Posts by Fr. Rich (Page 8)

In today’s Gospel, we hear God say: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” Interesting words to be spoken. We listen a lot: to the radio, television, and people talking. But do we listen to God speak to us. I know you will say that you don’t hear voices coming from the sky! The Lord speaks to us in the written word as well. When was the last time you picked up a…

Our Scriptures today ask us what we may have many times asked ourselves: What do I really value in life? How diligently am I searching for it? Will I recognize it when I see it? What price am I willing to pay to obtain it? Today’s Gospel shows two people who are seeking something valuable in their lives. One finds a treasure buried in a field and the other a pearl of great price. Each goes out and sells all…

When I read this Gospel, I thought of an old adage: ‘There is a little bit of bad in the best of us and there is a little bit of good in the worst of us.” But still we all try to eliminate the bad (weeds) around us even though Jesus says it’s not that easy. We may pull out the wheat (the good) and thus hurt someone who is trying their best to be helpful and kind. We may…

Isaiah describes a beautiful analogy about how the rain and snow descends from heaven, nourishing the earth and enabling it to bear fruit. This imagery reminds us that God’s Word holds a profound purpose and effect in our lives. His Word has the great ability to breathe life into our existence, bring about a transformation in ways we could not even imagine. When we read and open ourselves to God’s Word, we allow it to permeate the depths of our…

At a Sunday Mass a little while back, a little girl about seven years old got out of her seat and sat in the middle aisle, where she remained for the entire Mass. Afterwards, I asked her why she sat there. She said because I wanted to see what the priest was doing at the altar, but in the seat, I couldn’t see above the people in front of me. Today’s Gospel says “…although you have hidden these things from…

This week we celebrate Independence Day. In our Declaration of Independence, we read: “…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Our lives are important from conception to natural death; our liberty to do what we want without infringement on another’s right; and our pursuit of happiness without discrimination. I thank God and experience these rights every time I go to Mass. Look around and see…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says:” Fear no one.” Then He says, fear only the one who can destroy the soul with the body. In all that is happening around us, it seems like the spirit of America is being wiped out. Fear has gripped our nation on so many fronts. With every news report we are told to fear. It could be another mass shooting. It could be our different ethnic backgrounds. It could be the religion we practice. It…

Just want to express a Happy Fathers Day to all our Dads. May you experience the peace of Christ through your families. For our deceased Dads, may they share in Christ’s peace in their heavenly home.

Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi – Body & Blood of Christ. It is also the day we begin the parish phase of the national Eucharistic Revival. Come help us start it off and recognize the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place today at Noon and the Church will be open all afternoon for you to stop in and spend some prayer time with the Lord. Come alone, or better yet,…

To all our Moms, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. As you look at your families, think of the richness of your life: young children with great potential and a bright future, and growing and loving every day as you taught them. Your older children ready to step in and carrying out your legacy, caring for their families as you taught them.

Today we celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations. With that in mind, take a moment and encourage someone you feel would make a good priest, or a religious brother or sister. Compliment them on what you see in them that would make you think they would make a good priest or sister. At the very least, offer this prayer for vocation, that young men and women will open their hearts to the call of Jesus to priesthood or religious…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus came upon two disciples on the road to Emmaus and began to speak with them. They were grieving over the death of Jesus. And Jesus was helping them to see and understand all He taught them and lift their spirits. What would you talk about if Jesus came upon you during the day, whether at work, home, school and just out for a leisurely walk? Would you share what is bothering you? Would you complain to…