Ornaments of Grace - St. Matthew
There was a man who had two sons. He approached the elder and said, “Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.” The son replied, “I am on my way, sir;” but he never went.
Marked With Dust [Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18]
Given Ash Wednesday 2022 by Fr. Michael at St.
What are Jesus' 3 tips for holiness? (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from...
Learn From Your Mistakes - Shrines of Spain Matthew 22:34-40
We left the Xavier Castle and made our way to Manresa, the little town on the River Cardonner, near Barcelona. It was here that St Ignatius lived and prayed in a cave for the...
Ornaments of Grace - The Holy Innocents
After the astrologers had left, the angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph with the command: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay...
Love
Love: Yes, we love each other and we love ourselves, but how do we love God? Matthew 12:30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all...
Water
What water has Jesus given me this Lent to grow the seeds I have planted? Matthew 21:9 The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: "Hosanna to the...
Francis
Reflecting on the 10 years of Pope Francis' papacy, Fr. Michael explores what it has meant to have a pastor as a Pope.
Hypocrite
"Do as I say, not as I do..." Can be so much easier to say than actually following our own advice. Matthew 23:3 “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell...
Pentecost
Pentecost. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles to enliven them and send them out to proclaim Christ crucified and raised.
The Choice
Knowing what to say isn't always easy. A simple prayer for guidance may be the best choice.
Old Jessie
When have you followed a dream that you knew was right but you didn't know why? Matthew 1:20 Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of...
Prayed for
Live without fear. That is one of the many take aways from this favorite Gospel of Fr.
Tough Love
Jesus tells us that we need to stop living by "an eye for an eye" and instead start loving our enemies. As Fr.
Transformed
"Can you drink this cup?" Jesus asks James and John. Little did they know what kind of transformation their answer would require.
Temptations
Matthew 4:1-11 At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.
Do As I Say
Jesus told his disciples not to follow the example of the scribes and Pharisees. Fr.
The Judgment
Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his...
Respect Life
In the Gospel from Matthew 21:33-43, Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants who kill all of the servants and the son of the vineyard owner, hoping to steal his...
The Chosen 12
We also are the chosen of God, even if no longer among the original twelve. Fr.
Back to School
This Gospel Study addresses Matthew 18:15-20. In this scripture reading, Jesus tells His disciples that whenever two or more are gathered in His name, He is always present.
Left and Right
Today's scripture and parable remind: Give in secret, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Who can you bless with a secret gift this Lent?
Love, Not Like
Pray for your enemies: Loving someone when they actively persecute you may be one of the hardest things we Christians are called to do... Matthew 5:43-45 Jesus said to his...
Servant Leader
When have you had to set your own ego aside to show true leadership? Matthew 20:25-26 “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their...
Life and Death
No matter our situation, there is always something bigger going on. A deeper truth to realize.
Little Artists
A classic parable retold from the eyes of children and a loving father. Matthew 18:32-33 His master summoned him and said to him, “You wicked servant!
A Wake Up Call
Matthew 27:11-54 Jesus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by...
Upon This Rock
Given at the Church of St. Peter in Tiberias, Israel, June 2019 Matthew 16:13-19 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say...
Whatever You Do
Jesus will sit in judgment. He will separate the sheep from the goats; the righteous from the condemned.