Browsing Pastor's Column

7-31-22 - 18th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 7/22/22

18th Sunday - Fr. Leo

“Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”

The Gospel makes a distinction between possessions and being possessed.   Or, between living for one’s self and living in union withothers.  The rich man in ... Read More »

7-24-22 - 17th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 7/19/22

17th Sunday - Fr. Leo

Today we are given a lesson on how to pray and some insight into the God to whom we pray.  Our first reading from Genesis replaces a fiery punishing God which we sometimes associate with God, and gives us a God of mercy and ... Read More »

7-17-22 - 16th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 7/12/22

16th Sunday - Fr. Leo

Humility and attentiveness appear as two aspects of the spiritual life in today’s readings.  In our first reading from Genesis, Abraham puts himself at the service of the Lord who visited him.  Begging them to stay he presents them with a wonderful meal and waits on ... Read More »

7-10-22 - 15th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 7/01/22

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Leo

A Judaic scholar asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit everlasting life?”  His question is already answered in our first reading by Moses who teaches that God’s ways are within our hearts.  All we need to do is carry it out.  Jesus appeals ... Read More »

7-3-22 - 14th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 7/01/22

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Leo

When the 72 disciples returned from their first mission they reported how demons were subject to them, and Jesus affirms this when he said he saw them fall from the sky like lightning.  Sounds like a war zone to me. A real combat ... Read More »

6-26-22 - 13th Sunday OT C - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 6/21/22

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Leo

Living in the Holy Spirit will periodically take us out of our comfort zone.  These threshold moments though difficult, give birth to real faith. If we are willing to follow God’s will, then we must be ready to live without certainty.  Faith in ... Read More »

6-19-22 - The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 6/14/22

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ - Fr. Leo

What was lost when Adam and Eve left Eden, was life lived without shame, guilt and a fear of death.  Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves.  They could no longer stand naked before God or each other.  Trust in ... Read More »

6-12-22 - The Most Holy Trinity - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 6/07/22

Solemnity of the Holy Trinity - Fr. Leo

Through the gift of the Holy Spirit celebrated in Pentecost, we receive the spirit of adoption making us children of God.  For all who profess Jesus as Lord, the Spirit is in them and they share in the Trinitarian life of God.  As ... Read More »

6-05-22 - Pentecost - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 5/25/22

Feast of Pentecost - Fr. Leo

The scene depicted in the passage from Acts that we just heard is not far fetched.  It certainly sounds as if it is to us.  But the gift of speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues is very real.  I once witnessed a charismatic prayer ... Read More »

5-29-22 - Feast of the Ascension - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 5/25/22

Feast of the Ascension of the Lord - Fr. Leo

The eternal son of God, Jesus Christ, was born into human time through the womb of Mary.  His earthly life lived in the Holy Spirit, began with his incarnation.  He grew in wisdom as a youth, preached the presence of God ... Read More »