Reflections
September 22 ~ Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
St. Timothy urges that “…supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.” Who among us doesn’t need to be reminded to be faithful to prayer and to rely on Christ our savior? ... Read More »
September 15 ~ Twenty-fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
The gospel today speaks of the lost sheep, lost coin, lost son. There is great rejoicing when what is lost has been found. Each of the parables make it clear that God does not want to see anyone lost, because of sin. In your prayer this week ask for ... Read More »
September 8 ~ Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
Jesus gives us clear standards for discipleship. He challenges his disciples and us to be dedicated to the mission. In dramatic language, Jesus tells us that nothing should stand in the way of discipleship. And, that discipleship is demanding – involving sacrifice possible persecution and suffering. Pray that your ... Read More »
September 1 ~ 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
Today’s readings highlight the importance of the virtue of humility. In the first reading we hear, “conduct your affairs with humility and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” In the Gospel parable, we hear Jesus say, “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the ... Read More »
August 25 ~ Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
Isaiah is speaking on behalf of the Lord, directly to us: “… proclaim my glory among the nations.” This might seem like too much of a challenge. Take a few minutes to ask God to whom should you be proclaiming God’s glory? Is it a family member, a co-worker ... Read More »
August 18 ~ Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
Sundays in the summer often afford us more time for leisure and contemplation. Today’s readings give us much food for thought if we take a few minutes to take another look. Who do you count among “the great a cloud of witnesses” in your life? Is there someone that ... Read More »
August 11 ~ Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom…… where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Given the statistics of weekly Mass attendance, it seems that, tragically, we are truly a “little flock”. Why do we overlook ... Read More »
August 4 ~ Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
“…rest, eat, drink, be merry!” Sounds appealing, right! But Paul is wise and kind to caution us as he cautioned the Colossians in the second reading to “Seek what is above… Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly” We are called to be in the ... Read More »
July 28 ~ Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
God was no stranger to Abraham. Our first reading gives us a glimpse into their relationship. Abraham’s faithfulness and closeness to the Lord made him comfortable enough to bargain back and forth with God. This conversation would never happen between strangers. In our Gospel, Jesus tells us, “ask and ... Read More »
July 21 ~ Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted by Ray Lodato
In the first reading, we hear that Abraham, saw three men standing nearby, “… he ran … to greet them” Not only did he greet them warmly, he provided water to bathe their feet, Sarah prepared a meal, and he “waited on them”. We call this Radical Hospitality, an ... Read More »