Readings: Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, 14b-16a; 1 Corinthians 10: 16-17; John 6: 51-58 Preacher: Sr. Joan Sobala Today, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, I can’t help praying that this feast will touch each of us deeply with Jesus’ very own depth of generous loving and self-giving. But the story of generous nourishment of God’s people began many centuries… read more →
Readings: Exodus 34:4b-6,8-9; 1 Corinthians 13: 11-13; John 3: 16-18 Preacher: Sr, Barbara Moore RSM The feast of Easter is followed by three important Sunday celebrations. Last week we focused on Pentecost, today the Trinity and next week, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, often referred to as the feast of Corpus Christi. As we reflect on these celebrations,… read more →
Readings: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-7, 12-13; John 20: 19-23 Preacher: Sheryl Zabel Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ first followers, and their enthusiastic proclamation of the gospel to the people of Jerusalem, as well as the crowds of pilgrims who were there for a harvest festival. Christians have followed the writings of Luke, which state… read more →
Readings: Acts 1: 12-14; 1 Peter 4: 13-16; John 17: 1-11a Preacher: Patrick Fox While I realize that in some parts of our country today is the celebration of the Ascension, here in our area it is the Seventh Sunday of Easter. We hear an account in our first reading of Jesus having been taken into heaven and the disciples devoting… read more →
Readings: Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3: 15-18; John 14: 15-21 Preacher: Susan Howard “If you love me you will keep my commandments…” What does this love look like? The great commandment to love one another and your neighbor (stranger or in this case a neighboring country) as yourself is a difficult and arduous undertaking if you try it on… read more →
Readings: Acts 6: 1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14: 1-12 Preacher: Nancy DeRycke Many Scripture scholars now believe that Jesus was an Apocalyptic preacher, assuming that the end was coming soon. God would come and S/he would gather all people together to call the just. Perhaps if that Jesus were physically around now, he would presume, with all the violence and… read more →
Readings: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10 Preacher: Ruth Marchetti As we see played out in the first reading today, regret is a painful emotion. When Jesus lived, his very presence drew crowds. The power of his words and his astonishing healings created a throng of followers who were willing to go hungry just to hear him speak.… read more →
Readings: Acts 2: 14,22-33; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler Over Easter weekend, a friend lost everything in a house fire. I mean everything! Precious childhood mementos. Passport. Every bit of clothing. Furniture. “It’s only things,” he was quick to say. “No one was hurt.” Perspective is important, isn’t it? Cleopas and companion (possibly his wife —cf John… read more →
Readings: Acts 2: 42-47; 1 Peter 1: 3-9; John 20: 19-31 Preacher: Gloria Ulterino As I write this, the sun is out. A miracle in itself in Rochester! And yet, we constantly hear about death of every kind. War in Ukraine. Hunger. Sickness. Struggles over paying bills. You know the stories. Isn’t there a temptation, every now and again, to ask:… read more →
Readings 1:Acts 10:34a, 37-43; 1 Corinthians 5: 6b-8; John 20: 1-9 Preacher: Marlene Bessette As with many young adults, when I went to college, I drifted from the practice of my faith, eager to start fresh and honestly, to leave my prior life, including faith traditions, behind. I had a rough upbringing, and this was my chance to break away. I… read more →