Rich Thoughts

Using some fancy terminology (ahem, the two-source theory of synoptic gospel redaction criticism) to glean some practical thoughts about our call to be evangelizers! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

As we explore three books of Wisdom in the next two weeks, we ask if Padre Pio lived out the wisdom of Proverbs or Job. And the answer, as is usually the case with the Church, is both! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

A very challenging parable about living out God's justice and mercy in the here and now. We look at two groups of people -- and a possible miracle! -- building the kingdom of God here in little ol' Knoxville! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Wikipedia's entry on Robert Bellarmine doesn't capture why he was named a Doctor of the Church, nor how he may have reflected 1 Corinthians 13 in his theology on the Mystical Body of Christ. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

An opportunity to join the saints in reflecting on Philippians 2:6-11, perhaps the oldest passage of the New Testament. How do we "empty ourselves" for the sake of others? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Today's readings -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 139:1-18, and especially Luke 6:27-38 -- challenge us to reflect on the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 in a different way. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Peter Claver's ministry to the slaves of New Spain (Colombia) lived out Luke's call of social justice! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Different perspectives on the same story -- conflict or gift? When gather up the courage to address a conflict within the family of believers, do we speak from a spirit of communion? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

How did Paul encourage the Corinthians to unite together, rather than to divide themselves? Pope Gregory the Great encouraged Christians similarly around 600 AD, and Pope Francis does it today! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Many, many people understand Jesus' wisdom of having to lose one's life in order to find it. How about you? What kind of commitments have you made in your life? About what are you currently discerning? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Both Augustine and Paul were great theologians because they were able to relate theology to real-world situations, even if those situations weren't exactly what we consider "holy." (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Are we being hypocritical in our treatment of hypocrites? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Ezekiel 36, Matthew 22, Pius X, and the first Thursday of the semester (with exposition and benediction) lead to a prime opportunity to reflect on the Eucharist. (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Chapter 34 of Ezekiel leads us to a reflection not just on sheep and shepherds, but also on the call of all Christian people to sometimes serve as shepherds. How do we lead, and still "smell of the sheep"? (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The temporal advantages -- and the spiritual disadvantages -- of money. As we pray for the poor, let us also ask for their prayers for us! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

A friend of mine issued the ALS Foundation's "Ice Bucket Challenge" to me on August 18, 2014. Today, I issue the challenge -- with a twist to bring it in line with Catholic Social Teaching -- to you! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

I believe Jesus *IS* welcoming to the Canaanite woman, even if the disciples didn't treat her well. Then, relating this to all the new students, staff, and faculty joining us for the first time this weekend! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The vigil readings for the Assumption (1 Chronicles 15-16, 1 Corinthians 15, and Luke 11:27-28) give us another perspective on what we're celebrating! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Ezekiel -- the last of the major prophets -- was a Levitical priest during the Babylonian exile. His visions that refer to Jewish ritual resonate with our understanding of the Catholic Mass! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Looking at the bigger picture of Peter's attempt to walk on water -- tying chapters 13 and 14 of Matthew together, and throwing in some thoughts about 1 King 19, too! (St. John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)