On a visit with my mother, who is bedridden now, diminished in sight and hearing as well as mental and physical mobility, we were not getting through to each other. She couldn’t understand me, and I couldn’t understand her. Each of us wanted to break through into the other’s world, but were prevented by intractable walls we couldn’t see, like glass, hard and smooth. She cried aloud to God for help.
God's Word on Sunday: A Spirit-filled life begins with family
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JHoly Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Dec. 29 (Year A) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Where and how do we learn compassion and gratitude?
God's Word on Sunday: God will always be with us and for us
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JFourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 22 (Year A) Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24; Romans 1:1-Matthew 1:18-24
The Word of God echoes and reverberates throughout human history. It’s the same voice, often with the same words, but they can carry many meanings, depending on the time in which one hears them.
God's Word on Sunday: A little digging reveals news full of hope
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JThird Sunday of Advent, Dec. 15 (Year A) Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10; Psalm 146; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
What are the signs of God’s presence? What sort of “footprints and fingerprints” does God leave? One word could sum it up: life.
Mary Marrocco: Looking for signs on the periphery
By Mary MarroccoAmusingly, and confusingly, two signs were posted, one above the other, on the charming wrought-iron gate leading to a country estate: “Welcome” and “No trespassing.” The place seemed to say simultaneously, “Come in, we want you,” and “Stay away, we’re afraid of you.”
God's Word on Sunday: Advent should inspire greater efforts
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JSecond Sunday of Advent, Dec. 8 (Year A) Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
The figure described in Isaiah seems too good to be true — in fact, impossible and non-existent.
Bishop Robert Barron: Looking for God in a Reddit world
By Bishop Robert BarronOne of the most popular websites in the world, Reddit, is a forum for all sorts of online conversations and presentations. The AMA (for Ask Me Anything) is a 21st- century version of the medieval quodlibetal questions, during which a game theology professor would entertain any inquiry that came from the floor.
God's Word on Sunday: Humanity’s roadmap written in prophecy
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JFirst Sunday of Advent, Dec. 1 (Year A) Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:1-14; Matthew 24:37-44
Sometimes prophecies seem audacious and impossible to believe. This is especially the case when all the external evidence says otherwise.
God's Word on Sunday: There are no shortcuts to life-giving path
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.JChrist the King, Nov. 24 (Year C) 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43
The most effective way that God can teach us a lesson is to give us what we ask for.
God's Word on Sunday: We cannot separate light from darkness
By Fr. Scott Lewis, S.J33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 17 (Year C) Malachi 4:1-2; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19
The wicked and arrogant will be burned up with fire!
Mary Marrocco: Humanity is enriched by connection to dead
By Mary MarroccoHow do we become fertile earth?