What most people don’t realize about me is that I struggle with agoraphobia. When it comes to getting up in front of people, I am a nervous wreck. My hands get sweaty. I find it hard to remember to breathe. Sometimes, even to the point of being light-headed. Anxiety isContinue Reading

This interesting encounter with Jesus and His “kinsfolk” in the Gospel reminds us of a very important fact.  Relationship with God changes how we live in every aspect.  He reminds us that what family we are born into doesn’t matter when it comes to that relationship, only the obedience weContinue Reading

In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus calling the twelve and sending them on a mission.   He isn’t sending them on just any mission, but the Primary Mission of the Church.   To go seek out the lost, curing every disease and illness.   Jesus is more than a prophet.Continue Reading

This morning’s first reading is a bit difficult.  Here we have God asking Abraham to sacrifice what it says is “his only son.”   But just yesterday we saw Abraham also push away his other biological son into the desert on the promise of God.  Here he’s already given upContinue Reading

In this morning’s Gospel, Jesus encounters two men possessed by demons. Those demons recognize him, and in fear, they pleaded, “send us into the herd of swine.” Jesus grants their request. Those swine then run into the ocean and kill themselves.      Now, we live in a farming community. TheContinue Reading

Today I want to talk a little about liturgy and the liturgical calendar.  When I was growing up as a Baptist, we didn’t have any calendar, readings, or feast days.   Sometimes I Think we Catholics take for granted the liturgical design of our worship and the genius behind it.  Continue Reading