The Return of God’s Favor (1st Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 63:16—64:7; 1 Cor. 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37) The prophets love to remind God of things he already knows. Today’s first reading begins with just such a statement: “You, Lord, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever.” Isaiah goes on to…
November 22, 2020 Works of Mercy (Christ the King: Ezekiel 34:11-17; 1 Corinthians 14:20-28; Matthew 25:31-46) For three weeks now the Gospels have pointed to a moment of judgment, using a different standard in each case. Two weeks ago it was readiness for Christ’s return; last week it was resourcefulness…
November 15, 2020 Worthy Wife, Worthy Faith (33rd Ordinary Sunday: Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30) The poem in praise of a worthy wife, eight verses in the Lectionary, is actually twenty-two verses long. Most of them describe her accomplishments. But one verse stands out as different from the rest….
November 08, 2020 Choose Wisdom (32nd Ordinary Sunday: Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13) The parable of the foolish and wise virgins is a cautionary tale. Having failed to welcome the bridegroom on his arrival, the foolish ones are themselves no longer welcome at the feast. Their lack of wisdom has cost them dearly. Jesus…
HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY POLITICAL TIDBITS Should a Shrine article talk about politics? Good question. And the answer is “Yes”. How can that be? Because every human action, no matter how it can be classified, has a moral dimension to it. Even Politics … Even Elections. A caution. What is clear is that…
Reconciliation – John Robert Lewis When I think of the word “reconciliation” which is the charism or the gift of the message of Our Lady of La Salette, I cannot help but think of a prophetic person that embodies that Gospel value. I am referring to John Lewis, the congressman from Atlanta, Georgia,…
