Rich Thoughts

As a Pittsburgher, I can relate to Naaman the Syrian. But that doesn't mean that either of us are right on the limits we try to place on God! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

In talking with the woman at the well, Jesus shows us how to be an evangelizer, a reconciler, an ecumenist, and an inter religious dialogue partner all at the same time! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

St. Joseph reminds us that practical people -- people who like math and know how to mix cement -- are also part of the Church, part of the life of holiness! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

What have been the "mountaintop" experiences of your life? Have you been willing to be changed by these experiences? Are the Paulist Fathers willing to be changed? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The mature way to approach the season of Lent! Remarks at the beginning of Mass, after the "I confess", before the second reading (with a pause for meditation), and after the proclamation of the gospel. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

How can a camel pass through the eye of a needle? (ref. Mark 10:17-27) One rich person -- St. Katharine Drexel -- shows one way! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Don't worry; pray happy! The beautiful, reassuring, and challenging message of Matthew 6:24-34. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

According to James (and Luke Timothy Johnson), the sins of envy and arrogance have the same root cause… (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Taking a page out of Pope Francis' book, we relate our Scriptures (especially James 3:13-18) to the sin of gossip. Here -- free of charge -- is the advice I offer to those who struggle with gossiping. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Who doesn't love sandwiches? Mark 8:22-26 is the first half of a Marcan doublet. The "meat" of the sandwich is similar in theme to James 1:19-27. There's a lot here to chew on! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Introductory comments to the wonderful and challenging letter of James, aided by the man with the most awesome name for New Testament studies: Luke Timothy Johnson! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

1 Kings 11-12 speaks of divisions, but our saints of the day challenge us to work toward unity! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Interreligious marriages are not an abomination (as opposed to the view in 1 Kings 11), but they require couples to have some difficult conversations. The hard work can reap great rewards! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The story of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-10, referenced in Matthew 12:42 and Luke 11:31) is a story of Solomon's witness. How are we planting seeds in the faith? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The prayer of Solomon (1 Kings 8:22-30) goes well with the celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick. How do those who are suffering share the wisdom of Solomon? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Solomon pursued wisdom, as did Scholastica. To what purpose do we pursue wisdom? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. This is the Word of God, not just folk wisdom. Let your light shine! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

2 Samuel 24 presents a very different view on sin and forgiveness than we usually read in the Bible. Perhaps there's a lesson here about accepting full responsibility for the consequences of our actions. (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Luke 2:22-40) is related to another holiday that is special to Western Pennsylvanians. After tonight, you really should take down your Christmas decorations! (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)

Our God is both transcendent and immanent. Does David respect God's transcendence, or does he want to reduce the awareness of his immanence? How do we struggle with the dialectic today? (Blessed John XXIII Parish, Knoxville, TN)