Wednesday March 4, 2026

Matthew 20:17-28

Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’

Have you ever been surrounded by people and yet felt so lonely? Imagine sharing with someone something that is bothering you and the next word out of their mouth has nothing to do with what you just shared. They were not listening the whole time you were pouring your heart out.

I don’t want you to read the passage above as Jesus giving his friends a usual FYI. No!!!! Our Lord is troubled at heart and decides to share this with his friends. The next thing out of their mouths was … can we sit at your right and left when we get to Jerusalem! Guys, REALLY?

Today we are being called to actively listen to our friends and family. What are they struggling with? How can we be helpful? What right questions should we be asking?

It is shocking how insensitive the disciples could be. Just because someone is strong does not mean they are strong all the time. You know I think of the many times I did not see or hear my mother’s pain or worry. She was/is always the strong one who bears all things. I wish I saw her tears as well.

Tuesday March 2, 2026

Matthew 23:1-12

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach.

This is a tough call especially for our cancel generation. We are quick to throw the baby and the bath water out. I actually see our Lord in this passage showing compassion to the Pharisees and Scribes. Some of them maybe misguided but they hold an important role in the Kingdom.

Listen, there is no such thing as a little hatred. It grows and takes over your whole being. So work hard to have none of it. Someone once said a long time ago that even a dead clock is right two times a day. Make sure to praise it those two times. Back in the old country we were taught not to say anything bad about a priest. How about we extend that to everyone!!

Who do you find difficult to listen to because you don’t like their character? We all have at least one person. Think about it and pray about it.

On another note please mark your calendar for next Sunday March 8. Rabbouni Catholic Community will be celebrating our 17th anniversary with Mass at 12:30 followed by a meal. Come see us and bring a friend. It is a big deal to have survived 17 years and be thriving. I really really really would love to see you and thank you for being there for us these past 17 years. See you at 7812 Brownsboro road next Sunday.

Love you

Friday February 27, 2026

Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

How deep then did the virtue of the Scribes and Pharisees go? How deep is my or your virtue? We used to say in the old country that the true nature of someone truly comes out when life puts the squeeze on them. Maybe our Lord looked at his own disciples and wondered why they were even following him. This Lenten season let us all for an inner transformation that we be like the Father through and through.

I had a Jesuit friend of mine who put it beautifully. He works at a very high level at the chancellery. He said “you know, sometimes I wonder if these men (priests) are baptized Christians at all. We laughed and poured some more bourbon.

Here is a Lenten question for you? Is your faith skin deep? Is it for show? Here is how I know your virtue goes beyond that of the Pharisees and Scribes. I have seen you give without drawing attention to yourself. I have seen you go out of your way to say a kind word to someone. I have seen you be there for a friend in grief. I have seen you bite your tongue when that cousin got on your last nerve. You do these things because you are full of God.

Thursday February 26, 2026

Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds;

How have you been setting yourself up for success these days? I used to think that all I had to do was ask earnestly and things will fall in my lap. Well as you know, yes we ask and then we work very hard. For Grace builds on nature. We pray and work the program. Sometimes along the way it may seem that our efforts are not working and sometimes it is learning to accept that the answer is … not this time. We then shift and work on what seems to feel right or what is getting traction. The ability to shift or pivot has come in very handy in my life.

Today I want to remember all those who are praying for peace in their lives. It shall be given!!! Maybe sometimes it is given by us learning to let the drama queens and kings go. I pray for those seeking a partner in life, cast your net deeper and keep cultivating your own happiness. I pray for those who miss a loved one who has died, get out and go. Yes keep living no matter how difficult it has become.

I pray for you today my friend. Please remember me when you pray too.

Monday February 23, 2026

Matthew 25:31-46

‘Then the King will say to those on his right hand, “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.”

Some passages deserve comments while others we just have to sit with them. Sit with today’s passage and see yourself reflected in it. It’s not about church affiliation, not about religion. It is just about being a spiritual being who sees beyond the facade. Why would God be in prison, unhoused, or needing clothing? Because God’s favorite place to be is as close as He can be to his creation. Maybe heaven is separated from earth by the thinnest of membranes.

Be careful, you might bump into the divine before you leave your home.

Ash Wednesday February 18, 2026

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-28

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven.

Some 200 years after the death and resurrection of our Lord, the church got together to discuss a serious matter. By this time the celebration of Easter was very well established. Easter was celebrated for 50 days. Each of those 50 days of Easter until Pentecost was like one joyous day. So the church thought that given the importance of Easter we ought to have some days of preparation for it. It was decided that 3 days of preparation was adequate. And so Lent began. For 150 years we had 3 days of preparation, 3 days of intense prayer and fasting. Then in 350 AD. the church got together again and decided that 3 days was not enough. The period of Lent was extended to 40 days of preparation. 40 is another significant number in scripture. Jesus fasted for 40 days, the Israelites wandered for 40 years…

So since 350 AD we give ourselves 40 days of prayer, fasting and alms giving. Why are we doing this. These disciplines are not ends in themselves. They are vehicles to lead us somewhere. Using these vehicles we seek to RETURN to GOD. So if we are not returning by our disciplines the whole period becomes a joke. May I suggest a couple of things:

1. Say the Jesus Prayer. Lord Jesus Son of God have mercy on me a sinner. It is a simple prayer that brings us back to our breath. At the end of the day do the examination of conscious. This means stop before you lay down and see how the day went. Did you notice God.

2. Fast from gossip

3. Do acts of charity. Revisiting our giving to the church or your favorite charity is a good one too.

And make this a joyful lent!!!!!

Tuesday February 17, 2026

Mark 8:14-17

The disciples had forgotten to take any food and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then he gave them this warning, ‘Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ And they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’

I hope you join us for evening mass tonight at 7pm. We begin our Lenten Journey with what we have called Fat Ash Tuesday. Springdale Presbyterian has use of the church tomorrow so we became creative with Fat Ash Tuesday. We have Mass and we eat cake.

This is a unique and holy year. Two religions will be in prayer at the very same time. This year Lent and Ramadan fall on the same days. 40 days of prayer and fasting. Two different reasons for prayer and fasting but for me what is more important is we are at prayer at the same time.

What are you bringing to prayer this year? What are you fasting from and how will you give alms/service? I want for you to make this a special one indeed. You are a beautiful soul and your beauty shines when you get closer and closer to SOURCE to GOD.

As the Lord says in today’s scripture. Keep your eyes open and don’t be pulled into “unnecessary quarrels.” Rise above the petty and see the big opportunities.

Friday February 13, 2025

Mark 7:35-37

Returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, right through the Decapolis region. And they brought him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they asked him to lay his hand on him

Today I have the distinguished honor of burying my friend and sister Melissa Bridgewater Young. Being at her wake last night was difficult. Her body was laying there but her spirit filled the room. They were kids running around, a long line of friends paying their respects and every one feeling included. It was indeed a miracle. How can someone who is dead feel so alive? Then the scriptures came alive “the dead shall rise.” Something about her was rising, living on.

Today’s gospel passage in the land of Sidon they bring to the Lord one who could not speak. What stops from speaking? Are you overwhelmed with a guilt of some past sin that you can’t find your voice to tell of his mercy? Don’t you speak because you don’t know how to? Or have others told you to stop speaking. Jesus frees the spirit and frees the tongue. Find your own was of announcing that God is here. The world needs your story beautiful soul.

Thursday February 12, 2026

Mark 7:24-30

Jesus left Gennesaret and set out for the territory of Tyre. There he went into a house and did not want anyone to know he was there, but he could not pass unrecognized. A woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him straightaway and came and fell at his feet.

Our Lord is in a journey again in very unfriendly territory searching for the lost children of Israel. These are places where most preachers would not go because of one reason or another. But for him, every one and every place must be touched by the grace of God. I love what is happening with the ordinary folk in these places. They do not look at Jesus background as a son of a carpenter as an impediment. No these people give him a chance. In fact they recognize the hand of God at work in him. Today a woman brings to our Lord a tormented daughter. Please lay your hand on her and heal her.

Here is a thought for you. Wherever you end up today, can you ask of your soul this question: Why did God lead me here? Who in this place is in need of understanding? For wherever we are, God’s Grace is present! Amen

Monday February 9, 2026

Mark 6:53-56

Having made the crossing, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up. No sooner had they stepped out of the boat than people recognised him, and started hurrying all through the countryside and brought the sick on stretchers to wherever they heard he was.

St. Mark tells the story of Jesus in a unique way. The Jesus of Mark is always on the move, he is an itchy boots Jesus. There is something urgent that he has to bring to the world. Today he visits Gennesaret a land filled with people who were thought to be judged and condemned. In this place he brings Good News, don’t listen to the haters, God loves you too.

The response of the people is remarkable. They see who is in their midst and bring the sick to him. These who were thought lost recognize the power of God among them. The religious experts will not see the hand of God in Jesus but the people will clearly see it.

Once I was talking to a woman who was stopped from doing ministry by her priest. She had a remarkable gift of healing but father was not too happy with this gift. It was disturbing the church. So I said to her, the people in need of healing will find you. You don’t need a healing group, you can quietly pray for someone in your house or their house. And like our Lord say “don’t tell anyone about this.” Find a way my dear friend of responding to His call with urgency.

Thursday February 5, 2026

Mark 6:7-13

Jesus made a tour round the villages, teaching. Then he summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs giving them authority over the unclean spirits.

One thing that you will notice in the gospel of Mark is that our Lord is always on the move. Today he invites his disciples to get moving too. I have heard that if you want something done, you are better off giving it to a busy person.

Jesus moves with purpose!! That purpose is to plant the kingdom of God by driving evil spirits out. These evil spirits have hid themselves around the people of God and Jesus wants them out so that the people of God experience peace.

What sort of spirits have been driven away from you? What sort of spirits try to fight their ways into your soul? This spiritual and physical revolution is ongoing my friends. Day in and day out we struggle with this or that. The demon of alcoholism has claimed many lives, the spirit of pride sometimes runs wild in our world. As you go about today planting seeds of joy, peace and understanding I want you to be aware too that the enemy is also planting division, pain and strife.

You have been given power my friend.

Friday January 30, 2026

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know.

Someone wants told me that anything worth having takes time. How true this statement has been throughout my life. If only they had told me the rest of the story… it takes time, it takes trusting, it takes patience and maybe several attempts. The truth is, we do our part and wait. I don’t think I have figured out that yet. I struggle with waiting and yet my life has been about waiting. What am I waiting on now? Well we don’t have the time and space for me to tell you that.

This passage I think is directed to the early church. The disciples worked so hard to get the Jesus movement going and time and time again it seemed as if they were spinning their wheels. Nothing was going, in fact it was dying. Think of it. It is not until the time of Emperor Constantine (300 years after the seed is planted) that we see some real traction. But there was slow progress between the setbacks.

We live in a world of instant things. Everything should happen yesterday. Today we are reminded to have room in our life for mystery. God wants your hearts desires too and He is working on it. Your job is: Don’t spoil it, wait. Yes wait and pray!!!!

Thursday January 29, 2025

Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand?

Lord how did we ever survive 2020 and the isolation of the pandemic? I am tired of being inside this house and having the feeling of being stuck. Cold weather and snow is not my thing at all. Actually I can take the cold, but I can’t handle the feeling of being stuck in the house or not being able to go for a run. This weak, my spirit is connecting with the home bound. You my sisters and brothers are stronger than I ever thought.

Today’s scripture passage reminds me of our favorite childhood song: This little light of mine. Years ago we changed it up and sung: If your light don’t shine, please don’t put out mines…x3 let me shine, let me shine, let me shine.

We are invited today to let our light shine. God did not create space for us at this time in history to play or be small. He created us for a purpose. May you find that calling today and embrace it without being rambunctious.

They tell me that at the Jesuit motherhouse in Rome there is a statue of St Ignitius Loyola sending St Francis Xavier into the world saying “ite inflamante omnia” Go set the world ablaze!! But in pure Jesuit humor, they put the biggest fire extinguisher right next to the statue. You gotta know those who try to blow your fire off .

Much love and get me out of this house!!!

Monday January 26, 2026

Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘Beelzebul is in him’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.

Peace and many many blessings to you. I missed seeing you yesterday but hope you stayed in and made the most of the cold, snowy day. Have you ever found yourself absolutely shocked at how low some people will go? Our Lord today is accused of being the prince of demons by people who should know better. The Pharisees and Scribes knew that satan cannot cast out satan. And yet they went there. This by the way is the only time Jesus said some things cannot be forgiven. This deeply hurt him, he called it “sinning against the Holy Spirit.” When your hatred and jealousy goes so far that it actually drives you to deny the workings of the Holy Spirit in someone then you are completely lost.

Our Lord did not stop though. He pushed on. Maybe that is our takeaway today. As we walk in life we will meet the most negative people who spend a lot of time trying to bring you down. Notice them, know them and move on with a smile if you can and continue doing you. I know you are simply human and you are affected by what others say. But don’t let yourself be stopped by nasty mean folk. The truth is, they envy you and your courage.

Wednesday January 21, 2026

Mark 3:1-6

Jesus went into a synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the sabbath day, hoping for something to use against him.

Have you ever stopped to think what went so terribly wrong with the culture at synagogue that they would stoop so low. This was a house of prayer and it became the very place where they would lay traps to get to each other. I can testify that church politics can be brutal. But this is not the good news we came to hear today. The good news is Jesus saw the man. He did not only see the man, he saw his pain and embarrassment. He healed him not to show the power of God but because he cared for the quality of life for this man.

What is withered in you today? Is your love life withered? Is your job withered? Maybe your spirit? Whatever it is, I invite you to place yourself in that place of grace. Maybe this is your day when you will hear his command. “Stretch out your hand and be healed.” May these be the words that are heard by all who walk into our houses of worship.

Tuesday January 20, 2026

Mark 2:23-28

And he replied, ‘Did you never read what David did in his time of need when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the loaves of offering which only the priests are allowed to eat, and how he also gave some to the men with him?’

I am reminded of a viral video clip in Africa where this Muslim man says “…we know it’s haram (not allowed or sinful) to eat pork, but if survival is the name of the game, eat the pork. We shall talk about the consequences later..” He was encouraging his people to live, to survive.

The Pharisees and scribes were very annoyed that Our Lord allowed his disciples to pick corn on a sabbath. They raged holy war over this saying Jesus was not a serious person. They had taken the law too far. The very law that was meant to bring them life was actually killing them.

I had a woman come to confession because she missed Mass. She said “Father I was at the hospital with my dying husband…” My response was “this is not a sin to confess, God was right there at the hospital bed with you.”

Brothers and sisters, may the word of God never be a burden to you. Always remember “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath..”

Friday January 16, 2026

Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, word went round that he was back; and so many people collected that there was no room left, even in front of the door.

Have you ever counted yourself out? Looking at whatever was going on you sadly removed yourself or disqualified yourself. You will notice in the gospel of Mark that a crowd always gathers around Jesus. This crowd plays an important role in the narrative. Most theologians would say that since the gospel of Mark is a “response gospel,” meaning there is always a question of how you would respond to the message of Jesus. For example the Pharisees are always opposed to his message, the crowd is always amazed and the disciples are always confused. None of these are appropriate responses to the good news.

Anyway back to the passage above. The place is full. The crowd is blocking access to our Lord. I do not want you to count yourself out!! No matter what is happening in your life, nor matter how crowded it might seem our Lord will hear your cry. Call out!!! In the silence of your heart present your petition. There is someone reading this post who thinks they are running out of time. To you I say, you can still pray about it and work the process.

Much love!!!

January 15, 2025

Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: ‘If you want to’ he said ‘you can cure me.’ Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. ‘Of course I want to!’ he said. ‘Be cured!’ And the leprosy left him at once and he was cured.

Something that stands out for me in this beautiful passage is the way our Lord deeply felt for those who were struggling. The words “feeling sorry for him” do not even come close to what the Greek version wanted to portray. His stomach churned, his heart broke for the fate of this man who was ostracized from everything that could bring him healing.

Once I was talking with a husband who was going through a divorce. His biggest pain was that he could not tuck his daughter into bed. Here was a man…. alone, judged, blamed. Here was a man fighting his way back to a normal life.

Our Lord sees your every need my friend. He does not only see it, his heart breaks and he wants more for you. Today we remember all those who are alone. We remember all those who just want to go home and love but for some reason they cannot. We see you!!

Monday January 12, 2026

Mark 1:14-26

As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.

This was a very interesting choice of characters for this role. I am sure some questions were raised by the experts on what they thought our Lord was doing. He certainly could have found some very polished students at the temple. He could have set up a search committee to find some very fine folks to be disciples. But the Spirit led him here. In this most unlikely place he found not the perfect students but ones who would give him a chance. Here he found those who were willing to leave their former life and start a new way of life.

Our Lord still walks around calling ordinary folk to do extraordinary work. Yes we have some very fine people in seminaries and religious houses. They have an important role to play. But so are you. Today he calls you in your own way to come make a new life. May your YES be as unique as you are and in your own way help plant the Kingdom of Love.

Wednesday January 7, 2026

From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’

Our Lord had just gotten word that his mentor, his friend and cousin John The Baptist had just been arrested. Things were getting rather tight and scary. So he left Nazareth and moved to Capernaum and it was there In Capernaum and throughout the region of Galilee that he began to preach this message of repentance. He had to make a choice. Would he stay quiet or continue a dangerous path of spreading the message of God. He knew there was a mad man as Emperor and chances were that he too would be arrested. But a choice had to be made. The Kingdom of God was breaking forth and he (Jesus) would usher it in.

Today as we go about our day, I want us to look for signs that this Kingdom has come. Look in the little places. Is there love in places where hatred used to be? Is there a sliver of hope in situations that were tough. Have you been raised from poverty or have your eyes been opened on issues that you were blind to? May we experience this beautiful reality that God is here.