you love me? For several weeks we’ve celebrated a pageant of betrayal, misunderstanding, suffering, injustice, cruelty, fidelity of the few—and the unexpected miracle of resurrection. Isn’t it so easy […]