Posts by Fr. Rich

Has anyone ever made a request of you by beginning with the caveat “if you love me?” Many times when people prefaces a request with these words, it is because they are preparing to ask for something beyond a reasonable or agreeable request. Jesus uses these words in today’s Gospel, but all he asks for is to keep the commandments. It is not an impossible or unreasonable request but one that truly guides our lives on a path of faith…

To all women who fulfill the sacred role of “mom” either by the birth or adoption of a child or by fulfilling that role in a different way in someone’s life, may the Lord bless you abundantly in your vocation. And for all the moms who have gone before us in faith, may they know light, joy, and peace forever in heaven.  Happy Mother’s Day to all our Moms and may the peace of Christ enlighten your hearts!

In today’s Gospel, Jesus invited his disciples (and us) to follow him. Thomas responded to Jesus by saying how can we follow you? We don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Is that our response to Jesus as He calls us to be His presence in today’s world? So many have asked me, how do I know what Jesus wants of me? My response is that Jesus only asks us to do good, for…

Today is called Good Shepherd Sunday, and, appropriately, this day is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Today, the Church calls us to reflect on the meaning of God’s call for each of us and to pray for those who are called to the priesthood, the diaconate and the consecrated life, may responded with a wholehearted ’yes’. All Christians need to share in the responsibility of fostering vocations to the Church. As parents, you are asked to encourage…

Today’s Gospel story, “The Way to Emmaus” is my favorite story in the Bible. I even have this picture in my living room. Whenever I think of this passage or read it, I always ask myself, would I recognize Jesus and what would I ask Him? The two disciples in the story were perplexed as they have been talking about Jesus and his death. They were wandering aimlessly on the road. So much so, that when Jesus came up to…

We just finished a beautiful Holy Week. We were reminded of all that Jesus did for us, sacrificing His life on the Cross. We have much for which to be thankful. But as your pastor, I have much to be thankful here at OLV. I won’t mention people by name because I would run out of room in this bulletin. I thank Fr. Tom who has covered for me so often and is truly an important part of our parish.…

Easter, the feast of the Resurrection, gives us the joyful message that we are a “Resurrection people.” This means that we are not supposed to lie buried in the tomb of our sins, evil habits, and dangerous addictions. It gives us the Good News that no tombs can hold us down any longer – not the tombs of despair, discouragement, doubt, or death itself. Instead, we are expected to live a joyful and peaceful life, constantly experiencing the real Presence…

Today with the blessing of palms, we start Holy Week. It is the greatest week of the Church year where we are vividly reminded of all that Jesus did and endured for us. It is a week that we should all make special in our lives as we live out the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Savior. On Holy Thursday we bring the Last Supper to life where the Eucharist began as we have it today. We can spend…

Today we hear the story of raising Lazarus from the dead: “Roll away the stone; unbind him; and let him go.” This story is not simply about what Jesus once did, long ago, outside the village of Bethany. It is a revelation of who God is and how God acts. In this Gospel, Jesus does not explain death away; he is deeply moved, he comes to the tomb, and he weeps. But when he speaks, even what has been sealed,…

This is the fourth Sunday of Lent, known as Laetare Sunday. It marks the midpoint of Lent and offers us a moment of joy and hope amid this penitential season. The name “Laetare” comes from the Latin for “rejoice,” reflecting on the Church’s encouragement to look forward to the joy of Easter while continuing our Lenten reflection and penance. This Sunday focuses on our spiritual sight, light, and God’s mercy, inviting us to see things through the eyes of faith.…

Listening to the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, we need to allow Jesus free entry into our personal lives. Jesus wishes to come into our “private” life, not to embarrass us, not to judge or condemn us, but to free us, to change us, and to offer us what we really need: the living water of the Holy Spirit. Let us find this living water in the Sacraments, in prayer, and in the Holy Bible, especially during…

Most people can pinpoint the moment when the attraction they felt for someone turned to love. It usually has to do with seeing the person in a new light. As one man described it, “One night I watched as a woman who had been my good friend for many years gently stroked her dying mother’s forehead. I was struck by the sheer tenderness and beauty of the act. I knew then that my feelings for this woman were forever changed.”…