Thus says the LORD:This is what I commanded my people:Listen to my voice;then I will be your God and you shall be my people.Walk in all the ways that I command you,so that you may prosper. (Jer 7:23) When we think about God’s voice, do the Old Testament images come to mind? Do we think only about the prophets of … Continue reading
We are reduced
For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins. Dn 3:37 This morning I caught an article in the Milwaukee JournalSentinel about a new line of swimsuits produced by Abercromie & Fitch. The swimwear is geared toward 7-14 year olds and includes a push-up top the likes … Continue reading
The Edge of the Cliff
When the people in the synagogue heard this,they were all filled with fury.They rose up, drove him out of the town,and led him to the brow of the hillon which their town had been built,to hurl him down headlong.But he passed through the midst of them and went away. (Lk 24:28-30) It’s hard to believe that the above gospel passage … Continue reading
As high as the heavens
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (Ps 103:11-12) For me, this is one of the most beautiful lines in Scripture. It reminds me that God is a loving Father, … Continue reading
Let it be done to me
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (Lk 1:38) How beautiful and appropriate that the Feast of the Annunciation falls during Lent! When Gabriele appeared to her, Mary asked only one question: how is this to be done? It wasn’t a … Continue reading
In unity with Japan
Archbishop Leo Jun Ikenaga SJ of Osaka, issued the following prayer, requesting its circulation that the church “might all pray in unity” for the victims of the disaster: Merciful God, you never depart from us even in the worst of times; be with us in both our joy and in our sadness. Grant your aid and encouragement to those who … Continue reading
If grave stones could talk
Lk 16:19-31 When I think about the Gospel for Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (Lk 16:19-31), I’m reminded of an old saying: “If grave stones could talk”. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the story of Lazarus, a poor man who dies and was carried away by the angels to the “bosom of Abraham”. At the same time, a … Continue reading
Conference CDs
Great news! The CDs of the Oklahoma Catholic Women’s Conference are in! The set of five CDs includes presentations by Colleen Hammond, Sharmane Adams, and myself as well as the homily by Archbishop Beltran. You can order your set at: http://www.coryav.com/
The great among you
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mt. 20:27-28) Yesterday, our youngest son came down with a horrible upper … Continue reading
Be merciful as your Father is merciful
Lk 6:36-38 Jesus said to his disciples:“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged.Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.Forgive and you will be forgiven.Give and gifts will be given to you;a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,will be poured into your lap.For the measure with which you measurewill … Continue reading