Juan Point at a Time

The healing work of therapists and the healing work of priests can be quite complimentary.

Year 2 - Week 1 - Ordinary Time - Tuesday

Many thought John the Baptist was the messiah because he had answers to difficult questions, but the true messiah does much more than provide answers.

Advent - Week 03 - Sunday

The Gospel today is cast with characters who are all waiting for something when they encounter Jesus. As we prepare for Advent, perhaps each of us can ask ourselves, what am I waiting for?

Advent - Week 02 - Monday

John Berchmans life was fraught with tragedy, yet he is remembered for having been kind, friendly, intelligent, and emotionally mature. He is a saint not for the sacrifices that were forced upon him, but for his continually responding out of a desire to do only the will of God in the midst of it all.

Memorial of Saint John Berchmans

Today's Gospel has two rulers go toe-to-toe in a verbal boxing match. The opponents seem unevenly matched and it turns out they are, but not the way one would expect.

Year B - Solemnity of Christ the King

Jesus was well aware that everyone faces apocalyptic moments in life, moments when it feels like the world is being turned upside down. Today's reading and the story of Christ's own life is a reassurance to trust in his word.

It's amazing how many things can get in the way of doing good, but when it comes to implementing our great desires, something is better than nothing.

Year 1 - Ordinary Time - Week 30 - Friday

It always seems so difficult to find one's place in the world. This was even the case for Saint Therese of Lisieux after having committed to life in a convent. Her words offer comfort and guidance for those seeking a place within the Catholic Church and beyond.

Feast of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux

Jesus provokes in the Gospel reading with images of cutting off a hand or foot if it causes us to stumble... and he's exactly right. Some things lead us down to perdition and aren't worth an iota of our time or energy.

Year B - Ordinary Time - Week 26

Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Sometimes people find themselves trapped in a private hell, but Christ is able to break into even those spaces and lead them out by the hand. What the Christian tradition encourages is looking up to the triumphant and exalted cross of Christ, especially when times of trial and tribulation come. Christ can be a guide through and out of darkness.

The painting referenced in the homily is called the "Harrowing of Hell" by Fra. Angelico. It can be found here: https://www.christianiconography.info/Florence/sanMarco/anastasisSanMarcoFlorence.html