In our Gospel, we’re taken back to the Upper Room, to the night before Jesus is crucified. It’s a moment that is anything but peaceful for the disciples. Jesus has washed their feet, He’s told them that one of them will betray Him. We know that Judas has already slipped out into the darkness, and…
In the world today there are so many different voices that we’re constantly bombarded with, different voices that we listen to, sometimes without even realizing it. Some are loud and obvious, others are more subtle but just as influencing. Each of them has a way of shaping how we think, what we value, and, ultimately,…
In today’s Gospel, on the road to Emmaus, we see these two disciples who are just trying to make sense of everything that’s happened in the last few hours. Remember, this takes place on Easter Sunday. And just for some context, it’s important for us to think about who these people were. Luke does tell…
Throughout this week, we have been celebrating the Octave of Easter where the Church calls us to stay focused on the Resurrection. And today, it’s appropriate that we conclude the Octave with the Church drawing our attention to something that stands at the very heart of the Resurrection: Divine Mercy. Easter isn’t just about Jesus…
There’s something really related about the Gospel we’ve just heard. If we look at the Apostles, they’re not exactly shining examples of bold faith in this particular moment. They’re hiding in a room where the doors are locked. They’re afraid, more than a little confused, and trying to figure out what just happened to their…
On Good Friday, everything seemed finished. The disciples had watched Jesus suffer on the Cross and be put to death. They saw his lifeless body being laid in the tomb. Their Lord, their savior, their Master, the one in whom they had placed all their hope. Everything they believed about Jesus and what He was…
On Friday here at Holy Family, we celebrated the last day of school. If you have ever been on a school campus on that last day, the typical sights we see are students walking out with backpacks half-zipped, a yearbook signing here and there, and maybe a few emotional goodbyes, especially to teachers and assistants.…
Every time we pray – whether it’s a simple whispering of “Jesus, help me” or something a little more formal like the Rosary – we’re doing more than just talking to God. We’re extending an invitation. And sometimes – without even realizing it – we’re praying something that can be a little dangerous and not…
Have you ever had an encounter with someone – whether that be with a friend, family member, coworker, classmate – where you just felt really encouraged? Like someone breathed new life into you? That’s kind of what Paul and Barnabas are doing in this reading from the Acts of the Apostles. After traveling, preaching, and…
Psychology teaches us that our memories can sometimes be very much connected to our senses. A smell, a sound, even the texture of something that we touch can suddenly unlock a long-forgotten memory. Sometimes those memories can be comforting and sometimes they’re a little bit more painful. The smell of freshly cut grass might take…
Fr. Tom Pringle 