Rich Thoughts

A reflection/explanation on Paul's idea of "life in the Spirit" (grace) vs. "life in the flesh" (sin). How do we invite others to live "in the Spirit"? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Reflecting on the mixed assessments of Christopher Columbus' fidelity to his Catholic faith. What will OUR generation be condemned for? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The disciples were shocked to hear Jesus declare that wealth was an obstacle to holiness. What is holding you back on your path to holiness? An invitation to residents of Knox County. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The humor -- and insight -- of the book of Jonah. Also, a brief reflection on the Good Samaritan (Luke 11:25-37). (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Jesus speaks about divorce, but this homily focuses on marriage. What can all of us do to support marriages and families? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Some reflections on angels in general, and on guardian angels in particular. Prayers for the Synod on the Family beginning in Rome this weekend! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The humility of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a.k.a. "The Little Flower" makes an interesting pairing with Nehemiah 8. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Joshua and John want to exclude people who do good deeds. Jesus -- and Pope Francis -- calls us to do otherwise. What week to be a United States Catholic! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Celebrating the end of the Judean exile lines up well with the life of Padre Pio. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

An introduction to the post-exilic books of the Bible. There is always reason for hope! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Thoughts on comparing ourselves to other. How are we to be servants of all, when none of us have servants? It's pretty simple, when we live in a service-based economy! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

When we try to correct each other in the Church, are we building "Righteous, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness," or are we sowing "envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction"? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Who is "inside" the Church, and who is "outside" the Church? Luke 7:38-50 and St. Robert Bellarmine each challenge us to have a more expansive view! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Mary is our role model, even when it comes to witnessing the suffering of others. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Challenging stuff! In the words of Paulist founder, Servant of God, Isaac Thomas Hecker, CSP: "The one who has no cross is no follower of the crucified." (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Jesus calls us to do something hard today: to love our enemies! A reflection on what might help us to be agents of reconciliation…. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The life of Peter Claver fits well with today's readings, Colossians 3:1-11 and Luke 6:20-26. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Where do our individual life stories begin? This celebration -- and the other events the Church celebrates on/near September 8 -- points out that begins are hard to pinpoint! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Jesus commands the apostles to "Put out into deep water." Gregory the Great shows us how to do it! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The Letters to the Thessalonians may speak of the end of time, but I tend to think of midterms and papers. A reflection about anxiety! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)