Category Archives: Desert Reflections

Fr Charlie discusses two of his favorite stores from Luke’s gospel.  In the first, Martha seeks control over her sister yet fails to find it.  In the second the Father rejects control over his son yet finds him through unconditional love. … Continue reading →

Finding his name written inside a cup his cousin Danny had made and Fr Paul had used at Danny’s funeral reminds Fr Paul that Danny understood what the Pharisees in today’s gospel had forgotten: It’s connecting the gift inside of … Continue reading →

Fr Peter suggests that being given the sign of Jonah is a wonderful gift. The repentance of just one of our cities, or even only our own repentance, means that the kingdom of God is at hand. Today’s Readings Grace … Continue reading →

Fr Greg imagines the man cast from the royal wedding feast meeting the king’s son, Jesus, as he about to enter the hall. Jesus unbinds the man, clothing him in his own wedding garment. Even if we’re not dressed appropriately, … Continue reading →

This morning’s gospel debate is all about “by whose power,” Fr Peter notes, Jesus casts out demons – not about whether or not he could.  Jesus has the power to cast out our demons, too – no matter how entrenched … Continue reading →

Persistent prayer opens our hearts and minds to hope, deepening faith and ultimately to an answer to our prayer – perhaps an answer, Fr Peter notes, in which we are called to participate. Today’s Readings For you who fear my … Continue reading →

Jonah discovers in today’s first reading, Fr Peter notes, that nothing can impede God’s desire for mercy. Today’s Readings Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry that God did not carry out the evil he threatened against Nineveh. JON 4:1-11 … Continue reading →

Fr Greg sees the Jesus he knows in today’s gospel – one who sends his disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God in companionship, peace, hospitality and safety – just as sees him in Blessed Francis Seelos and today’s Redemptorists. … Continue reading →

St Francis chose to follow Jesus, Fr. Peter observes, in spite of having to pay a steep price, preferring instead a life of poverty, simplicity and great joy to wealth, position and power.  Today’s Readings The king granted my requests, … Continue reading →

Fr. Charlie celebrates the angels in our lives with a musical meditation,  Quanta Qualia (“how great and how wonderful”) from Patrick Hawes’ Blue in Blue album. Today’s Readings “Let us go with you [to Jerusalem], for we have heard that … Continue reading →