Exploring the Word

10 Nov 2024

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Define “generous”

What's the value of two grapefruits? If you've been to the supermarket lately, you might be able to come up with the cost in a dollar or two.

3 Nov 2024

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Get to the heart of the matter

The old parlor game asks: If you knew you were going to die tonight, what would you do today?

27 Oct 2024

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

What the world needs now

Bartimaeus is that rare recipient of a miracle who immediately becomes a disciple of Jesus. Immediately, of course, is a favorite Marcan word. Things happen at once in this gospel or not at all.

20 Oct 2024

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Does suffering save?

No one likes the suggestion that suffering can be useful. If “no pain, no gain” is the rule, some of us would prefer the no gain, thanks!

13 Oct 2024

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

A great deal—at a price you can afford

Parents can’t help being proud of their children and the futures they imagine for them. “My daughter is in pre-med.” “My son will take over the family business one day.” Bumper stickers announce each child making the honor roll.

6 Oct 2024

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

A worthy investment

Family life is a sign of God’s blessing, the psalmist tells us. Then he paints a quaint illustration of what that means. The wife is a fruitful vine in the protective quarters of the home.

29 Sep 2024

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

The simplest thing

God is not complicated. At least that's what we're told in "The Simple Song" included in Leonard Bernstein's Mass. Love is simple to understand, and God is the simplest of all, the lyrics and music conspire to persuade us.

22 Sep 2024

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Is it bad to be ambitious?

Jesus’ disciples wanted to succeed. Well, don’t we all? I don’t like to lose at solitaire, much less at the great game of life.

15 Sep 2024

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

The ways of love

Who wants to suffer? If anyone raises a hand, back away and call an attending physician. Suffering is not a desirable condition, and those who possess mental health not only don’t seek it, but actively avoid it.

8 Sep 2024

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

A discriminating eye

Don’t discriminate in your hearts, the great New Testament essayist James warns us. Yet by the time we hear these words most of us have been doing just that for a lifetime.