Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Many people, including some Catholics, find it strange that we celebrate a joyful feast in honor of the Holy Cross. What is there about the Cross, an ancient Roman instrument of torture and execution, that we should “exalt” it? Of course, there are historical...

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

It is always a blessing for us to celebrate a feast of Mary! Today’s commemoration of her birthday gives us another chance to draw close to her and to come to know her better. As we come to know her, we come to know God and ourselves better, because she is the perfect...

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

The image of Jesus Christ crucified is so important for our liturgical life that the Church requires that a crucifix must be on or close to the altar at every Mass. In some parishes, however, the image of the Risen Christ now occupies the central and focal position...

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

In last Sunday’s selection from his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul marveled at how God has worked even through the barrier of human disobedience to bring mercy to all. Nothing stops the Lord’s mercy! “For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy...

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus chastised Peter for having so little faith. In today’s Gospel he honors a pagan woman for having great faith. The comparison between Peter and the woman gives us a valuable instruction. We naturally assume that Peter, a Jewish man and...