10-24-21 - 30th Sunday OT B - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 10/19/21

30th Sunday  - Fr. Leo

Mark’s gospel records Bartimaeus’ receiving his sight through Christ’s healing presence.  We can look at this healing in two different ways.  First, that Jesus, so in union with God, physically heals Bartimeaus through the power of God in the Holy Spirit.  I have no doubt that this ... Read More »

10-17-21 - 29th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 10/12/21

29th Sunday  - Fr. Leo

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk)

It is infinitely inspiring to reflect on Jesus, the Son of God, being the servant of all.  It touches the ... Read More »

10-10-21 - 28th Sunday OT B - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 10/05/21

28th Sunday  - Fr. Leo

Security is something we all seek.  We all want social, financial, and spiritual security. These desires are all healthy and normal. To be strong, however, they must be balanced.  Our deepest security can only come from our faith and trust in the goodness and love of ... Read More »

10-03-21 - 27th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 9/28/21

27th Sunday  - Fr. Leo

Genesis was written to convey God as the loving creator of all things.  It’s not a factual story, but a story of faith and truth.  Such a story could not be written until there was a community with language and the ability to write.  The myth is ... Read More »

9-26-21 - 26th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 9/21/21

26th Sunday  - Fr. Leo

“The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.”

Both our first reading from Numbers chapter 11, and our gospel from Mark chapter 9, give us instances where human reasoning misjudged the work of the Spirit.  A territorial jealousy is expressed by Joshua and ... Read More »

9-19-21 - 25th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 9/14/21

25th Sunday  - Fr. Leo

Today’s passage from Mark’s gospel reveals that Jesus and his disciples were not on the same page in their reading of the meaning and purpose of life. While Jesus is talking about his suffering and death, the disciples are arguing about who among them ... Read More »

9-12-21 - 24th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 9/02/21

24th Sunday  - Fr. Leo

St. James, the author of our second reading, is always very practical in how faith is to find expression in our living.  He posses an absurdity to make his point.  Would we say to the hungry, naked and homeless person, “Have a good day, I’ll say ... Read More »

9-05-21 - 23rd Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/31/21

23rd Sunday  - Fr. Leo

In our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, when the Lord says: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!,”  I thought, “Isn’t that asking a lot?”  Or, maybe too much?

If someone is frightened, it would be very hard for them to ... Read More »

8-29-21 - 22nd Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/24/21

22nd Sunday  - Fr. Leo

One way of discerning our spiritual life is to begin by considering its’ external aspects.  What do our actions reveal?  Are we forgiving, merciful, patient, understanding, kind and at the service of others?  Do we care for the orphan and the widow; those who are the outcast ... Read More »

8-22-21 - 21st Sunday OT B - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/10/21

21st Sunday  - Fr. Leo

Joshua, in our first reading, affirms his faith in the Lord and challenges his peers to do the same.  They join him in proclaiming their faith in God as the one who saves.  

In the gospel, Jesus does the same, but not all the disciples ... Read More »