“Stand Fast in the Faith, and love one another.” The historical account of the death of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, is rock solid. It was written by Perpetua herself. Perpetua was a young, well educated, noblewoman who made the decision to follow the example of her mother by becoming aContinue Reading
After Jesus rose from the dead, and after His Ascension into Heaven, Mary of Magdala traveled about the country. She proclaimed the Gospel to all she met, eagerly sharing the news, “Christ is risen!” Arriving in Rome, she sought an audience with Tiberius Caesar, intending to complain about the treatment ofContinue Reading
David cried out, “Who is this uncircumcised Philstine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David was just a boy. He was not yet old enough to fight alongside his brothers. Instead he was there to bring food and tend to their weapons. Even so, his wordsContinue Reading
Cornelius, the Prefect of Rome, sat behind a table, shuffling papers, while before him stood Lawrence, last of the seven deacons. He regarded the prisoner with a certain amount of disdain. An edict, issued by the Emperor Valerian, declared that all bishops and high officials, who professed to follow JesusContinue Reading
Father Vincent Capodanno, the “grunt” padre, was a Maryknoll Missionary who served as a marine chaplain during the Vietnam War. The policy at the time stated that a soldier would be sent home within 48 hours after receiving his third purple heart. In 1967 Father Capodanno served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.Continue Reading
A vacationing American stockbroker, stood on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village. He watched as a small boat with just one young fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun, the American complimented theContinue Reading
Persistence is one of the hallmarks of Christian prayer. Abraham is persistent in interceding with God on behalf of the town of Sodom. Even so, God destroyed Sodom because not even 10 righteous men were found. Were Abraham’s efforts in vain? Surely God knew the number of good people in the doomedContinue Reading
What is the better part that Jesus refers to? The story of Martha and Mary may leave us a little confused. Why did Jesus rebuke Martha for her hospitality? Even looking to the first reading does not help much. Abraham’s hospitality to the Lord seems to be the focus there. ButContinue Reading
The Creator of all things is still present in the things He has created. St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians echoes the Gospel according to Saint John. “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” All of creation was made through Christ,Continue Reading
There are times when, despite our best efforts, we fail. Even though we know that our ministry is desperately needed, we are sometimes rejected. Jesus told us to work hard. He told us there would be difficulties because we are as lambs going out among wolves. He cautioned us toContinue Reading