Ah, the Good Shepherd returns! It is always one of my favorites, if but overly used at times. Seeing Jesus as the example of being a good shepherd makes sense, because that was one of the major occupations throughout Palestine in His day. His listeners knew about them. People that cared for flocks of sheep … Read more
So, what do you think of when you hear the words “eternal life”? We hear these words quite often in religious circles, and especially during Easter Season. I would bet for most folks that phrase conjures up ideas and images of “life after death” or “going to heaven” (instead of hell!). After all, Jesus conquered death, … Read more
“They were startled and terrified,” Luke tells us of the disciples when they saw the Risen Lord. Of course! As Robert Barron says, there were two reasons for this: First, this is a strange and unknown phenomenon. A dead man is now alive again? Who wouldn’t be startled and terrified? Second, the disciples are terrified because … Read more
Imagine this: harmony, health, and wholeness in all aspects of your life. Picture all your relationships flourishing: your relationships with God, with everyone in your life, with creation and even with yourself. Think of our entire world being in a state where everything is as it ought to be, as God intends for it to be. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? … Read more
The world has simply become more caustic by any measure. The interactions on social media, between persons, and against the vulnerable, and those who identify as LGBTQ, and the foreigner and refugee are all more acidic and debilitating. The political rhetoric is nothing short of vile. We, as a people, have become less patient, less … Read more
Are you obedient? Let’s face it: most of us probably cringe at that word, “obedient.” We might become defensive, asking, “Obedient to whom?” It conjures up images of being submissive, being subject to somebody—and that is not at all popular in our autonomous society. No, obedience certainly isn’t in vogue. But what if the question were … Read more
If You Think We Aren’t Needed… As I greeted folks departing from Mass last Sunday, I realized how fortunate we are to be a progressive and truely welcoming Franciscan Catholic Parish. I was reminded how needed we are; not so much myself, but all of us together that make us so special, and this place … Read more
. Imagine. Did you every try to imagine a scene in your mind: maybe you stir up a view of your “happy place” when you can’t be there, trying to conjure up for yourself the peace and joy that place brings you? Or maybe you bring to mind a particularly special time from the past … Read more
Poverty comes in many forms. It isn’t just financial. Trust me, as a priest I find that some of the poorest people I’ve met in my journey have had the largest bank accounts and the weakest spirituality. The love of things that will pass often drive people to insanity as they chase the elusive dream of happiness … Read more
Such were little Billy Murphy’s thoughts every year, as he walked home from grade school, forehead freshly ashed up by Father Griffin (small dot cross), or by Monsignor Corrigan (big thick cross going all the way down to the bridge of the nose!). Lent in the Murphy household meant Rice Bowl Wednesdays with grilled cheese … Read more
On my way to the parish this morning I saw a Christmas Tree on the back of an old pickup truck. I know, you probably saw many, too, over the past few weeks, but since this is almost mid-January, I knew in my heart it was being discarded, not being brought on a journey home … Read more
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recently issued a document entitled, “The Obligations of the Faithful.” This document is meant to guide those who adhere to their teachings for the coming Christmas obligations because, as you are aware, it falls on a Sunday. Partly it reads, “The faithful are bound to observe the obligation of Holy Mass … Read more
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —Winnie the Pooh Leave it to Winnie the Pooh to say something so simply and so wisely! Here we are entering into the Second Week of Advent—rushing, it seems, towards Christmas. We’re busy about so many things: Christmas shopping, decorating, office parties, … Read more
Like St. Francis, I have always loved the Holy Season of Advent, but this year Advent has an even deeper meaning for me, as I grieve my mom and try to manage the chaos and pressures of our world to stay joyful for my children. Just a few months ago, as we welcomed our third … Read more
My oldest came home from school and asked when we were going to put up our Christmas tree. (Apparently, a fellow student was talking about how her family already decorated and put up a tree.) A staff member asked when they could begin to decorate the halls (deck the halls?) for Christmas in our school. … Read more
Well, I did it. I finally met a family that I had to refuse membership at Saint Miriam. It has been 16 years as pastor now and I have never once rejected any membership request until now. In truth, I once had to explain to someone who was attending (and often under the influence of … Read more
This coming Sunday is the anniversary for my ordination of becoming a deacon. There have been a lot of years since that day and so much has happened that as I sit and reflect. I can remember so much good, and there’s been some bad; there’s been a lot of unexpected experiences, and yes, sadly, … Read more
It is no secret that we lost parishioners since the pandemic. We are about 40% lighter than prior. It is a miracle we are still here when over 4500 churches closed during the pandemic. This rapidly accelerating trend is reshaping the religious landscape in the United States and us here at home. And, it should … Read more
It’s almost ironic that just a week ago in my last blog to the parish I spoke about the need for peace. I spoke about my own experience as a pastor and as a priest and how all I want is peace. I also spoke how elusive peace can be in a world that doesn’t … Read more
All I Want is Peace. I was asked the other day how I was doing. I told my therapist, “All is want is peace.” Then, I began to cry. It isn’t easy being a pastor today. It certainly isn’t made an easier by the concerns over COVID and returning after a 3-year pandemic. It isn’t … Read more