The End is Near

By e November 17, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 159

The end is near.

Today marks the last Sunday of Ordinary Time for this year. Next week, we will celebrate the feast of Christ the King, and the end of the liturgical year. The following week will mark the first Sunday of Advent. As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the scriptures invite us to consider “the end”. Last week, we were challenged to consider the example of those willing to die for their faith. We were invited to renew our own hope in the resurrection.

This week, the scriptures invite us to consider how we look forward to the very end. Not just of our own lives, but of everything. The scriptures offer us answers to three important questions.

First, how should we feel about the Lord’s return?

Second, what do we do now?

Finally, what do we do when the end is near?

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Who is Nicodemus – Crosspost from Patreon

By e November 12, 2019 Jesus Stuff No Comments

I am currently writing a novel about one of the nine lepers who were healed and failed to return to give thanks. The leper in my story, Eleazar, is associated with Nicodemus. This post is one I already shared with my patrons via Patreon, but I also wanted to share it here. If you’re interested in learning more about that effort, check out https://patreon.com/euphemos.

It took me a few weeks to realize Nicodemus is a major character. I entered with my focus upon Eleazar, and expected Nicodemus would be relatively minor. As I began to lay out my timeline, however, I discovered I have a good deal to learn from exploring the character of Nicodemus.

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No sé si moriría por mi fe

By e November 10, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

XXXII Domingo ordinario
Leccionario: 156

Escribí la homilía para este domingo cuatro veces, y nunca pude hacerlo bien. Ayer, tuve una conversación con algunos jóvenes. Están en ese punto de su vida donde prestan atención a cómo piensan y sienten. Están tratando de dirigir sus corazones y mentes en la dirección correcta. 

Mientras hablábamos, estos jóvenes expresaron la idea de que,

“Si tomamos nuestra fe en serio, debería ser lo más importante del mundo. No sé si es lo más importante para mí. Amo a mi esposa y mis hijos. Moriría por ellos. No sé si moriría por mi fe.” 

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I don’t know if I would die for my faith

By e November 10, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 156

I wrote this homily four times, and never could get it right. Then, yesterday, I had a conversation with some younger men. They are at that point in their life where they are paying attention to how they think and feel. They are trying to lead their hearts and minds in the right direction. 

As we spoke, these young men expressed the idea that,

“If we take our faith seriously, it should be the most important thing in the world. I don’t know if it is the most important thing for me. I love my wife and my children. I would die for them. I don’t know if I would die for my faith.” 

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The Pharisee, The Publican, and Kanye

By e October 28, 2019 Homilies, Jesus Stuff No Comments

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 150

The Pharisee and the Publican

English Español

I like to be right.  Do you like to be right? I think most of us like to be right.

The Pharisee in today’s gospel is right. He’s faithful, honest, generous, and chaste. He fasts twice a week, and gives money to the temple. He works hard at an honest job.

And that publican? Yeah.. he’s not right. He’s basically a gangster.  Read more