April 2024

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/043024.cfm I Got This How many times do I hear someone say, “Father Rick, what can I do to bring my children back to the practice of their faith? It is a cause of great concern in the hearts of parents and, yes, pastors and priests too. Perhaps you know someone who no longer practices the […]

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042924.cfm The Doorbell is Ringing “Someone is ringing the doorbell. Can you get it? I go to the door, and it is our friends visiting us. So, I let them in, and they entered the living room. They sit down, and I get on with my business. My wife wanted me to fix something in

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042824.cfm Abide – Always With Us Did you ever have a job or project that seemed to consume your mind and life, even when you weren’t working on it? Some of my studies in the seminary were just so overwhelming I never thought the day would come when it was over. You see, I had

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042724.cfm Seeing the Father If we throw a pebble in a pond, we see the ripples, and the pond is calm again after some time. Ah! Then, we can see underneath the surface, maybe even to the bottom of the pond. Notice that Jesus was surprised Phillip did not know or see His Father in

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042624.cfm Before GPS Often, someone calls who is dying or needs a Sacrament and can’t attend church. I am so thankful for GPS when I get into the car. However, before GPS, finding that house could be difficult. When I got lost, I would ask someone for directions. Sometimes, if the person were driving, they

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042524.cfm Who Is Jesus To You? After the example of my Mom and Dad, two people influenced my faith life more than anyone. The first was the rector of our community house, DerrysWood, England, Fr. Anthony Meredith. He had a fantastic way of connecting life with faith. Every day is a story in itself, and

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042324.cfm Sharing My Heart with Jesus Who are your best friends? We share ideas with acquaintances, but our best friends are people who gently hold our hearts. Jesus couldn’t get through to people who were only comfortable sharing ideas. You can hear the frustration in the people in today’s gospel who said to Jesus, “Tell

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042224.cfm Has Anyone Seen My Keys? How terrible to lose your keys! If I am outside, I can’t get into my house. If I lost my car keys, I couldn’t go anywhere. Life can come to a standstill without my keys.  Jesus says that He is the gate of the sheep. So, he is to

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042124.cfm When I began thinking about vocations Sunday and my vocation, I immediately thought of ministry – what I do every day. I pray with people and celebrate the Sacraments, meet with staff, answer phone calls and emails, visit the sick, give spiritual direction, visit children in school and their activities, sing at Mass and

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041924.cfm The Father’s Draw Jesus can be my little possession whom I call on whenever I am in trouble or need something. Jesus is more! He is not some little Jesus who makes us feel better. He is the Savior of the World.   “Go.” We hear that word of Jesus twice in today’s First Reading.