Whenever families gather, depending on their views, there can be certain unwritten rules that we prefer to follow, certain topics that we would rather not address. Sometimes it’s sports. Sometimes it’s politics. Most of the time religion is among them. …and yet these topics keep coming up. I was at a get together with friends […]
on waffles and denying communion
We are beginning the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John. The Gospel of John is one that’s full of signs, meanings, symbolism, and high theology. But over the next several Sundays, the main theme is going to be how He sees Himself. If we want to learn how to relate to Jesus, we […]
on scandals, shepherds, pastors, and keeping the faith
The prophet Jeremiah lived an estimated 650 BC to 580 BC, around six centuries before Jesus, and his main ministry was in the capital of Judah, in Jerusalem. In Jeremiah’s time, there was political intrigue, backstabbing, plotting, and overthrowing. When he is speaking in the first reading, a good king has been overthrown in […]
spiritual illness – freedom in healing
We hear some very powerful words in the readings on the purpose of Man’s life. The first reading, from Book of Wisdom, says that, “God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong […]
to grow up fatherless :(
Jesus, being the great story teller that he is, relies on a variety of images to convey the novelty of His message. He talks, for example, of builders. He talks of fisherman. He talks of fish, of farmers, and today we hear another story: The parable of the sower. Seeds For those of you who’ve […]
dark powers – or, i am whoever i say i am
The first reading, from the the book of Genesis, tells of what follows immediately after Adam and Eve consume the forbidden fruit. We hear of Yahweh walking in the Garden, looking for Adam, calling out Where are you? With a hint of humor, we hear Adam hiding from Yahweh. His shame makes him reluctant to […]
when god abandons to suffering
why, why, why? If I asked if you have had a personal encounter with suffering and pain, you would most likely say that you have. If I asked if you have experienced the emotional pain of losing a loved one through a tragedy or through natural passing away—or perhaps a personal loss like divorce, career […]
the urgency of finding life
The New World Order I was thinking about how we would respond if Jonah came to Floresville. How would we react if we heard this message; that Floresville or San Antonio will be destroyed in 40 days? Probably some people would ask him for proof. Probably he would get arrested for public disturbance of the […]