Category Archives: “Speak to Me Lord”

Today’s readings begin and end talking about how we talk. A Jewish sage, Sirach, makes the observation that “when a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so do one’s faults when one speaks” (Sir 27:4). Jesus — the Jewish sage par excellence — likewise takes a person’s speech as an indicator of where they’re at: “From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks” (Lk 6:45). Continue reading →

Superheroes never go out of style.

There’s something in us, young and old, that enjoys a good superhero tale. A typical superhero story includes a villain that everyone loves to hate.

Soon the bad guy and his accomplices create all kinds of mayhem till they manage to bring the world to the brink of disaster. This turmoil creates the ripe condition for the superhero to come to the rescue. Continue reading →

There’s nothing obscure about today’s Gospel. Jesus says that those who are poor, hungry, grieving and persecuted are to be congratulated because they’re on the way to great happiness.

      Those who are wealthy, satisfied, enjoying what the world has to offer, and admired by everyone are to be lamented because they’re going to end up miserable. Such a simple message. What could need explanation? Continue reading →

In his book “Outliers: The Story of Success,” author Malcolm Gladwell offers intriguing explanations for why some people are more successful than others. Gladwell looks for general rules of success: Is it nature or nurture? Is it innate talent, genius, favorable opportunities or hard work that makes it possible for some to become more successful than others? Continue reading →

After some time away from Nazareth, St. Luke tells us, Jesus returned and delivered a homily in the synagogue. His remarks were a kind of keynote for his ministry. At first, his listeners liked what they heard. Continue reading →

From our waking moments to the end of the day, we are immersed in words, in written or spoken forms. We live in the so-called information age with almost instant access to news, opinions and facts about the world. Continue reading →

John begins his Gospel before time began: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1).

      God, John tells us, was not alone. There was God and his Word. John makes it clear that everything God is, the Word is: “the Word was God.” And yet God and his Word are distinct: “the Word was with God,” and by his Word God brought all things into existence (1:3). Continue reading →