Discipleship
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year AIsaiah 49:3, 5-6Psalm 40:2-, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 (8a, 9a)1 Corinthians 1:1-3John 1:29-34January 18, 2026 Paul speaks of himself as one “called to be an apostle.” For Paul, his work to share the gospel…
Read MoreAs I prayed for a topic to write about this week, I found myself without any fresh ideas. There is always a lot going on in the world. Yet, there are two challenges in finding ideas for articles. The first is that much of what one hears in the news is the same…
Read MoreThe Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (11) Ephesians 5:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 January 4, 2026 In my homily for the recent Holy Day, I spoke about peace. It was not world peace but rather the Peace of the Lord that I was speaking…
Read MoreThe year 2025 is almost over. It is a time when many review the events they experienced in the last twelve months. We begin the new year 2026 in less than 48 hours. As one-year ends, people look forward to the new year with hope for better things to…
Read MoreThis past weekend there was the shooting of soldiers in Syria, a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, and a shooting at a Jewish celebration in Australia. Clearly, this was not a good weekend. In this article, I offer…
Read MoreThis is the second half of a reflection on the Letter of James. You can read the first part, including why I wrote this reflection, at https://renewaloffaith.org/faith-in-action/. Chapter 2 of the Letter of James shows that if we faith, we will do good works. Our works serve as evidence of our faith. …
Read MoreLast Thursday I felt inspired with the thought of writing an article regarding the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. At that point I did not have any detailed thoughts. It was just a general idea. That was fine with me as I had a few days before…
Read MoreOur Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe2 Samuel 5:1-3Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 (see 1)Colossians 1:12-20Luke 23:35-43November 23, 2025 God has always led his people. The Israelites wanted a king like every other nation had (1 Samuel 8:1-9). God warned…
Read More30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CSirach 35:12-14, 16-1Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 (7a)2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Luke 18:9-14October 26, 2025 How do you approach Jesus in prayer? How do you look at yourself? Are you convinced of your own righteousness? …
Read More29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CExodus 17:8-13Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (see 2)2 Timothy 3:14-4:2Luke 18:1-8October 19, 2025 The Israelites were attacked by Amalek. The Israelites did not start the war. Their response was a defensive action and it…
Read More27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CHabakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8)2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14Luke 17:5-10October 5, 2025 The prophet Habakkuk is lamenting the way things are for the Israelites. He has good reason to lament as they are…
Read More25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CAmos 8:4-7Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8 (see 1a, 7b)1 Timothy 2:1-8Luke 16:1-13September 21, 2025 There were those “who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor.” They were more interested in selling grain than practicing…
Read MoreI need (a lot) more patience. I’m not sure I have any patience left. I would be happy to have more patience. On Sunday, the first reading for the Exaltation of the Cross began, “With their patience worn out by…
Read MoreExaltation of the Holy CrossNumbers 21:4b-9Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38 (7b)Philippians 2:6-11John 3:13-17September 14, 2025 Our nation experienced another shooting this week. Actually, there were two shootings making the national news on the same day this week. I want the…
Read More23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CWisdom 9:13-18bPsalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, and 17 (1)Philemon 9-10, 12-17Luke 14:25-33September 7, 2025 Last week I spoke about humility and pride (see my homily). If we are truly humble, we recognize God knows…
Read MoreDuring the announcements at our Masses this past weekend I encouraged parishioners to attend the “Stand For All Life” event that has been advertised in our recent bulletins. The event was organized by the group, Chemung Valley 4 Life. The…
Read More21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CIsaiah 66:18-21Psalm 117:1, 2 (Mark 16:15)Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13Luke 13:22-30August 24, 2025 The question is “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answers, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I…
Read More20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CJeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10Psalm 40:2, 3, 4, 18 (14b)Hebrews 12:1-4Luke 12:49-53August 17, 2025 They claimed, “Jeremiah ought to be put to death.” Why do they seek his execution? They wanted to put him to death…
Read More19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CWisdom 18:6-9Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22 (12b)Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19Luke 12:32-48August 10, 2025 Jesus says to us, “Do not be afraid any longer.” What makes you afraid? How do you respond to the fear? Whatever…
Read More16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CGenesis 18:1-10aPsalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5 (1a)Colossians 1:24-28Luke 10:38-42July 20, 2025 Martha welcomed Jesus. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha was “burdened with much serving.” From this the question is sometimes asked,…
Read MoreSaints Peter and Paul, ApostlesActs 12:1-11Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (5b)2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18Matthew 16:13-19June 29, 2025 Today begins the thirteenth week in Ordinary Time. Yet, it is not the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time that we celebrate today. Our…
Read MoreWe live in a very busy world. For some people work fills their entire lives as much as twelve hours a day or more, five…six…even seven days a week. What good does this bring them? Some people are busy with…
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