Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

It is sometimes difficult to believe that God desires me and chooses me individually. It is a love that I often fail to reciprocate, despite my desire to do so. But that does not diminish the love God has for me. I am not lost in the crowd of history and humanity. Each of us was created with love and rejoiced over by our heavenly Father.

Twenty Eighth Sunday in Odinary Time

As disciples of Jesus, our task is to be like the servants of the king in todays Gospel. The Lord sends us out to bring whomever we find to the feast. And, as Pope Francis said, :We must not allow ourselves even a moment of rest, knowing that still not everyone has received an invitation to this supper or knowing that others have forgotten or have got lost along the way."

Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

In acts of great mercy, Christ continues to call us again and again   - even after we reject him and turn away from him. Through the Church, the sacraments, the intercession of the saints, and the holy men and women who proclaim the Gospel today, God continues to seek us out so we might know the peace of fruitful service in his vineyard.

Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Even in our wanderings, God is at work, drawing us to return to him. Ezekiel tells us that when we respond to that grace and turn from the wickedness we have committed, doing what is right and just, we will surely not die, but receive the gift of eternal life from the God who is Mercy itself. 

Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

As we creatively and compassionately allow God's love to flow through us, we infuse new life and love into the world around us. When we truly believe that a life lived in Christ is the most abundant life, we stop asking what is fair and we begin to earerly invite others to join us in the vineyard. Doing the will of God in this life is a reward unto itself.

Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

When we are wronged, it may be helpful to remind ourselves of the classic phrase , "There but for the grace of God, go I ."  When we recognize that those who wrong us have the same struggles as our own, we are more likely to extend the same mercy we wish to be offered to us.

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus commissioned his disciples to make disciples of all nations. He treated Gentiles and tax collectors with mercy and expects us to treat sinners with mercy as well.  When we see someone doing wrong, don't ignore the sin, but don't drive the sinner away.  Soften their hearts and reconcile with them.

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

As disciples, when we discern the will of God in our lives and choose to live according to his will, we do so not because we know all that it will entail, but because we know and trust the One who calls us.