Eucharist—Sacrament and Sacrifice

We are Christians because we believe in the Resurrection of the Christ. We are Catholic because we believe in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is both a Sacrament and a Sacrifice. The Eucharist is a...

Family of Love

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The Gospel is taken from the final verses in Matthew’s Gospel. It is the well-known (at least to Christians) commission of the Apostles to...

We Receive the Gifts

Everyone loves birthdays. Treats, like cake and ice cream, a special meal, gifts, being the center of attention, at least for a day—what’s not to like? It may seem that birthdays are more enjoyed...

With You Until the End and Beyond

Most dioceses in the United States celebrate the Ascension of the Lord on Sunday, rather than on the Thursday 40 days after Easter, including the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The confusing fact is that Luke...

Loving as Jesus Loves

We celebrated Easter Sunday a few weeks ago, and there are two more Easter Sundays ahead of us (Ascension and Pentecost) before we return to Ordinary Time. The Church, as I have mentioned before,...

The True Vine

In this Sunday’s Gospel, I focus on Jesus’ words: “I am the true vine.” Quite simply, a vine is an organic structure nurtured by the soil, sun and rain. It is fed by the...

Our Good Shepherd

This Sunday is often referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because it is a Sunday set aside to pray for vocations to the priesthood, and to pray for our priests, our shepherds in the...

A Life-Changing Event

Today’s Gospel takes us back to Easter Sunday. That afternoon, Jesus appeared to two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus walked with them, explained the scriptures to them, and then dined...

My Lord and My God

In our Gospel this morning, we get a clear example of how important community is. The women and the Apostles, except Thomas, were gathered on the night of the Resurrection of Jesus when Our...

Fifty Days of Easter

The Easter Season—beginning on Easter Sunday and continuing for 50 days—is an opportunity for us to cultivate a spirit that defines who we are as Christians. What does living in the spirit that defines...