We give thanks to God for giving us the opportunity to be charitable

Thanksgiving Day Gospel of Luke 17:11-19  In today’s Gospel proclamation we heard about the miraculous healing of 10 persons afflicted with leprosy. We are told that Jesus, as he traveled from Samaria to Jerusalem, came upon these 10 individuals who “raised their voices” prayerfully asking for mercy. 10 individuals who were ostracized from their familiesContinue reading "We give thanks to God for giving us the opportunity to be charitable"

A message of hope

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel of Mark 13:24-32 A message of hope. A message of hope cast in the shadow of tribulations, darkness, and failing foundations. A message of hope found in the leaves of a fig tree. A message of hope solidified by a promise. The promise that the Son of Man willContinue reading "A message of hope"

All Souls Day

Historically, the custom of setting apart a special day for the intercession of the departed faithful on November 2, was first established by St. Odilo of Cluny in the late 10th century. From this monastery in France, the custom spread throughout Europe and was ultimately accepted by Rome in the fourteenth century.  Eventually, this traditionContinue reading "All Souls Day"

If there were a star pupil… it would have been Bartimaeus

For the past several weeks, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus and his disciples have been on a journey to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus has taken opportunity of their time spent together, and of the people they encountered, to provide very specific instructions regarding discipleship. He started with, “Whoever wishes to come after meContinue reading "If there were a star pupil… it would have been Bartimaeus"

I truly believed, and most definitely behaved, as if I was somebody.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel of St. Mark 10:35-45 My brothers and sisters in Christ, I want you all here to know that I, Deacon Jason Batalden, was one of the 4 senior captains of my high school football team. Yes, indeed, approximately 30 years ago, in a small Wyoming town, in a smallContinue reading "I truly believed, and most definitely behaved, as if I was somebody."