Sunday Scripture

I Thought You Should Know | Christ still looks to give away His Father’s love, healing

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:02:35 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Lv 13:1-2,44-46

1 Cor 10:31-11:1

Mk 1:44-45

In today's first reading, Moses is dealing with the very serious issue of leprosy in the community. Even today, some scientists believe it is spread through respiratory droplets, released by the body through sneezing and coughing.

I Thought You Should Know | Man does not live on bread alone: Seek Christ for spiritual hunger

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:21:10 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jb 7:1-4,6-7; 1 Cor 9: 16-19,22-23; Mk 1:29-39

"Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed."

Job's lament in today's first reading is like the appetizer that sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus in today's Gospel.

I Thought You Should Know | Quiet time opens up our heart to Jesus' love

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:30:28 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

1 Corinthians 7:32-35

Mark 1:21-28

I Thought You Should Know | Distractions keep us from the kingdom of heaven

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:51:54 +0000

by Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark 1:14-20

Just what does Jesus mean when He says, "The kingdom of God is at hand"? Let us take a closer look at what He is saying.

I Thought You Should Know | Your greatest calling is to a life of intimacy with God

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:36:01 +0000

By Bishop Robert J Hermann

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 2012

1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19

1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20

John 1:35-42

I Thought You Should Know | Throwing away the treasure found in Jesus Christ is foolish

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:53:09 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Feast of the Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Today's feast of the Epiphany tells us so much about ourselves and our calling. To begin with, Isaiah is telling Jerusalem to "rise up in splendor ... Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you." Today that message is directed to us.

I Thought You Should Know | At Christmas the unearned gift of love lies in a manger

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:14:24 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

There is a timeless beauty in the concept of Santa Claus bringing gifts to children. It opens the children's hearts to the experience of receiving free gifts from someone whom they do not know, but who seems to know them! This speaks to the child's hunger, and the adults' hunger, to receive unearned love.

Like Mary, we are called to trust God, His love

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:25:12 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

All who long for something greater than themselves, rejoice in today's readings. When King David wants to build a more fitting dwelling place for the ark of God, God in turn tells David that He, Himself, will build a house, a dynasty for David, and will raise up from David's loins an heir whose kingdom will last forever!

David had experienced many, many fierce battles in his lifetime, and the news that God would raise up an heir who would establish an everlasting kingdom was music to David's ears. David's victories never brought lasting peace.

We need God's mercy to reach our final destination

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:18:45 +0000

Bishop Robert J. Hermann

The above words are very consoling words, if we know our true identity as sinners in need of salvation. If you want to discover your true identity, then consider these words from St. Bertrand, as found in the current issue of Magnificat, pages 154-155.

We are mistaken when we think God has abandoned us

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:23:09 +0000

Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Advent is a time of hope for sin-laden humanity. All of mankind knows the burden of guilt, which weighs heavily upon its psyche, but only God can bring hope to sinful man.

In today's first reading, God is speaking a word of comfort to the Israelites in captivity, now in Babylon for 50 years, because of sin and idolatry. The Israelites felt abandoned by God because of their past sins.

In God we have the answer to every human weakness

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:54:17 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

First Sunday of Advent

I Thought You Should Know | Recognize Christ's humility, love dwelling in our midst

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:47:37 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Feast of Christ the King - 2011

Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17

1Corinthians 15:20-26,28

Matthew 25: 31-46

Jesus was handed over to us for our transformation

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:19:27 +0000

Bishop Robert J. Hermann

As we near the end of the Liturgical Year, today's readings are all about our relationships with our God as we come to the end of our earthly life.

The worthy wife in today's first reading from Proverbs is praised because she fears the Lord. It may be said that the entire book of Proverbs rests on the simple principle, "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord...." (Proverbs 9:10)

Wisdom makes virtuous actions attractive

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:43:00 +0000

By Bishop Robert J. Hermann

Today's first and third readings are like two brilliant lights shining through the darkness of this world, lighting up the path that leads to eternal salvation. That path is narrow and dark, with stones and boulders along the way. Sometimes the path to salvation winds along a steep and most dangerous precipice, up a mountain and down the other side. Without the assistance of light from above, we can never traverse the journey.

I Thought You Should Know | Our identity: We are sinners in constant need of redemption

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:12:36 +0000

By Bishop Robert Hermann

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Once, in the midst of a 30-day retreat, I shared with my retreat master that in trying to meet all the needs of my parishioners, I was totally exhausted. The retreat master responded, "Bob, the Messiah has come, died on the cross and rose from the dead and you're not it!" I said, "Wow, that feels so good! Thank you for reminding me!"

When that truth broke into my consciousness, I was so relieved not to have to play the role of the Messiah!

Sunday Scripture

I Thought You Should Know | Christ still looks to give away His Father’s love, healing

I Thought You Should Know | Man does not live on bread alone: Seek Christ for spiritual hunger

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jb 7:1-4,6-7; 1 Cor 9: 16-19,22-23; Mk 1:29-39

I Thought You Should Know | Quiet time opens up our heart to Jesus' love

I Thought You Should Know | Distractions keep us from the kingdom of heaven

I Thought You Should Know | Your greatest calling is to a life of intimacy with God

I Thought You Should Know | Throwing away the treasure found in Jesus Christ is foolish

Feast of the Epiphany Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

I Thought You Should Know | At Christmas the unearned gift of love lies in a manger

Like Mary, we are called to trust God, His love

We need God's mercy to reach our final destination

We are mistaken when we think God has abandoned us

In God we have the answer to every human weakness

I Thought You Should Know | Recognize Christ's humility, love dwelling in our midst

Jesus was handed over to us for our transformation

Wisdom makes virtuous actions attractive

I Thought You Should Know | Our identity: We are sinners in constant need of redemption

Feast of the Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12