Spirituality
Patience With Others and Ourselves Allows Grace to Take Effect
St. Paul says “love is patient,” but Father Eric Banecker knows that all too often we’re impatient in bearing our faults and those of others. We should rejoice in the Lord's patience and mercy with us as instruments of His transformative love.
When Finding Life’s Treasures, the Wise Give Thanks to God as King
Msgr. Joseph Prior sees a timely parallel for Christ's parables in this Sunday's Gospel: Finding one's true love and marrying them is the "Pearl of Great Price" or treasure that changes us and inspires us to follow God's way.
In a Mixed Up World, Keep Focus on God’s Kingdom, Communion of Church
Jesus teaches a lesson of perseverance in the face of evil in His parable of the weeds among the wheat, in the Gospel passage for this Sunday's liturgy that Msgr. Joseph Prior explains.
Parable Instructs: Prepare ‘Good Soil’ of Our Hearts, Receive God’s Word
Jesus tells His disciples the parable of the Sower in this Sunday's Gospel. Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the transformative power of the Word of God which, as the parable teaches, can bear abundant blessings and the hope of eternal life.
In Jesus’ Name, Give a Warm, Gentle Welcome to All
The Benedictine Rule of welcoming the stranger, including the "little ones" as Jesus commanded, remains a model for us today, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior in his reflection on this Sunday's Mass readings.
Our Honors for Good Fathers Reflect God’s Intimate Love
On Father's Day, we thank fathers for their love and join them in thanking our heavenly Father for His love which makes theirs possible and powerful, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Like a Shepherd, Christ Lovingly Leads His Flock to Life
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how sheep who stray from their shepherd are in danger. The imagery of God as shepherd of His flock culminates in Jesus the Good Shepherd, who gives His life for His flock and calls new shepherds for our time.
Grace Transforms Us When We Open Our Hearts to Eucharist
On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord, Msgr. Joseph Prior tells how the grace of the eucharistic encounter can change our life, as for St. Carlo Acutis.
As an Eagle Soars, So Too Does the Spirit Lift Christ’s Disciples on Mission
Msgr. Joseph Prior draws a parallel between an eagle lifted to new heights by the unseen wind, and the members of the Church empowered to proclaim the Gospel by the Holy Spirit, whose coming is celebrated at Pentecost this Sunday.
As We Offer Prayers to God, Jesus Offers Himself in Prayer for Us
The "priestly prayer" of Jesus in this Sunday's Gospel shows that prayer is both personal and communal because our relationship with God is both personal and communal. We are united in love by God who is Love, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior.