Sunday Scripture

Corpus Christi – 2012

Exodus 24:3-8

Hebrews 9:11-15

Mark 14:12-16,22-26 

Trinity Sunday - 2012

Deuteronomy 4:32-34,39-40

Romans 8:14-17

Matthew 28:16-20 

The readings on this, the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, are both awe-inspiring and intimacy inviting.

After the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem, and Christ's passion, death and resurrection, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles is perhaps the greatest surprise our God has ever given mankind.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Acts 1:15-17,20a,20c-26

1 John 4:11-16

Luke 17:11b-19

In today's Gospel, Jesus prays for the apostles because He knows that they will need His prayers after His passion, death and resurrection.

The Holy Spirit coming upon the Gentile Cornelius and his household is truly a fascinating experience both for the early Church and for us. It certainly took Peter by surprise because Jews were forbidden to enter the homes of Gentiles because it would render them unclean. Yet it is into this Gentile home that the Holy Spirit descends!

5th Sunday of Easter - 2012

Acts 9:26-31

1 John 18-24

John 15:1-8 

I think it is safe to say that today the Catholic Church in the United States, and each of us, its members, are in dire need of pruning. When grape vines go unpruned, all the plant's energies go into foliage instead of into fruit.