Catholic Cardinal Reflections

November 25, 2010 - Welcome to a special edition of Catholic Cardinal Reflections!

What does Thanksgiving do? Thanksgiving seems to remind us about the goodness of all that God has given us. Yes, our world sometimes seems to be a dark and dreay place, but we still have our faith, the goodness of friends, family and good food. Let us celebrate!

November 21, 2010 - On this Christ the King Sunday, we are challenged to learn what kind of power Jesus Christ possesses. Jesus Christ shows us with his power a new way of being, not one of domination.

November 77, 2010 - The seven brothers and their mother are an excellent example of what it means to live and die for your faith.St John Chrysostom is a wonderful example of this, consistently advocating for the poor of Constantinople in the face of the Empress of Byzantium.May we always choose the right, seeking the glory and honor of our Father in heaven.

October 30, 2010 - It is quite easy to let a person disappear by labling him or her tax collector or illegal immigrant or terrorist. Yet each one of us is a child of God. It is difficult to write each other off when we know each other's name and heart.

October 17, 2010 - In his letter to Timothy, Saint Paul is eager to tell him to proclaim the word. Interestingly, Paul does not tell him how to proclaim the word, but rather, to proclaim it. Each one of us are called to proclaim the word of God in our own way, using all the gifts, charisms and talents that God has given us.

October 10. 2010 - Namaan, the great General from the Syrian Army, and the Samaritan Leper had the graciousness to say thank you to God for their healing. Though outsiders, they did what no other 'insider' would do. According to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Eucharist is the medicine for the soul. Are we thankful enough for this wonderful gift?

October 3, 2010 - The Gospel passage regarding the mustard seed asks to become apostles, not merely disciples. Being an apostle is allowing the love that Jesus has for you to set ablaze every part of your life, to the point that you are being Christ to the world because, simply, that is what a servant is meant to do.

September 26, 2010 - Relationships take time to develop. Lazarus and the rich man had a relationship, but one constituted of apathy. How many people do we know by name, but instead of treating them as a human being, ignore them as the rich man did Lazarus?

September 19. 2010 - The Prophet Amos and Jesus challenge us to prioritize our lives. What is important to you? Our material things or our relationships? How can we allow God give us a network of love of which God is in the center?

September 12, 2010 - Families are messy things. Yet mysteriously and profoundly, families are are road to love God and one another. May we be a true brother, sister, father or mother to all, and bring them to Christ.