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.

Tuesday January 6, 2026

Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east.

Happy 12th day of Christmas to you! The Feast of the Epiphany is usually celebrated today but we had it this past Sunday. You can find the extended homily on the Rabbouni Page.

Let’s look at this beautiful first line in the gospel of Matthew: “After Jesus was born in Bethleheof Judaea during the reign of King Herod…” I have said before that there are no throw way lines in scripture given how expensive paper and ink were back in the day. So what are we to take from this?

You know that when a story begins with “Once upon a time…” or “A long long time ago…” that story is most probably a myth or rather not based in history.

Matthew is naming place and time. We know where Bethlehem of Judaea is and we know who and when Herod was King. What St Matthew is telling us is that at a very specific time in history God intervened. I think our Protestant brothers and sisters do this better than most Catholics. It used to drive me crazy but they would often talk about when they were saved. As a Catholic I was saved on Good Friday April 7, 30 AD when Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. But for my Protestant friends they could pin point when and where the Lord intervened in their personal lives.

Today, I want you to start taking notes of any divine intervention that you experience. Let there be nothing small that goes unnoticed. Write it down. It could be something like “On this day January 6, 2026 I witnessed the most beautiful mourning and I felt it my soul that God will make everything work out.”

Friday, January 2, 2026

John 1:19-21

This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’

There was a point at the beginnings of what would be church history when questions were asked about St John. These questions went on after his death and after the death and resurrection of our Lord. Was the Christ John or Jesus. What these early passages want to establish to everyone is that John was not the Christ. It does however give us something to preach about. Who are you? What are you about? People want to know.

The same question was asked of the Buddha. Who are you? Are you a god? NO. Are you a sorcerer? No. Tell us who are you that we might give an answer. The Buddah gave his answer “I am awake.”

We are invited today to pose that question to ourselves and quietly answer it. Well this life, this year will ask you that question in many different ways. Find your calling and may it make you comfortable sometimes and uncomfortable other times. I am a simple parish priest among many other identities. A continued Merry Christmas and remember Rabbouni in your end of year giving please. Your financial help keeps our doors open.

Thursday January 1, 2026

Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say.

A very happy new year to you. My earnest prayer for you this year is that you know that God accompanies you into whatever life will bring to your doorstep this 2026. The Romans named the start of the new year after their god Janus. Janus was believed to be the god of beginnings, transitions, time and endings. He is depicted with two faces. One looking forward and one looking backward. The idea or part of it was, we look backward and pick up the lessons we learned and we look forward with hope. Using the knowledge of our past we build a more secure future.I like the way Our Lord Jesus put it though. He said “watch and pray” or “be watchful.”

On this feast of Mary the Mother of God. I invite you to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This year will be full of those promptings, those moments when Spirit says “I am with you.”

God bless your every move and remember Rabbouni in your end of year giving. Mahalo

Monday December 29, 2025

Luke 2:22-35

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord:

Something very special will happen at the temple when Simon and Anna take hold of baby Jesus. They will say special prayers and whisper something to Mary and Joseph, something these parents will never forget. Taking the baby the prophet will say “…,, my eyes have seen your salvation….”

This is before our Lord ever utters a word! He is the salvation even before his death and resurrection. By his birth, God has intervened in human history.

I wonder how many times Jesus heard his mama retell this story. “When we took you to the temple…” I think every baby comes with a story they will hear over and over again. Sometimes we are irritated by those stories of “when you were young..” but I want you to hear them again. Learn about the things that happened around you even before you said a word. You too have infancy stories and they say something special about you. I tell Grayson that he was/is a miracle baby. His grandfather tells him stories about when he baptized him. Yes sometimes children do not want to hear the little miracles or happenings around their births but we ought to tell them. God was at work in the silence.

Now to business: in these last days of the year, would you consider an end of year giving to Rabbouni. Your donations have kept us going for 16 years. Thank you for your support of this ministry.

Mahalo

Friday December 19, 2025

Luke 1:5-25

In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Both were worthy in the sight of God, and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of the Lord. But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years.

We may need to rewrite this passage. It is a little harsh on Elizabeth. How about we say Zechariah and Elizabeth struggled with infertility. Regardless of the translation this issue is still painful today. I find people are a lot more respectful here in my side of America about infertility. Back home however, as soon as someone gets married the whole family and friends are not shy to ask when the couple will “give us children.” If a year passes without children the talk starts …”you know you won’t be young forever or is it time for a second…”

Here is the deal, there is always something that is missing. If it’s not children, it may be a spouse, or it may be a job, or winning the power all . Can I ask us to pause today and just be thankful for the life we have. We may not have everything we desire but we are blessed. Today I pray for an attitude of gratitude. Amen!

Thursday December 18, 2025

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly.

I mentioned a while back that the readings at liturgy do not really start addressing the birth of our Lord until December 17. We read these passages with much joy and anticipation but the characters in it are going through unbelievable stress. Mary and Joseph are trying to figure things out. They will need some very understanding parents and friends.

You know, sometimes doing the WILL of God comes with walking in darkness, walking in the mystery of the unknown. You have done this your whole life. You have not been certain of how things will turn out yet you trusted. Today say a prayer for those who do not yet see the full picture. God certainly does sort things out.

Monday December 15, 2025

Matthew 21:23-27

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Have you noticed that our Lord almost always got in trouble whenever he entered the temple or synagogue? In fact the spirit is at work in him whenever he is outside these places which are meant to be houses of prayer but have become places of politics. He heals when he is at Simon’s house or walking by some street corner. But when he enters “sacred places” something happens to him.

My thought for the day is find yourself a place where the spirit moves freely in and through you and grow there. That is your place of ministry. Some people thrive in an office, others thrive in the field while others thrive whenever they do numbers. Sometimes we spend too much time trying to fit a circle in a square box.

Peace and many many blessings to you.