Along the way Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?” (Mk 8:27b-29a) Very few people deny the historical reality that there was a man named Jesus who lived in the first century and died by crucifixtion. However, throughout history men have argued about the identity of Jesus. Jewish people traditionally see Him as “false Messiah.” The Muslims call Him a “prophet.” Atheists might acknowledge His historical existence and even recognize the beauty of some of His teachings (“Love your neighbor as yourself”), but label Him as simply a delusional inspiration. Even among some so-called “Christians,” Jesus might be reduced to a “holy … [Read more...]

They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (Mk 7:37) Two weeks ago we finished reading the 6th chapter of John's Gospel, called the “Bread of Life” discourse. It's a break that we experience each year during the normal reading of Mark's Gospel, and it's meant to point directly to what Jesus gives us in the Holy Eucharist each time we participate in Holy Communion. Now we are back to reading the Gospel according to Mark. Out of all of the Gospels, Mark's is the shortest. and is likely to have been the first written. However, it often tells the story of the ministry Jesus in more vivid detail than either Matthew or Luke. Mark stresses Jesus' message about the kingdom of God breaking into human life as good … [Read more...]

As a result of this,many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” (Jn 6:66-69) As you know if you've been attending Mass here over the last month, this year the Archdiocese of New Orleans is celebrating a “Year of Renewal: Offering a Worthy Sacrifice of Praise” at the direction of Archbishop Aymond. As I have written in the last four weeks in the bulletin, the most recent activity of the Year of Renewal is taking place from July 9 to August 26 as we read the “Bread of Life” discourse contained in John 6. The theme … [Read more...]

“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." (Jn 6:53-54) This year the Archdiocese of New Orleans is celebrating a “Year of Renewal: Offering a Worthy Sacrifice of Praise” at the direction of Archbishop Aymond. As I have written in the last three weeks in the bulletin, the most recent activity of the Year of Renewal is taking place from July 9 to August 26 as we read the “Bread of Life” discourse contained in John 6. The theme that I have been developing through my five homilies is the connection between the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) and the five selections from John 6. The first week's … [Read more...]

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me." (Jn 6:44-45) This year the Archdiocese of New Orleans is celebrating a “Year of Renewal: Offering a Worthy Sacrifice of Praise” at the direction of Archbishop Aymond. As I have written in the last two weeks in the bulletin, the most recent activity of the Year of Renewal is taking place from July 9 to August 26 as we read the “Bread of Life” discourse contained in John 6. The theme that I have been developing through my five homilies is the connection between the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) and the five selections from John 6. Since the … [Read more...]

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.  When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.  When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” (Jn 6:11-14) This year the Archdiocese of New Orleans is celebrating a “Year of Renewal: Offering a Worthy Sacrifice of Praise” at the direction of Archbishop Aymond. As I said last week in the bulletin and my homily, the most recent activity of the Year of Renewal is … [Read more...]

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” (Jn 6:11-14) This year the Archdiocese of New Orleans is celebrating a “Year of Renewal: Offering a Worthy Sacrifice of Praise” at the direction of Archbishop Aymond. As we know, the first stages in this Year of Renewal were the implementation of the new English translation of … [Read more...]

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. (Mk 6:34) Although the image of a shepherd and his sheep permeates both the Old and New Testament of the Bible, many Catholics have a negative reaction to being compared with “sheep.” As I said once in a homily, sheep are stupid, smelly animals who are defined as “classic prey,” in that they are the food of a great deal of predators, most particularly wolves, cats and birds of prey. But once you study a little about sheep, you find many analogies to human behavior. For instance, sheep are incredibly social animals. Sheep have a natural tendency to gather into a flock, and they can become very agitated and nervous when … [Read more...]

In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. (Eph. 1:11-12) The readings for this Sunday are all about the idea of "mission." The word "mission" comes from the Latin verb "mittere," which means "to send out." The obvious "sending out" in this week's readings is Jesus sending out the Apostles. They are sent out on a "mission." And the idea of "mission" is part of the continuing work of the Church. Last weekend we heard from Maryknoll Father David Kelley about the mission of the Maryknolls. This weekend we have a collection for the "Black and Indian Missions." However, the idea of "mission" is a lot more that just … [Read more...]

The woman [healed from her hemorrhage], realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” (Mk 5:33-34) The interesting thing about the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage in the Gospel this weekend is how it happens. Jesus doesn't actually “do” anything positive to heal the woman. She took the initiative to touch his clothes, and the power of Jesus healed her. Jesus knew that “power” (His healing power) had gone out of Him, but the healing came about through her faith in Him. What a wonderful message for us! Since we don't live at the time when we can actually see the incarnate Lord face-to-face, we have … [Read more...]