When You Want to Shout at Jesus Have you ever shouted at Jesus? If you have, it was probably in the secret of your room, quietly in your heart, or in your car with the windows rolled up. More than likely none of us would want to be found running down the road screaming at Jesus, even if we were [...]
Today’s readings remind us that the Kingdom of God is revealed not only in moments of great miracles but also in the quiet and ordinary moments of life. Although the first reading, the second reading, and the Gospel present different situations, they all teach us the same lesson: God is always present with his people, especially in times of fear, [...]
Awe and Wonder Ever since I was a little kid I have always enjoyed magic shows. I remember going to some shows with my dad and getting hooked on the idea of something happening right before your eyes that you can't really see. My obsession turned into a hobby of learning magic tricks and performing shows for area Catholic schools. [...]
The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is much more than a story about feeding a hungry crowd. While we cannot explain exactly how the miracle happened, we can understand what it meant for Matthew and for the early Church. This miracle recalls God's gift of the manna in the desert (Exodus 16). Just as Moses, through [...]
Surprised by the Kingdom of Heaven Every few years or so the discovery of lost treasure troves makes the news. As technology has improved it has become more common that gold coins, gemstones and priceless jewels worth millions of dollars are found in sunken ships that sailed the seas hundreds of years ago. Finding lost treasure requires a lot of [...]
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Every human heart is searching for a treasure. Throughout history, people have searched for hidden riches in fields, mountains, and beneath the sea, hoping to discover gold, diamonds, or pearls. As someone who comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a land rich in gold, diamonds, and copper, I have seen many [...]
The Vineyard of Faith Today’s Gospel message is one that I struggle with quite often. I find myself saying, “I got here first” or “I’ve been waiting longer”. Sometimes I ask myself, “I’ve worked harder and longer. Why am I not reaping the same benefits or rewards and someone else who has not worked as hard or as long as [...]
Before the birth of Jesus, the people of Israel waited for the Messiah, expecting Him to establish a kingdom made up only of the righteous, where the wicked would be destroyed. This way of thinking even appeared during Jesus' ministry. When the Samaritans rejected Him, His disciples asked if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy them. But [...]
More Than Just Storytelling On the surface level, it may seem like Jesus teaches in parables only to make complex ideas accessible to all people. While there may be an element of that, Jesus explains clearly in today’s Gospel that reaching every audience isn’t His primary goal. In fact, He explains that the parables fulfill the words of the prophet [...]
Today’s Gospel may leave the impression that Jesus taught in parables to prevent His listeners from understanding. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout His public ministry, Jesus used parables as an effective way of teaching. Like every good teacher, His purpose was to transform lives and lead people to the truth. Those who approached Him with open [...]