Category: Prayers

“This I seek…” –Psalm 27:4 Before Jesus healed the blind men in today’s Gospel, they had the gift of faith (Mt 9:28). After they received sight from Jesus, they disobeyed His orders to keep the healing secret. Instead, the formerly blind men spread word of Jesus “through the whole area” (Mt 9:31) before Jesus was ready for that to happen. On another occasion, Jesus healed a leper (Mk 1:41) who also had humility and faith. Once healed, this leper likewise disobeyed Jesus’ order to keep the healing secret (Mk 1:44). He went off and spread the report abroad with the...

“Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock.” –Matthew 7:24 Jesus, being a carpenter, thinks in terms of building. For instance, He thinks that life is like building a house. Our lives must be founded on Him, the Rock-Foundation (1 Cor 3:11), or they will collapse under the stress of the storms of life (Mt 7:26-27). We found our lives unshakably on Christ by hearing and obeying His words (Mt 7:24). This new Church year also is like building a house. If we establish and strengthen our...

“He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. All ate until they were full.” –Matthew 15:36-37 Today’s Scripture readings all foreshadow the blessed feast which is celebrated at Mass in Holy Communion. The rich feast (Is 25:6) celebrated at the banquet table (see Ps 23:5) to nourish the multitudes (Mt 15:38) is the Eucharist we receive at every Mass. The word “Eucharist” even means “to give thanks.” The thanksgiving described in today’s Scripture readings is not just saying “Gee,...