Catholic Cardinal Reflections

November 5, 2017 - Since our baptism, we all became members of the priestly Godhood. God created us each for our own unique purpose, to serve as his instruments of grace for others. Follow your path as models of Christ.

October 29, 2017 - Fr. Xavier recounts the story of a neo-nazi who, confronted by an African American, realizes he doesn't know why he hates the African Amerian, and ends up giving him a hug. You can practice Christ's love also, and thereby change the world. It's all about reaching out.

October 29, 2017 - We celebrate the baptisms of Kaya Mortel Edouard, Harriet Marie Hochstetler, Kiera Elizabeth Mank, and Penelope Louise Murphy.

October 22, 2017 - This gospel separates church and state, in which we are asked to give to God what is God's. But since everything belongs to God, our action is to be agents of mercy and love to everyone around us.

October 15, 2017 - The Gospel reading from Matthew is the parable of the wedding feast, in which invited guests refused to come, and which ends, "many are called but few are chosen". Fr. Xavier took the view that we are constantly invited to put on the wedding garment of wonder at God's great love for us and follow Christ. Are we ready to listen for his invitations and to love others in grateful response?

September 17, 2017 - Anger and revenge dominated on 9/11. We can't expect Christ to forgive us, if we don't forgive those who transgress against us. Victims must take responsibility for healing those who have wronged us.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, o.P.

September 10, 2017 - The Gospel for today needs to be put in context with Mathews' community and time. If you are wronged by someone, and he won't repent, Mathew tells us we should treat him/her like a tax collector or Gentile. But we must remember that Jesus loved them as well as everyone else. Bottom line- build bridges to others, not walls.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, O.P.

September 3, 2017 - Peter reveals his humanity by rebuking Christ for having to die, and Jesus tells Peter that he is not thinking like God the Father. Sometimes we attenpt to insulate ourselves from the realities of life, but we must be careful to remember we are part of God's kingdom.

Preacher: Rev. John Kerrigan, Deacon of the CC@S

August 27, 2017 - Jesus was an Anti-Emperor, not a messiah ascribing to wealth, power and politics. His message of gentle forgiveness, lowlyness and humble meekness was not what disciples first expected. "Who do you say I am" was not an easy question.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, O.P.

August 20, 2017 - The Canaanite women persisted in her plea for Christ to cure her daughter, and her faith caused Jesus to heal her. You must persist in your faith of God, and you will be rewarded, too.

Preacher: Rev. John Kerrigan, Deacon.