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 [...]
Taking the Time to Rest I’d like you to take a moment and trace the past week of your life. Other than sleeping, did you take any intentional rest? We just finished the Independence Day holiday here in the United States. If you live in the US, did you squeeze in every last bit of work in the office before [...]
In the first reading, the prophet Zechariah foretells the coming of the Messianic King who will put an end to war and establish lasting peace. This King comes to Zion humbly, riding on a donkey, as a messenger of peace. This prophecy was fulfilled on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem unarmed and defenseless. Yet, although Jesus carried no weapons, [...]
Why So Much Talk About Death? Death is a scary thing. Even with all the medical advances and prescriptions that we are blessed with in the 21st century, we still fear death. Stories of people dying much too soon seem to take up news feeds and Facebook pages. Death is not something that most of us are comfortable with, and [...]
In today's Gospel, Jesus concludes His missionary discourse by teaching His disciples about the sacrifices and priorities required of those who are sent in His name. He reminds them that true happiness is not found in worldly success or comfort, but in faithfully responding to God's call. Those who are sent by Christ become His representatives and channels of God's [...]
The Great Gift “It’s not fair!” said my son, holding up his sixth-grade homework. “What’s not fair?” I answered, knowing his homework-stalling tactics. “Adam and Eve really messed us up!” he shot back. “Please, just do your homework,” I said, adamantly. That day at school, they had talked about the Garden of Eden and Adam's fall from grace, which affects [...]
Jesus begins the Gospel by saying, “Fear not,” or “Do not be afraid.” Throughout His public ministry, He repeatedly encourages His disciples not to live in fear. These words speak directly to us today because fear continues to be a part of our daily lives. We worry about our health, the well-being of our families, our financial security, political uncertainties, [...]