Charitable people who take care of the less fortunate in the world experience a reoccurring and common theme. The theme, is the problem of the poor never seems to be solved, no matter how much help is given. Perhaps, that is why Jesus tells his disciples, “the poor you will always have with you.” One … Continue reading The Infamous Mustard Seed
Author: Raphael Peters
The Rich Man’s Torment
The past two weeks the Gospel message was presented by the use of parables. The first was the Prodigal Son followed by the story of the embezzling manager of the rich master. Today’s teaching is also in the form of a parable, staring the poor beggar Lazarus. Not the same Lazarus who was the brother … Continue reading The Rich Man’s Torment
You Cannot Serve Two Masters
Last week, the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son depicts a younger and immature son coming to his senses. He finally returns to his father only after realizing his life was spiraling out of control and his demise was near. Today’s Gospel message, also takes the form of a parable, and the conditions are similar … Continue reading You Cannot Serve Two Masters
The Prodigal and Elder Son
Is there a more familiar parable then the story of the prodigal son? You know it well; you have heard it a thousand times. A young selfish man presumptuously takes his inheritance and squanders it in some far-off land. When his luck runs out and famine hits that country, he is forced to take a … Continue reading The Prodigal and Elder Son
Labor Day Can Be a Religious Holiday
The first weekend of September, also known as the Labor Day weekend is the time when the nation celebrates the ‘symbolic’ ending of summer. In the ‘olden days’ when the rage of wearing white during the summertime was fashionable, Labor Day was the reminder to put the bright summery clothing back into storage. Or at … Continue reading Labor Day Can Be a Religious Holiday
Twenty Second Sunday-C
The Parable of the Guest who wanted the best place at the feastThe language of the Divine is sometimes a paradox and puzzle to the mortal mind. The Divine language can never be wholly defined or explained. Rather, it is something that can only be loosely described and vaguely alluded to because there is such … Continue reading Twenty Second Sunday-C
Twenty-First Sunday-C
Christian in Name Only William Barclay’s commentary on the Gospel of Luke describes a fictional story concerning a surprise one might encounter upon entering into heaven. The story starts by introducing a woman who had great wealth and status during her life on earth. When she finally died she was met at the gates of heaven … Continue reading Twenty-First Sunday-C
Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time-C
"I have come to set the earth on fire" “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” These are disturbing words from Jesus today. Indeed, if this were the totality of the Gospel message, I doubt many of us would be so enthralled … Continue reading Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time-C
Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time-C
Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be.Remember back when you could afford and willingly deposited your hard-earned cash into a savings account for use in years to come. It may have been a 401K or similar financial instrument offered by your employer. After a few years in a regular market scenario, you begin … Continue reading Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time-C
Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time-C
“You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you”Jesus says, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” It is fairly obvious that our Lord is speaking to those who have many material possessions and have given those inanimate things too much … Continue reading Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time-C