Imago Trinitatis

Painting by Jean II Restout Readings :  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/ “Are you a prophet?”   If someone just came up to you and asked you that, how would you answer?   Are you a prophet?   My first reaction most days would honestly be, “No, I think you’ve got the wrong guy.”   I think when we hear the term prophet, we have the image of someone eccentric, a little crazy, foretelling the future and acting a little socially unacceptable.   So we’ll be prone to say, “No, I’m not that person!” But I’d like to challenge us to think a little more about this.   In our first reading, we see how 70 elders of the Israelites receive the Holy Spirit and begin to prophesy, and two other elders, who didn’t come for whatever reason, receive the Spirit as well.   When challenged by Joshua to stop them, Moses responds, “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!   Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!”  ...

Last week, Mumford & Sons released a new song, “Guiding Light,” which I’ve already listened to many times!   I’ve been a Mumford fan over the past few years, and I’ve found great depth in their songs, even on the spiritual level (for instance, see my first Mass homily here ).   It’s no surprise that their music is popular among young adults – it touches us on a deeper level, connecting our experiences of both beauty and brokenness with a higher reality. As I’ve listened to “Guiding Light,” I was struck by how fitting this song is for our current time in the Catholic Church.   Undoubtably, we’re in a time of crisis and transition, and many people are longing for the Church’s leadership to respond adequately and firmly, clean up any and all messes, and lead the Church into a renewed mission.   This is the message I hear in this song: I envision what the Church’s faithful (especially in my generation) are saying to the  Church’s leadership, and I’d like t...

From catholic.org Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092318.cfm In many stories, there is the guide, the teacher, the mentor.   We see this in many books and movies: Yoda in Star Wars, Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings, Dumbledore in Harry Potter, Heymitch in the Hunger Games, the Wizard of Oz in the Wizard of Oz, Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid, and many other examples.   These are wise, mysterious characters who provide assistance and teaching to those who are trying to overcome their weaknesses.   Sometimes, what they say may not immediately make sense: “Patience you must have, my young padawon.   A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins.   Wax on, Wax off,” but they possess incredible wisdom. In the Gospels, I see Jesus acting as this guide and mentor in such a beautiful way, not just for the apostles but for all of us.   Sometimes, what he says doesn’t make sense, which we see in today’s Gospel.   He’s proclaiming that ...

From preachersmagazine.org Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091618.cfm Why would I want to be a priest in today’s society?   This is a question I’ve been asked a few times, and indeed, in a society that often doesn’t recognize God’s presence, it seems at least imprudent for me and my brothers to give up our whole lives.   And with everything that’s been revealed in the Church recently, there’s also a lot of anger against priests overall.   It can be just like the first reading from Isaiah, “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.”   So why am I doing this? I think we can even take the question one step further: why would we want to be Catholic in today’s society?   In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes a startling claim, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”   This isn’t exactly a flatte...

Ever since I began thinking about priesthood, one of my biggest obstacles has been the fear of failure.   Fear of not just having bad days or messing up once in a while, but failing horribly, especially in terms of falling into sin or burning out.   I think we’ve seen through these recent scandals the depths this can go – when priests fail in holiness, this causes tremendous pain for the Church. However, what we constantly hear from Jesus in the Gospels is, “Do not be afraid!”   He reminds us that he gives us the grace to remain in his love and follow his commands.   He supported his apostles when they fell, and he promised to remain with his Church for all days.   This is what I’ve been continually learning in seminary, and even more, I’ve been learning the practical ways to remain steadfast and upright, to develop virtuous habits, and to remain in communion with others and with God.   This is why I really appreciate Carey Nieuwhof’s latest b...

This is my first homily at my weekend parish assignment for the year at Immaculate Conception Parish in Union, MO.  Thus, in this homily, I'm "introducing myself" along with reflecting upon the Gospel's theme and its application for our lives.   Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090918.cfm Since I was ordained a deacon in May, I’ve been blessed to celebrate three baptisms.   These are truly beautiful occasions, even with the children occasionally fussing around and crying, even when in one occasion, some of the water accidently got in the baby’s eyes – oops!   We recognize that what happens at baptism begins a permanent reality, that those baptized forever become sons and daughters of God.   One prayer used during the ceremony is called the “Ephphatha” prayer, which comes from today’s Gospel passage.   We heard how Jesus used saliva to touch this man’s ears and tongue to restore him to full health, and, while we thankfully do...