Browsing Pastor's Column

9-18-22 - 25th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 9/13/22

25th Sunday - Fr. Leo

Our first reading from the prophet Amos, followed by Psalm 113, are words of hope and celebration.  The lowly will be lifted up and oppressors will receive their justice.  Meaning, how we treat others, matters.  The lowly rejoice in this truth and sing; “Praise the Lord who ... Read More »

9-11-22 - 24th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 9/01/22

24th Sunday - Fr. Leo

Clearly our scriptures today, are about God’s mercy and infinite desire to share himself with us.  In our first reading, Moses entreats God not to destroy his people who have turned aside from the way he pointed out to them. In his mercy, God relented ... Read More »

9-04-22 - 23rd Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/31/22

23rd Sunday - Fr. Leo

“In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple” (LK 14:33)

Luke’s gospel seems to suggest that we live in two worlds at the same time.  We live as humans on planet earth and as disciples ... Read More »

8-28-22 - 22nd Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/23/22

22nd Sunday - Fr. Leo

Ultimate humility is knowing we are created and loved by God.  Humility allows us to live knowing that God wants us to share in God’s divinity.  When we are humble in the Spirit, we don’t have to seek places of honor, greatness of reputation, or worldly ... Read More »

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

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/18/22

21st Sunday - Fr. Leo

In Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, he speaks about the discipline that is necessary for true discipleship.  Discipline is the handmade of humility.  In order for us to be faithful to God’s truth and love, we will from time to time have to discipline ourselves ... Read More »

8-14-22 - 20th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/09/22

20th Sunday - Fr. Leo

In our first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, the Lord rescues him from death.  Though cast in a dark well of mud, Jeremiah is brought into the light by the grace of God. Our psalm today could be his rejoicing. “You are my help and ... Read More »

8-07-22 - 19th Sunday OT - Fr. Leo

Posted by Jennifer Stephan on 8/01/22

19th Sunday - Fr. Leo

Michael Casey’s book, “Living in the Truth,” talks about why people don’t like religion.  One of the reasons he sites, is the Me-First culture which is an expression of hedonism.  Religion sets boundaries and some people want to live as if there were no boundaries.  Our current ... Read More »

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 »