The readings today invite us to reflect on faithfulness. Faithfulness means remaining true to God, to our commitments, and to our vocation, especially when it becomes difficult. It is easy to be faithful when everything is going well; the real test comes when following God requires sacrifice. In the first reading, Jeremiah discovers the cost of being faithful to his [...]
During the week, I walked to the construction site and met some men from Ameren who were working to connect the gas line from the main pipe to our new parish hall. They were checking whether the pressure was sufficient. One of them, who was Catholic, asked me if I was the pastor. When I said yes, we began talking [...]
The readings of this Sunday deal with the way people treat foreigners and strangers. We are always surrounded by foreigners, as they were at the time when the prophet Isaiah was writing. The question before him was whether foreigners should also share in God’s salvation. Isaiah gave a clear answer: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]