Posts by Fr. Rich (Page 18)

Sacrifice: what does this mean to you? In today’s first reading Abraham was asked to sacrifice his very son, Isaac. And his faith showed forth as he was willing to do so, no matter how difficult it was. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice as He gave His life on the cross for you and me. So now, how difficult are those sacrifices we take on during our Lenten journey? Is giving up that extra meal, or a particular food as…

Lent is our desert experience. What is your desert experience? For Margaret Tobin Brown, (known as the unsinkable Molly Brown), her desert might have been the Titanic. A Catholic born to poor Irish immigrants, she was already known for her charity. She began soup kitchens, built a prototype of today’s juvenile justice system and was active in woman’s suffrage. But on that dark night in 1912 the “heroine of the Titanic” was born. Despite her protests to let others go…

Many people swear by a particular diet they follow to help them lose weight. But there are so many diet programs out there, which one is best. If you look closely at them, they all advocate the basics: cut back on certain foods and exercise regularly. Lent begins this Wednesday. Maybe this Lent can be everyone’s diet of sorts. Not to lose weight, but to improve or better our lives of faith. So we need to get down to the…

In today’s Gospel, we read that after a long day of peaching and curing those who were sick, Jesus rose early the next day and went off to pray. His disciples found him and told him that everyone was looking for him. Why? Why were they looking for Jesus? For something they wanted? Why do we look for Jesus? And maybe just as important, where do we look for Jesus? Do we look for Jesus only when we want something…

In today’s Gospel, it says that Jesus taught with authority and not like the scribes. Jesus’ teaching was always about others. We see His miracles for the sake of others, His uplifting and sometimes challenging teachings to bolster others’ faith and we witness to His sacrifice on the cross out of His love of others. With what authority do you speak? Is it a true and honest concern for others? Or is it about what’s best for ‘me’ or what…

In the Church’s liturgical calendar, we are in Ordinary Time, a six week period between Christmas and Lent. It can seem like a let down after celebrating the joyous birth of Our Savior. It could also feel like a rather blah time as we anticipate the sacrificial and repentant time of Lent. But ordinary time is important for it covers most of our life experiences. In those everyday moments of our life, it is easy to let go of our…

In today’s Gospel, two of John’s disciples were following Jesus. Jesus stopped and asked them, “What are you looking for?” If Jesus was to ask you that question, what answer would you give? When we look for Jesus, what is it that we want to see or hear? Are we looking for Jesus to take away all our problems; or the wisdom and courage to face them and overcome them? Do we want Jesus to answer our prayers exactly as…

We all like to be told, “Well done. Good job.” It’s even better to be told that you’re a really great person. Deep in our hearts, we all long to hear the words that Jesus heard as he broke through the waters of the Jordan at his Baptism: “You are my beloved child of whom I am well pleased”. Our true identity is that we are all sons and daughters of God. Knowing this is our identity not only tells…

Even in the midst of a pandemic, so many came through to help prepare our Church for Christmas which made for a beautiful Christmas celebration. We couldn’t do all that we did in the past, but still everything was great. Thank You to all who prepared the Church, our volunteer cleaners and maintenance staff. Thank You to those who decorated and put a festive look to the Church. Thank to our musicians, Contemporary Group and organists who, even without congregational…

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany or the Manifestation of the Lord or Three Kings or the Feast of Lights. Whichever title to this Feast you use, it is the Feast that tells us that Jesus came into our world for all people to see, to be recognized, and to be changed. The Magi followed the star and found Jesus. They offered their gifts and then returned home by another way. Was that other way a change of heart…

I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a new year: one without covid, masking and social distancing. We would all like to see a country without racism and prejudices, without rioting, infighting and injustice. Maybe these will be our New Years resolutions. But let us start in the right place: FAITH. It is faith in God that will help us see with eyes of compassion, patience, understanding and love. It is faith in God that will exhort us to be…

I just wish to extend to you and your loved ones greetings for a holy, blessed and joyous Christmas. We celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. In this unusual year where we have experienced a pandemic, mask wearing, social distancing, closing of businesses and a lot of isolation, we need some joy and happiness. Maybe we can’t celebrate with all the family gathering. Maybe we haven’t been able to shop, visit or even prepare our favorite recipes. But…