As I said in my reflection on Sunday, Pilate, as the local government official, allowed Jesus to be crucified “to satisfy the crowd.” He offered to release Jesus as it was his custom to release one prisoner on this feast. The “mob” did not want Jesus released. They asked for Barabbas instead. On Good Friday …
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 …
As I have said before, there are many people who choose not to watch the news because it is full of negativity. I myself watch the news less than I used to because of the negativity along with seeing a bias in the news that is being reporting. I still try to stay informed of …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Continue reading ‘The Importance of Building Relationships’ »
Those of you who are regular readers of my blog know that I am passionate about helping people understand Catholic teaching. With that in mind, I have just finished the largest paper I have ever written and put it on my website. I wrote simply to help people understand a very difficult topic, gender. This …
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 …
Continue reading ‘One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church’ »
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 …
Continue reading ‘22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A – Homily’ »
In attempt to understand gender ideology, in recent months I have been reading various materials related to the topic. I find it a topic difficult to understand. For me, part of the problem is that acceptance of gender ideology is dependent on relativism. Those of you who are regular readers of my blog know that …
