Rich Thoughts

Thoughts on how we, as imperfect people, can strive to practice perfect love. No thoughts on St. Raymond of Penyafort, however! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Epiphany and St. André Bessette encourage us to look for God's manifestation in simple, ordinary things. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

A special Christmas Mass for those experiencing pain or loss. Introductory comments written by Becca Bass. Homily on John 1:18 and Matthew 1:1-25. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Asking children and parents for insights on what it's like to be a baby, how to raise a baby, and why God had Jesus be born as a baby. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Hannah and Mary. Our hearts exult! Our souls proclaim! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Sitting with those -- like Elizabeth and Zechariah -- who had no idea what they were waiting for. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

On Paulist President Eric Andrews' 50th birthday, we celebrate two other people of faith who have gone before us: St. Joseph and Servant of God Isaac Thomas Hecker. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Advent is a time of waiting for God to break forth in our world in unexpected ways. But when the unexpected happens, do we perceive the hand of God? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Isaiah invites us to see God's promise of a Messiah as part of the entire sweep of Judeo-Christian salvation history. Do we trust in God's promises as Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist did? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Another "better together" pair of Scriptures: Isaiah 40:1-11 and Matthew 18:12-14. Do we assist God in accomplishing what God promises? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The cases of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Tamir Rice prompt us to ask hard questions: how do *WE* contribute to the web of apparent injustices against people marginalized in our culture? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Building upon the Rock of faith: an appropriate reflection for Advent. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

As has become an Advent tradition in the ~36 hours between classes and finals, I turn off the lights at Mass and play Glenn Rudolph's "The Dream Isaiah Saw." (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

As we enter a new liturgical year and another Advent season, a few thoughts about the gospel of Mark. Appearances can be deceiving! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

A familiar-but-challenging passage to conclude our year with the Gospel of Matthew. Forget what politicians are saying: look at what leaders of the Church are saying about certain "political" topics this week! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The Book of Revelation introduces the image of the Lamb That Was Slain. A very fitting passage to pair with Jesus' mourning over the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Two challenging passages to interpret! Relish in the celebration of Revelation 4:1-11, and then concentrate on Luke 19:11-28. It may help to read Luke 19:29-40, too! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Wrestling with the Book of Revelation! Even though John says that the people of Sardis are spiritually dead, Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10) shows us that there is still hope! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Are we burying some of our talents in the ground? Some thoughts on how to discern and enhance our God-given gifts! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Twain said: "I'm all for progress; it's change that I can't stand." How do we determine if a specific change is bad, or if it's from God? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)