Bulletin Q&A Article, published 5-14-23: Please advise me on Reiki. Is it accepted by the Church? Reiki was developed in Japan in the late 19th century. It is a technique that claims to reduce stress and also promote healing. The Reiki training manual explains that Rei is the all-knowing God-consciousness and Ki is life energy,… Continue reading Acceptabilty of Reiki
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Jesus – Version 1.5
Homily, 5-8-23; Monday of the 5th Week in Easter: Jesus came to earth and lived among us. After He suffered, died, and rose again, He returned to the Father. And now we await His second coming in glory to take us to be with Him and the Father in Heaven. But today we hear about… Continue reading Jesus – Version 1.5
Equipollent Canonization
Bulletin Q&A Article, published 5-7-23: On April 13, one of the saints of the day was Margaret of Castello. Her biography indicated that she received equipollent canonization. What is equipollent canonization? This was a new term for me, so I looked it up. It is also called equivalent canonization. Before I address the question, let’s… Continue reading Equipollent Canonization
When Did Jesus Become Catholic?
Bulletin Q &A Article, published 4-30-23: When did Jesus become a Catholic? Or would he never have said he was Catholic? When would the Apostles stop considering themselves Jewish? Jesus was born a Jew by nationality and brought up in Judaism, the religion of the Jews. He followed the Jewish laws, but often confronted the… Continue reading When Did Jesus Become Catholic?
St. Stephen’s Example
Homily, 4-24-23; Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter: As I mentioned last week, Jesus told the disciples: “When they lead you away and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say. But say whatever will be given to you at that hour. For it will not be you who… Continue reading St. Stephen’s Example
Holy Boldness
Homily, 4-17-23; Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter: The Apostles cite the words of the 2nd Psalm, which was also our responsorial psalm this morning, and explain how it applies to the persecution of Jesus: “Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and… Continue reading Holy Boldness
What is Solidarity
Bulletin Q&A Article, published 4-16-23: What is meant by solidarity? As an ordination present, Jenni made me a stole to use when I presided at baptisms. It has colorful handprints of all my children and godchildren and of my parents and godparents—all those that I had a part in their baptisms and those that had… Continue reading What is Solidarity
Mercy through Solidarity
Homily, 4-16-23; Divine Mercy Sunday, Cycle A: A couple of weeks ago, someone at St. Cornelius asked me to answer the question: “What is solidarity?” My response to that question is in my Ask the Deacon column in this week’s bulletin. At the time I prepared the response, I didn’t know I would be preaching… Continue reading Mercy through Solidarity
Days of Mercy
Homily, 4-10-23; Monday in the Octave of Easter: At the feast of Pentecost, Peter addresses the Jews with some pretty harsh words: “Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up… Continue reading Days of Mercy
Jesus’ Second Coming
Bulletin Q&A Article, published 4-9-23: At the end of the world, will there be a battle between Jesus and evil? Or will he just come to save us and he’s already won the battle? Will there still be purgatory for people who aren’t quite ready for Heaven when that time comes? Happy Easter everyone! Christ… Continue reading Jesus’ Second Coming