Social Justice

Oblivious

By Fr. Jeff | 07/16/2024

Have you been in a store and seen a customer who moves around like they are the only one there?  I think all of us probably have seen people who seem to ignore the fact that there are other people…

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The Infinite Dignity of Human Beings, Part II

By Fr. Jeff | 04/30/2024

Last week I wrote Part I of this two-part series examining the new Declaration released by the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, “Dignitas Infinita”.  This declaration discusses the topic human dignity, its source, types of dignity, and…

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The Infinite Dignity of Human Beings Part I

By Fr. Jeff | 04/23/2024

I have just completed the first of two articles on what “Dignitas Infinita” offers us. Part I makes frequent use of quotes. So, I am posting it in PDF formatting so that you can identify the quotes in block. It…

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Are You Like David or Saul?

By Fr. Jeff | 01/23/2024

In recent days, the first readings at daily Mass have told the story of the “tension” between David and Saul.  Saul had named as the first king of Israel but failed to follow God’s direction.  David fights in Saul’s army…

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To Give or Not To Give

By Fr. Jeff | 01/16/2024

Blog Article – 1/16/24 “To give or not to give,” that is the question I put before you today. If a person comes up to you on the street and asks for help, do you even consider giving them any…

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A Response to a Question About Greed in Generous Situations

By Fr. Jeff | 10/31/2023

The following is my response to Linda’s comment that she posted on my blog.  Here is her comment. A topic I would like your opinion on is that of greed.  Although I know what I think greed is, maybe I’m…

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Two Things

By Fr. Jeff | 10/31/2023

Once again, I will begin this week’s article with a brief discussion of the ongoing the conflict between Israel and Hamas (see my previous articles “Escalating Conflict,” 10/10/23, “The Importance of Building Relationships,” 10/17/23, “Is Life Being Respected” 10/24/23). Israel has now begun…

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Escalating Conflict

By Fr. Jeff | 10/10/2023

There is more fighting in the world than there was last week. The conflict between Israel and the Hamas is nothing new but the level of fighting escalated a few days ago. I heard one report said that the attacks…

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Honoring Mary and Honoring Those Who Died in Service

By Fr. Jeff | 05/29/2023

A few years ago Pope Francis decreed that the Monday after Pentecost would be celebrated as the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. That’s today (5/29/23). Our first reading today comes from Genesis right after Adam…

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Is Work a Bad Thing?

By Fr. Jeff | 09/04/2022

Some people see work only as something they have to do to make money so they can do what they really want. In this thinking, work might be described as a “necessary evil.” Our Catholic faith gives us a different…

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Some Preliminary Thoughts on the Situation in Ukraine

By Fr. Jeff | 02/27/2022

In my homily this Sunday I included what is going on in the Ukraine as among the tribulations we face in the world today. Now I would like to offer some preliminary thoughts on Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. I…

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28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

By Fr. Jeff | 10/10/2021

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year BWisdom 7:7-11Psalm 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 (14)Hebrews 4:12-13Mark 10:17-30October 10, 2021 A man asked Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This is a question we all probably want to know…

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What About My Freedom?

By Fr. Jeff | 09/14/2021

Various states are passing laws supporting life in the womb. Life is a precious gift that begins at conception. This is not simply something I believe in faith. In my article, “Biology Makes Me Pro-Life”, I provide a non-religious reason…

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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

By Fr. Jeff | 09/05/2021

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year BIsaiah 35:4-7aPsalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 (1b)James 2:1-5Mark 7:31-37September 3, 2021 “Thus says the LORD:  Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!” Fear can be a powerful thing.  Fear can dictate…

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Treating Life with Dignity and Love Part IV

By Fr. Jeff | 04/15/2021

Last night I offered the fourth and final webinar in my series, Treating Life with Dignity and Love, covering Catholic Pro-Life teaching. You can view the video and see the slides at www.renewaloffaith.org/prolife4. For the next couple of days, you can…

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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A – Homily

By Fr. Jeff | 09/20/2020

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year AIsaiah 55:6-9Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 (18a)Philippians 1:20c-24, 27aMatthew 20:1-16aSeptember 20, 2020 Jesus continues to teach us about the Kingdom of Heaven.  Today He describes it using a parable of a landowner and his vineyard. …

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Receiving a Penance

By Fr. Jeff | 09/01/2020

After we have confessed our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we receive a “penance.” We are not just “given” or “assigned” a penance as punishment for our sins. We must receive the penance. By “receive” I mean we willing…

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How Do We Look at the World?

By Fr. Jeff | 06/09/2020

How do you look at world? How many people want to know what the world can do for them? They make everything they do about themselves. They are interested in what makes them look good (pride). They are interested in…

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5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A – Homily

By Fr. Jeff | 02/08/2020

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year AIsaiah 58:7-10Psalm 112:4-5, 607, 8-9 (4a)1 Corinthians 2:1-5Matthew 5:13-16February 8, 2020 Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.” Who is He speaking to?  Who is the…

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Biology Makes Me Pro-Life

By Fr. Jeff | 01/31/2020

The gospel reading for today (January 31, 2020, Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time) points to why I think biology points us to the fact that life begins at conception and is to be cherished. In this gospel…

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Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

By Fr. Jeff | 01/22/2020

As today’s gospel begins, Jesus enters the synagogue on the Sabbath. “There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath.” They did not like Jesus…

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The Application of Just War Theory

By Fr. Jeff | 01/03/2020

I just watched the national news talking about the killing of an Iranian general. Our government says he is responsible for terrorism and was currently planning attacks against American citizens. I do not want to make any judgment on the…

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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C – Homily

By Fr. Jeff | 10/06/2019

27th 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 6, 2019 Habakkuk the prophet cried out, “How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen!” Have you ever…

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You Can’t Fight Hate with Hate

By Fr. Jeff | 08/05/2019

We continue to see violence. This Saturday, August 3rd, there was a shooting in El Paso, Texas at a Walmart. The death toll now stands at 22 with more than two dozen injured. Law enforcement officials say the evidence points…

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15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C – Homily

By Fr. Jeff | 07/14/2019

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CDeuteronomy 30:10-14Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 (33)Colossians 1:15-20Luke 10:25-37July 14, 2019 We hear the “scholar of the law” ask Jesus a question.  We are told that he asked Jesus the question “to…

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