In our Gospel for today, we hear a rather bold request from James and John. These two apostles approach Jesus with a desire that reveals something very human: ambition. “Teacher,” they say, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” (Mark 10:35). I imagine Jesus is probably thinking this is going…
Last week in my homily, I spoke about the great gift and the beauty of the priesthood. Today, we focus on another vocation in the Church, the vocation of marriage. In our readings, we’re given this beautiful vision of marriage, a vision that speaks not just to the relationship between a husband and wife, but…
What does it mean to be truly great? I think that is the main question that our readings for this weekend call us to reflect on. When we look at the ways of the world, society and culture tells us that greatness comes from power, status, or self-promotion. Yet, Scripture and our faith gives us…
In the Gospel that we have just heard, we encounter a pivotal moment in the life and ministry of Jesus and His disciples. Jesus asks a question, but it’s not just a question that is solely meant for His disciples; it’s also meant for you and me: “Who do you say that I am?” This…
There once was a young apprentice who worked for a master jeweler known for creating the most exquisite and valuable pieces. One day, the master presented the apprentice with two rough stones: one large and shiny, the other small and dull. He asked the apprentice to choose which one he thought was more valuable. The…
Over the last few weeks now, we have been hearing Jesus speak to His disciples about the Eucharist in the Bread of Life Discourse. Today, we hear the culmination of that teaching. And what we see is that the disciples have a difficult time believing it. They don’t completely understand what Jesus is saying and…
Throughout his missionary activity, St. Paul went around to the various regions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean preaching the Good News, sharing with others about the works of Jesus, and bringing people to conversion of heart. But he did that by not mincing his words. He spoke boldly, clearly, and passionately about the…
It was the year 2000. A young boy walked into Mass at the Catholic Church that his family had called home for his entire life, greeted parishioners who had known him practically since he was born, waved good morning to the priest as he vested in the sacristy, and proceeded into the small room where…
It is such a joy and an honor for me to be back home, to see so many familiar faces. But it is especially a privilege to be able to come together as a parish family to celebrate with one of our own on such an important milestone. Today we come to celebrate Jesus Christ,…
On this final day of the Easter season, we come together to celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, which was a pivotal moment in the life of the Church when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles as they were locked in the Upper Room fearful and dejected. As they hid away out of fear…
Fr. Tom Pringle 