There is Still Hope

Last week I wrote about the hope I saw in the Alabama State Supreme Court’s decision that “embryos are children” (“There is Hope in Alabama”).  Unfortunately, it is becoming clear that many people do not get the significance of the decision that “embryos are children.”  What makes it clear that they don’t get it?  I …

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Making Others Happy

How much time do you spend trying to make other people happy? Now, there are clearly some people that we should want to make happy.  Certainly, a married person should want their spouse to be happy.  We should want our family to be happy along with our friends.  In fact, in loving our neighbor as …

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Why am I Catholic?

Why am I Catholic? Traditionally, the answer to the question why are you Catholic was, “Because my parents and grandparents are Catholic.” Being Catholic was part of our identity. One went to church for Christmas and Easter because that’s what Catholics do it. Today we identify this as being culturally Catholic. I was baptized Catholic …

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The Importance of Building Relationships

Last week I wrote about the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel. Since then, the fighting has continued with many people injured or killed. It looks like Israel is preparing to go into Gaza with ground troops. Clearly the situation is not good. Clearly, Israel and Hamas do not have a working relationship. It is …

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One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

Last Saturday I read a news story (Sarah Maddox, “Why thousands of U.S. congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church.” September 9, 2023. CBSnews.com.). You may remember that in 2019, the United Methodist Church held a conference that discussed same-sex relationships. Since then there have been whole congregations that have left the United Methodist Church …

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A – Homily

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year AJeremiah 20:7-9Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (2b)Romans 12:1-2Matthew 16:21-27September 3, 2023 Last week we heard Peter proclaim to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter got that right.  Jesus knows Peter’s proclamation is based on revelation from God to Peter.  Jesus then makes Peter …

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