Catholic Cardinal Reflections

February 8, 2015 - Job was beset with loss of his posessions and his 10 sons and daughters, yet he remained steadfast in his trust and faith in God, and God restored his life. Jesus reached out and touched people, healing and teaching with his hands. Are we able to be touched by God like Job and those who sought Christ's healing? Are we "touchers", too? We need to make our priorities align with those of God.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, OP, Pastor/Director of the Catholic Community

February 1, 2015 - In the 1960's "We shall overcome" was a popular rallying cry against injustice, but it is still relevant today. We are called to overcome the fear that keeps us from helping others when poverty, ignorance, racism and other works of the devil occur.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, OP, Pastor and Director of the Catholic Community at Stanford

January 25, 2015 - "The Time is now", is the theme for today's liturgy. Jesus called his disciples from the shores of Galilee, and they came immediately. Are we repsponsive to His call, too? Do we runtowards Him or away?

Preacher: Deacon John Kerrigan

January 18, 2015 - Cardinal Reinhard Marx reflects on our vocations: God gives us the wherewithal to choose our vocation, and we are each called to do so. Each of us has a mission to fulfill. Like Samuel, we are called by God. Can you say, "Here I am, Lord"?

January 11, 2015 - Many of us are too young to remember our own baptism, but we know it confers a releif from our sins. Today, when we celebrate the memory of Jrsus being baptised in the Jordan, we may ask why would He do this, as he is free from sin? The answer is that he is showing us that forgiveness of our sins is a gift from God, that we must remember. We know God has chosen us- do we accept him as fully as we should?

Preacher: Fr. Daniel Rolland, OP, Parochial Vicar/Associate Pastor of the Catholic Community at Stanford

January 4, 2015 - Fr. Xavier asks us to imagine we are Magi, and like the Magi of Jesus' time, we bring gifts to the world. It is our responsibility as followers of Christ to make our gifts available to others.

December 21, 2014 - We grew up as children learning how to make a wish and blow out the candle. Fr. Daniel asks us today to still have goals and to dream, but also to make those wishes come true. For nothing is impossible with the Lord.

December 14, 2014 - In the readings today, Paul exhorts the community to Rejoice, to Pray, to be open to God. With the celebration of Mary's Annunciation this past week, we are reminded to be as open as she was in receiving the Lord in our life. This week in Advent, be glad for Mary's loving spirit, andask for her help to always rejoice in theblessings and graces you receive.

Preacher: Rev. John Kerrigan, Deacon of the Catholic Community at Stanford

December 6, 2014 - Fr. Xavier asks: "How do you hear the meaning in 'Prepare the way of the Lord?'". Is it in the wars, poverty, the enormity of social unrest in the world, the eyes of those you meet? The answer is yes, the way of the lord is everywhere. Grace,love and Christare only effective if we act, graceneeds to be put into action;and we need to look into the eyes of Jesus within others.

November 23, 2014 - Fr. Xavier reminds us that imagination is important to us as believers in Christ, our King, and asks how we respond to God as the good Shepard?

Chplain Teresa Pleins suggests that the gospel reading of whom we fed and clothed and cared for requires that we truly open our eyes to the needs all around us, and act. We are all called to contriute to the kingdom.