Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time 2020

In our Gospel today (Mt 7:1-5) Jesus cautions his disciples not to judge others, saying that the measure by which we judge others, we will be judged. Jesus continues, asking how we can judge others while not recognizing our own faults, using the analogy of seeing a splinter in the eye of our brother while having a wooden beam in our own eye. While we are not to judge someone's heart, we certainly can and should discern right from wrong. For example; we know someone driving 50 mph in a 25 mph school zone is violating the speed limit and that is wrong. What we don't know is the person's heart, or why this driver was speeding. Are they racing to the hospital because of a medical emergency? Or, do they believe they are above the law? We would do well to heed Jesus' instructions, particularly in these days of instant news and soundbites. What we are shown and told isn't always the full story, and rarely do we know the heart of those involved.

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2020

As we celebrate the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Gospel today (Lk 2:41-51) we have the Biblical "Home Alone" story. Following the feast of Passover, unknowingly Mary and Joseph leave Jerusalem for home without Jesus. Once they realize their son isn't part of their caravan, they return to Jerusalem, searching for Jesus. Upon finding Jesus in the temple we hear Mary say, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." How often during times of crises, especially during this pandemic, have we wondered where God is in the midst of the maelstrom? How often have we searched for Jesus, with the same anxiety as Mary and Joseph? Just like Mary and Joseph, let us search for Jesus in the house of the Lord, where we will find him in his Word, and in the Eucharist.

Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 2020

On the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we hear in our Gospel (Mt 11:25-30) our Lord call all who labor and are burdened. He wants us to take on his yoke and learn from him. He tells us by doing so we will find rest for ourselves because his yoke is easy and his burden light. When you envision a yoke it is usually the image of a large wooden beam that fastened around the necks of draft animals, frequently oxen. It isn't light by any means, except it is designed for two animals side by side. Instead of a single ox laboring alone, the yoke lightens the burden by sharing it between two animals. By taking on Jesus' yoke we have the Son of God laboring beside us, making our burdens light.

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time 2020

Jesus teaches us his prayer, the Lord's Prayer in the Gospel reading today (Mt. 6:7-15). In the lead up to the Lord' Prayer, while warning against wordy prayers, Jesus tells us, "your Father knows what you need before you ask him." If that is so, what is the purpose of praying? The purpose of prayer is to bring about a change in us, to bring us closer to God, recognizing all that we are and have are by his graces. Prayer opens us up to God's will. Prayer opens us up to God's transformative love so we grow more in love with Him.

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time 2020

In our Gospel today (Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18) Jesus warns about doing and saying pious things for show and self aggrandizement. He even mentions praying in the privacy of our rooms. This isn't contrary to what Jesus teaches in Mt. 5:14-15 when he tells his disciples they are the light of the world, and that their light should not be put under bushel basket, rather light belongs on a lampstand. Why? So others may see our good deeds and give glory to God. Therein lies the difference, which is literally at the heart of this. They hypocrites act pious in public for their own recognition. The humble act such that their God is recognized in their works. God sees into our hearts. May our hearts always remain humble and contrite.

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time 2020

Jesus instructs us to love our neighbor AND our enemy in today's Gospel (Mt. 5:43-48). It isn't enough to love our neighbor, though we know that to be the second greatest commandment. Jesus tells us now we are to love our enemy, and pray for those who persecute us. Stop for a moment to think of someone you absolutely hate; someone who, just the mention of their name, sets you off; someone who is humanly impossible for you to love. In this over politicized and hyper sensitive environment we are in, finding someone to hate is not difficult. Now, pray to God for the grace to love that person, because that reliance on God to help you love is really what Jesus is talking about. To be perfect like our heavenly Father is perfect is beyond our own ability. We must turn to God for the grace to do so. With God, all things are possible, even loving our enemies.

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time 2020

In our Gospel today (Mt 5:38-42) Jesus takes laws from Leviticus (cf. Lv 24:20) that introduced the concept of just and equal punishment for an offense and tempers them even further. He tells his disciples that if they are struck, do not strike back, but turn the other cheek. If their tunic is taken, Jesus says to give your cloak as well. If asked to go a mile, go two miles. While these are physical examples, being slapped by the hand, or taking of property, we would do well to apply this principle of de-escalation today with what is said or written. How often in social media such as on Facebook or Twitter we see heated arguments posted, with one or the other trying to get in the last word. How much more pleasant those forums might be if more of us just turned the other cheek, let the other have the last word as if it were your cloak.