Catholic Cardinal Reflections

August 31, 2014 - On this labor day weekend, we are supposed to rest from accumulating our "stuff". Jesus reminds us that worldly possessions are not of lasting value; they can be gone quickly in an earthquake. If we are to have lasting life we must take up our crosses and follow Him.

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

August 24, 2014 - We are all like Peter, a Rock upon which the church is built. We must trust in Christ as Peter did; like Peter, sometimes we fall, too. But we are charged to be that rock to someone today, and through the week.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, OP, Paster/Director of the Cathollic Community at Stanford

August 17, 2014 - The Canaanite women persisted in her faith that Jesus could cure her daughter. We too must be tireless in seeking God's help and trusting in his love for us. Slow down, accept God's creation and listen to your heart through others.

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

August 10, 2014 - Peter walks on water until his faith fails, and Jesus saves him. When Peter gets back in the boat Jesuscalmsthe sea. Indeed Jesus lives in the quiet of our hearts, which can act to dispel the noise of the world, the earthquakes, the winds, the wars and the evil terror. Let us see the good in the quiet whisperings of God in our lives.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto and Chaplain Teresa Pleins, Catholic Community at Stanford

July 20, 2014 - As in the parable of the wheat and weeds that were sown together, we are all joined as one, the weak, the vulnerable,and the strong. God loves each of us as his children.

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

July 13, 2014 - The gospel recalls the parable of the mustard seed, which perishes if not sown on good soil, and Fr. Lavagetto asks what kind of seed are we? Are we open to God's call to be one with all our brothers and sisters as Jesus wants?

July 6, 2014 - It is Fr. Daniel's first Sunday mass at Stanford University. In today's gospel Jesus syas "Come to me, all who burdened, I will give you rest." If your life is wearysome, Jesus invites us today to connect with Him, who brings us peace not only here but also to eternity.

Preacher:Fr. Daniel Rolland, OP, Parochial Vicar Associate Director, Catcholic Community at Stanford

Note: I'm sorry about the low quality of the sound this time.

June 29, 2014 - Peter and Paul were not perfect, yet Jesus loved them despite their failings, just as he loves us. Both saints sought to know Jesus. Tips for knowing Jesus: 1. Read a bit of the gospels every day; 2. Take time to pray; 3. Choose a characteristic of Jesus and try to emulate; 4. Look for Jesus in others; 5. Like Jesus, be a neighbor to others.

Preacher: Fr. Xavier Lavagetto, OP, Parochial Vicar and Associate Director of CCAS

June 22, 2014 - On this Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we are reminded that together we all are the one Body of Christ. When we eat his body and drink his blood, he is in us, which means that everyone else is also within us. We are the face of Christ to others, and Christ takes on our appearance to them.

Preacher: Fr. Nathan Castle, OP, Pastor and Director of the Catholic Community at Stanford

June 14, 2014 - Fr. Nathan examines relevant words on this graduation weekend: Leland = Le- Land = plowed field, i.e. a field ready to be planted, to bear fruit, true of graduates. Stanford = Stone Ford, i.e. a way to cross an obstacle like a river; we can be that bridge for others. Graduate = gradient, slope, degree; i.e. a climbing, and asceding or descending as we make our way through life. Over all, God told Moses, "I Am", i.e. the trinity is always, ever, and infinte.