Reflections
May 5 ~ Third Sunday of Easter
Posted by Ray Lodato
In the first reading, St. Paul is ordered “to stop teaching in that name.” That is, he was to stop teaching about Jesus. But Paul gives a clear response, “We must obey God rather than men.” Paul was willing to face trial and suffering rather than stop speaking about ... Read More »
April 28 ~ Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)
Posted by Ray Lodato
We hear today of Jesus’ gift to us and his commission: "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." He was speaking to his apostles, who were fearfully gathered behind a locked door, but his message extends to each of us, here and ... Read More »
April 21 ~ Easter Sunday ~ The Resurrection of the Lord
Posted by Ray Lodato
St. Peter reminds us today that Jesus Christ “... commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God”. Who are the people you might “preach to” or speak to today about Christ? Pray for the courage to be like Peter and ... Read More »
April 14 ~ Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Posted by Ray Lodato
Our readings today are all too familiar. We know too well how the story ends. The challenge for us is to listen and ponder as if hearing for the first time. “...at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under ... Read More »
April 7 ~ Fifth Sunday of Lent
Posted by Ray Lodato
In our first reading from Isaiah the Lord tells us, “See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” As disciples of Christ, speaking about our faith and the importance of prayer and sacraments is a new experience. While it can be difficult ... Read More »
March 31 ~ Fourth Sunday of Lent
Posted by Ray Lodato
“A man had two sons…” – so begins today’s Gospel parable. Take some time this week to consider where you are in the story. Are you the younger son or daughter, who just wants to get away from home, but soon realizes that home is where you are loved ... Read More »
March 24 ~ Third Sunday of Lent
Posted by Ray Lodato
Today’s gospel presents a story of God’s patience as he grants the gardener another chance to make the fig tree productive. Ours is a God of mercy and patience, who is always willing to give us second chances. Is there someone you care about who may have forgotten, or ... Read More »
March 17 ~ Second Sunday of Lent
Posted by Ray Lodato
Luke’s account of the Transfiguration is rich with meaning. Peter recognizes this special moment with Jesus: “Master, it is good that we are here.” We don’t have to go up the mountain to be with Jesus. We can say those very words of Peter every day when we are ... Read More »
March 10 ~ First Sunday of Lent
Posted by Ray Lodato
Lent is a good time to reorder our lives and to focus our attention on the essentials of our faith. In the second reading today, St. Paul challenges us to make these words come alive: “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your ... Read More »
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
“Remove the splinter in your own eye first, then you see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s [sister’s] eye.” These words from today’s gospel may be difficult to hear yet they remind us to take time to reflect on our attitudes and behaviors and how blinded we ... Read More »