Though it celebrates the most profound mystery of the Christian faith this feast presents a great challenge to all Christians especially on a Sunday morning in May The traditional formulation of the doctrine ldquo three persons in one God rdquo is puzzling to contemporary people for whom per
The Word
Posted inThe Word
Born of the Holy Spirit
The annual celebration of the paschal mystery which began on Ash Wednesday culminates at Pentecost In a narrative evocative of major Old Testament themes Acts recounts the overwhelming gift of the Spirit Such a fresh outpouring of the Spirit was to accompany the messianic age Also the first-ce
Posted inThe Word
The Whisper of Truth
Since most dioceses have transferred the observance of the Ascension to this Sunday preaching on these Sunday readings will be relatively rare Yet they contain rich resources for reflection as the church prepares for the liturgical re-enactment of the coming of the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost
Posted inThe Word
Time to Move Out
In one of the annual preached retreats I was subjected to as a young Jesuit the director presented a vivid picture of the ascension long before the age of shuttle launchings As Jesus rose heavenward he saw Jerusalem Nazareth Galilee Asia Minor Greece and finally Rome This is precisely what
Posted inThe Word
Waiting for a Good Lawyer
A courtroom dramawhether it is a John Grisham novel a prime time TV series or one of a host of films from To Kill a Mockingbird to Philadelphiaprovides enduring fascination Especially common are plots pitting a little-known lawyer defending a victimized client against powerful adversaries This
Posted inThe Word
Christians, Recognize Your Dignity
As the Easter cycle moves to Ascension and Pentecost the readings foreshadow the ongoing life of the church Acts describes an early conflict in the community and the choice of seven men filled with the Spirit One is Stephen who immediately afterward is put to death This leads to the spread of t
Posted inFaith, The Word
Going My Way
Today’s Gospel and Luke’s whole theology of the Spirit, which will unfold in Acts, is a chronicle of the way God can walk with us in surprising, often unknown ways, reversing our path from fear and disappointment to make of us bearers of the power of the risen one.
Posted inFaith, The Word
The Way of the Shepherd
The shepherd imagery is deeply rooted in biblical thought.
Posted inFaith, The Word
Directions to the Nearest Church
People frequently ask, “What is the church?” Today’s readings provide foundational images for God’s own people.
Posted inThe Word
From Death’s Door to the Path of Life
Dic nobis Maria quid vidisti in via sepulchrum Christi viventis et gloriam vidi resurgentis Yes tell us again Mary what did you see on your journey I saw the tomb of one who still lives and the glory of the risen one The core of Easter faith resounds through these words from the poetic Easter