Author Archives: bsjy
Vainglory or the Shema
The theme of the Gospel readings over the past few weeks has been a long and sometimes sharp reminder that there will be a final judgment, and the Lord our God is the judge. We had the two sons, one … Continue reading
Jesus, Tamar, and Grandma
Psalm 25, says, “Make known to me, Oh Lord, your ways, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” The Letter to the Philippians includes the great hymn of Christ, … Continue reading
Radical Trust
In last week’s gospel, we saw Peter blurt out the truth. When Jesus asked, “Who do people say that I am?” he got logical and worldly responses, like “some say you are Isaiah and others a prophet.” He then asked, … Continue reading
Seeking Pearls of Great Price
In last week’s Gospel reading we had the parable of the wheat and the weeds, with the message being that judgment comes at the time of harvest. And the judgment was between wheat and weeds, between the good and the … Continue reading
The cost of the Promised Land
We’ve officially started summer, as the Summer Solstice was yesterday afternoon. When I was a child, summers always seemed to involve long car trips to whatever great destination lay at the end of the journey. I was one of five … Continue reading
Freedom Rider
My father would have been 90 today. He was an idealist, but also a depressive, so he rarely followed through with the actions implied by his strongly held beliefs. He was a Platonist rather than an Aristotelean. But at least … Continue reading
If you love Me, you will obey Me
In today’s readings there are some challenging, even hard, teachings. Jesus tells his disciplines plainly the nature of love. He says, “whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.” Do you remember the story of … Continue reading
Good Friday 7th Word 2020
It was around midday, and darkness came over the whole land until midafternoon with an eclipse of the sun. The curtain in the sanctuary was torn in two. Jesus cried out in a loud voice: “Father, into your hands I … Continue reading
Good Friday 5th Word
Jesus, realizing that everything was now finished, said to fulfill the Scripture, “I thirst.” John 19:28 esus continues to pray the 22nd Psalm from the Cross. Everything is completed. Everything of his earthly ministry is completed, and he is preparing … Continue reading
Good Friday 3rd Word 2020
Near the cross of Jesus there stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Seeing his mother there with the disciple whom he loved, Jesus said to his mother: “Woman, there is your son.” … Continue reading
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