Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Joe Hoover, S.J.September 08, 2023
Photo from Unsplash.

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Peter Claver, Priest

Find today’s readings here.

“...persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard…” (Col 1:21-23)

If you live in a world where everything is up for grabs—where so much of life is relative and casual and confused and shabby and muddled and unrepentant and lost and uncertain of the way forward, missing a clear voice, bereft of a concrete solution or hard ground to stand upon and any number of other pavement-based metaphors—Paul’s words today are a great relief:

“You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; God has now reconciled you…”

And:

“...persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard…”

Paul is a metaphysical track coach encouraging his charges to go spiritually higher, faster, stronger than they thought they could.

This is what is. These things are true. I speak with clarity in an unclear world. I issue commanding commands and direct directives. Paul is a metaphysical track coach encouraging his charges to go spiritually higher, faster, stronger than they thought they could, encouraging them with the knowledge that God has already reconciled them. Simply remembering that we are reconciled does three quarters of the work of living with the joy and freedom God wants for us.

The latest from america

Join the 'Jesuitical' team at the studio and headquarters of America Media in New York City for two days of community, prayer and sharing stories of faith.
JesuiticalMay 30, 2025
Solar panels on the roof of the Paul VI audience hall at the Vatican in this Dec. 1, 2010, file photo. The installation had been approved by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. Pope Francis released his landmark environmental encyclical "Laudato Si'" 10 years ago May 24, 2015. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
There are some signs of progress in addressing the questions raised in “Laudato Si’.” There are also intimations of backpedaling, particularly by the Trump administration, regarding the industrialized world’s malign effects on creation.
Kevin ClarkeMay 30, 2025
In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry explore the pope’s message to the Vatican workforce and recap Pope Leo’s formal installation at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on Sunday, May 25.
Inside the VaticanMay 30, 2025
Joining Zac and Ashley on this week’s episode of “Jesuitical” is Jamie Baxter, Founder & CEO of Exodus 90, a program that helps men to strengthen their faith through prayer, asceticism and fraternity.
JesuiticalMay 30, 2025