Rich Thoughts

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for adding to tradition and for not holding right belief. How can we evaluate when we are falling into similar errors? The ecumenical document Unitatis Redintegratio has some ideas. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

St. Monica is not only the patron saint for parents who worry about their children straying from the faith. She is also the model of how to stay in relationship with non-believers! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

As Paul talks of his sacrifices for the Thessalonians, he's reminding them of his relationship with them. That is the way we are to proclaim the gospel: by building relationships with people first! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Jesus rails against the Pharisees and scribes who have ignored their obligations to judgment, mercy, and fidelity. St. Louis exemplifies right judgment -- by combining it with mercy and fidelity. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The call of Gideon (Judges 6:11-24) and Jesus' encounter with the rich young man (Matthew 19:23-30) remind us that God has made ALL of us capable of great things! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

We welcome many new students (and their parents) by applying the shocking American Gothic stories of Flannery O'Connor to the Eucharist! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The story of Pontian and Hippolytus is a great fit with today's gospel, Matthew 18:21 - 19:1! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Parishioners report that this homily makes a good case for why we should go to Mass every week. Good gracious! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Surely the Ephesian Christian community welcomed the people joining them, but I bet they wished they were less "Greek" and more "Jewish." Does this give us insights on how to treat newcomers joining us? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

At first glance, Moses and Kateri Tekakwitha both seem to be very unlikely people to lead others to God. Do each of us have the potential to be unlikely in the same way? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The Apostles were probably scared when they set off to proclaim the gospel in Mark 6. We're probably scared too when we proclaim the gospel, but look at the success that the Apostles had! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Finally! The theological "pay off" in the Genesis saga of Joseph! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Trying to make sense of dropping into chapter 6 of the 9+ chapter saga of Joseph. After a lot of exposition, we explore the benefits of being truthful. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The theologically ambiguous -- and therefore, theologically rich -- story of Jacob's wrestling with an unknown stranger. How does this inform our own existential struggles? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The significance of "Jacob's Ladder," and more importantly, the change in Jacob's resolve from having the dream! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Paul's discussion on his "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 leads to a reflection on pain and our acceptance of pain. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

A short little homily on the HUGE challenge of living out our obligations we promise to God in the "Our Father." (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

We ponder Christianity's first collection appeal (2 Corinthians 8 and 9) in light of Jesus' call to love all people (Matthew 5:43-48). (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Is anger really a sin? Or is it about not admitting our own part in creating problems? Perhaps St. Barnabas -- the mentor and champion of St. Paul -- can help us pray through our interpersonal conflicts! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

To understand our readings today (Exodus 24:3-8; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:22-26) -- and how they relate to the Eucharist -- we explore the Jewish beliefs about blood and Yom Kippur. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)