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In today’s Gospel (Wednesday, June 23, 2010), Jesus tells us to be careful of false prophets.  Whenever we encounter a new person we might wonder ‘Can I trust this person?’  We know nothing about them.  Can we trust them to…

The gospel reading for today is Jesus’ teaching on the familiar passage “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:23-24).  People often use this passage from Exodus to justify punishment, especially the death penalty.  John J. McDermoot in “Weekday…

I maintain this blog to help educate people about our Catholic faith.  My desire is to always have constructive and polite dialogue.  I have been writing for this blog since late January 2010 and for over a year before that…

With the celebration of Memorial Day a few days ago summer has “unofficially” begun.  Summer vacations are beginning.  Most colleges have already begun their summer vacations and the elementary and high schools will begin their vacations by the end of…

On June 30th of this year I will celebrate the third anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood.  It has been a good three years and I truly enjoy serving as a priest.  There have been difficult moments both professionally…

I attended a presentation this week on discipleship.  One of the questions offered by the speaker was “Are we willing to be disturbed?” The short answer for me is, of course, I don’t like to be disturbed.  It is easy…

Do you like change?  Or would you rather everything stay the same?  There are people who are always looking for something new and different.  On the other side, there are people who resist any change (“if it ain’t broke, don’t…

I just finished reading the book Radical Amazementby Judy Cannato.  She talks about the origin of the universe in terms of the “Big Bang Theory” and “Evolution.”  She seeks to develop a Christian Spirituality from the science of what God…

I haven’t written in a few days so I thought maybe I should write something.  I am taking a few days off and enjoying the spring weather.  I’ve been doing a little reading, spending some time with friends, and spending…

They say patience is a virtue.  I agree but I have to admit I am not the most patient person in the world.  Today I was driving to Fairport for a Memorial Mass.  On the way up along Seneca Lake…

In years past the priests and the nuns did most of the work in our parishes.  Now, most parishes have lay staff members who are married with families of their own and we could not do all the ministry we…

I want to let you know I have been received a significant number of spam comments to this blog.  Of course, I have not allowed those comments to be posted.  Some of the comments have been written beginning with “thanking me” for the…

There has been a massive earthquake in Chile.  IT IS 8.8 on the Richter scale with at least 23 aftershocks.  The epicenter of the earthquake is 56 miles northeast of the city of Concepcion.  The death toll is at 85…

One of the common practices associated with Lent is fasting.  The readings of the Friday after Ash Wednesday speak of fasting.  The disciples of John come to Jesus and ask why his disciples were not fasting.  He replies that the…

Today’s first reading (Monday-6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II) comes from James 1:1-11.   James speaks of perseverance and doubt.  We must persevere in faith without doubt. It is easier said than done. When life is going well our faith is…

This morning I received an action alert from the NYS Catholic Conference.  This conference works as the public policy arm of the Catholic Bishops in New York State.  This action alert was about funding for mandated programs in Catholic/private schools. …

I just finished reading the book I mentioned before The Future Church by John Allen, Jr.  His concluding chapter includes some discussion of how change happens in the church.  Is the Church slow to change?  Yes; as Allen writes The…

I have been reading a book by John Allen, Jr. called The Future Church (2009 Doubleday Press) in which he talks about issues that the Church faces in the 21st century. Today I was reading the chapter on Pentecostalism.  One…

Today (February 6th) is the Memorial of Paul Miki and Companions who were martyred for their faith in Japan in 1597.  Paul Miki was born in Japan and became a Jesuit priest.  Along with 25 other people (Japanese and Europeans,…

Welcome to all!  This blog is the newest development at www.renewaloffaith.org.  Renewal of Faith has been in existence for some time as a collection of class papers and reflections that I have written.  I have been blogging since September 2008…