Today’s gospel tells us about Jesus and his response to those who are picking up rocks to stone him.  How must it have felt to be Jesus?  He was constantly criticized throughout his ministry.  The rallying calls against Him reached such a fever pitch that He was crucified. And yet, we see Him – in… Read More Lenten Reflection Series: How Jesus Responds to Criticism

Jesus knew His purpose in life would require intense suffering and the ultimate sacrifice – death on the Cross. Despite this, Jesus is steadfast in His teaching of the Gospel and love for His people. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is fearless in stating that He knows God because He is “from God,” and was sent… Read More Lenten Reflection Series: Jesus Is Close To Us As We Fight Injustice

Actions speak louder than words, they say. But aren’t some words helpful? Today we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph and are given two options for the gospel reading. Even with two readings about Joseph, however, we don’t get a single word out of him. In fact, not a word of his is mentioned in… Read More Lenten Reflection Series: Welcoming Christ into the World with Our Actions

I’m writing this on a Sunday, and as I lay resting after guiding a mission group through their spring break, I am awakened by an elderly man yelling out for Sister Valdair. Not only is it a Sunday, but also her only day off from tending for mission groups and running the pharmacy during the… Read More Lenten Reflection Series: Inspired by Sister Valdair

This time of year, it’s easy to get caught in the late-winter doldrums. The snow and slush have hung around just long enough so that we begin to doubt that spring really is just around the corner. And the Lenten season can drag as well. It seems like it’s been ages since we gathered together… Read More Lenten Reflection Series: Preparing for the Eternal Spring

Throughout the season of Lent, we’re featuring the Millennial Lenten Reflection Series, co-sponsored by Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and Franciscan Mission Service. Each small reflection will be written by a young person, focusing on that day’s Mass reading. You can sign up for the series here. The second reading from St. Paul to the… Read More Lenten Reflection Series: Understanding Grace

Throughout the season of Lent, we’re featuring the Millennial Lenten Reflection Series, co-sponsored by Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and Franciscan Mission Service. Each small reflection will be written by a young person, focusing on that day’s Mass reading. You can sign up for the series here. It is tempting to measure the health of… Read More Lenten Reflection Series: Giving Up Control and Being Open to God’s Mercy