Category Archives: Pope Francis

Gospel Reflection for July 23, 2017, 16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Sunday Readings: Wisdom 12.13,16-19; Romans 8.26-27; Matthew 13.24-43 “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom. The weeds are children of the evil one.” – Matthew 13.37-38 The gospel last Sunday took us to the parableContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for July 23, 2017, 16th Sunday Ordinary Time”

Gospel Reflection for Sunday, May 7, 2017, 4th Sunday of Easter

Sunday Readings: Acts. 2.14, 36-41; 1 Peter 2.20-25; John 10.1-10 “I came that my sheep might have life and have it more abundantly.” – John 10.10 Walking together is what tracts Pope Francis to the good shepherd image. In speaking to parish priests, Pope Francis reflects, “What could be more beautiful than this: walking withContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for Sunday, May 7, 2017, 4th Sunday of Easter”

Gospel Reflection for January 15, 2017, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Sunday Readings: Isaiah 49.3,5-6; 1 Corinthians 1.1-3; John 1.29-34 “The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘When you see the Spirit descend and rest on someone, it is he who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen for myself and have testified, ‘This is God’s chosen one.’”Continue reading “Gospel Reflection for January 15, 2017, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time”

The Role of Women

On his recent flight from Sweden to Rome, Pope Francis told reporters, “Concerning the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, St. Pope John Paul II had the last clear word on this and it stands, this stands.” He added that it is not likely to ever change. The clarity of the statement surprised some inContinue reading “The Role of Women”

Gospel Reflection for November 20, 2016, Christ the King

Sunday Readings: 2 Samuel 5.1-3; Colossians 1.12-20; Luke 23.35-43 “Jesus is the face of God’s mercy,” Pope Francis writes in announcing the Jubilee Year of Mercy that ends this Sunday. “These words might well sum up the mystery of Christian faith. Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus of Nazareth, reaching its culmination inContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for November 20, 2016, Christ the King”

Reconciliation Among Christians

On October 31, Pope Francis joined leaders from the Lutheran World Federation in Sweden to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The event also celebrates the ecumenical work accomplished by Catholics and Lutherans over the last fifty years. Martin Luther started the Reformation in 1517 by nailing his 95 thesis to a church door.Continue reading “Reconciliation Among Christians”

Mother, Now Saint

A mere 19 years after her death, Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa a saint last week. In his homily during the ceremony at the Vatican, Pope Francis commended Mother Teresa for her generosity of mercy and for defending the discarded of society. Indeed, in her tireless work, Mother Teresa gave people dignity by seeing theirContinue reading “Mother, Now Saint”

Gospel Reflection for September 11, 2016, 24th Sunday Ordinary Time

Sunday Readings: Exodus 32.7-11, 13-14; 1 Timothy 1.12-17; Luke 15.1-32 “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep…..Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.” (Luke 15.6, 9) Losing, finding, rejoicing — that is the pattern in each of the three parables Jesus tells in chapter 15. Who doesn’t bother toContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for September 11, 2016, 24th Sunday Ordinary Time”