July 26 and 27, 2008
The man in today's gospel "sold all he had" for the treasure he found.  Family relationships are "treasures" and demand our total personal investment. Invest yourself in the "treasure" of your family.

 

August 2 and 3, 2008
The apostles were just being practical when they asked Jesus to "dismiss the crowds to go buy food."  Jesus knew there is always enough when we place our trust in the Father, even with just 5 loaves and fishes. Trust is the bridge to miracles..

 

August 9 and 10, 2008
The demands of family can be so overwhelming we feel walking on water would be easier.  When Jesus was pressured, He dismissed everyone, so he could be "by himself and pray."  When overwhelmed and stressed, go to a quiet place and surrender your pressured feelings to the Lord using Peter's prayer in today's gospel: "Lord, save me."

 

August 16 and 17, 2008
The mother in today's gospel persisted, even when she was ignored and insulted.  She would do whatever was necessary to bring relief for her child.  Parenting is more than bringing life into the world; it is also about laying down your life.

 

August 23 and 24, 2008
Like Jesus in today's gospel, we are seen by others in different ways.  Perhaps the name our family gives us closest to our identity. They know us best. Who do they say you are?

 

August 30 and 31, 2008
Relationships live in a careful balance.  If a person changes, the balance is altered requiring a shift in the relationship. In today's gospel Jesus announced a change and Peter resisted.  Jesus told Peter: "You are an obstacle to me."  Sometimes, those we count on for support may actually be an obstacle.

 

September 6 and 7, 2008
The key word in today's gospel is "listen."  We cannot change another person; not alone, not with others and not with a whole Church.  All we can do is state our position and "if he listens to you" then he / she can take the steps necessary to change themselves.  Change comes from within.

 

September 13 and 14, 2008
The Law of Christianity in today's gospel is the Law of Gravity in reverse.  "No one goes up … except the one who has come down."  Today Jesus teaches us to lay "down" our self interests so we, and those we love, might have life more abundantly.  Self interests can be obstacles to our happiness and the happiness of others.

 

September 20 and 21, 2008
Family, where "the last will be first," is the "vineyard" entrusted to us in today's gospel. Successful families are constructed by "laborers," who work hard on family relationships, and not by couch potatoes.   Today Jesus is saying to us: "Why are you idle? Go into my vineyard."

 

September 27 and 28, 2008
In today's gospel Jesus asked "What is your opinion?"  Why do we think our opinion is dogma or fact?  An opinion is only how we perceive a situation or how we feel comfortable doing something.  Don't argue over or become divided by "your opinion."