Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). Our friendship with God deepens as we strive to conform our thoughts, our will, and our desires to the thought and will of our divine Friend.
Author: frdave (Fr. Dave Nuss)
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FEAST: Saint Junipero Serra (7/1)
Recent weeks have witnessed the tragic escalation of violence which has included the destruction of historic statues by frenzied mobs. Just 10 days ago an agitated pack tore down a statue of the Franciscan missionary priest Saint Junipero Serra in San Francisco’s Golden Gate State Park. The very same day in Los Angeles, rioters pulled...
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FEAST: First Martyrs in Rome (6/30)
Today we recall the earliest Christians in Rome who suffered indescribable cruelty and martyrdom at the hands of the Roman Emperor Nero in the year 64AD. The Acts of the Apostles includes joyful descriptions of the genuine care and kindness displayed by the first Christians in Rome. One example is the beautiful account of their...
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FEAST: Sts. Peter & Paul (6/29)
Jesus changes the name of Simon (to Peter) and Saul (to Paul). Biblical name changes always indicate a new identity that relates to God-given mission entrusted to a person. Neither Peter nor Paul will change as quickly as their names did. Neither apostle displays an immediate unconditioned acceptance of Christ’s call – Peter wavers impulsively...
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Preaching Notes (6/28)
At every Sunday Mass no less than four separate Scripture readings are proclaimed (the reading from the Book of Psalms typically is sung). We continue to work our way through the Gospel of Matthew with the passage today being Matthew 10:37-42 Q. To whom is Jesus speaking? A. The twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1) Q. What...
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13 Sunday Ordinary Time A (6/28/20)
The Gospel has two parts: 1) daring to lose all of one’s own and to gain oneself in Christ (vv. 37-39); 2) daring to accept the slightest thing offered by God in order ot receive God in it (vv. 40-42). Matthew 10:37-42 Whoever is not ready to accompany Jesus along the path to the Cross...
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Parish Webinar Notes: Walking With Purpose (6/23)
I still am savoring the delights from our weekly parish conversation LITTLE FLOWER LIVE! earlier this evening and learning about the positive differences Walking with Purpose is making in the lives of Amy and Marie who joined me earlier this evening as panelists. More than 100 (!) women at our parish are participating in this...
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Holy Fear (6/22)
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Psalm 34:11). Fear nothing but sin, which offends God and alone can separate us from Him.
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Preaching Notes (6/21)
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna'” (Matthew 10:28). According to Jesus only fear losing our friendship with God. Holy fear leads our daily living when we: Express regrets to joining something...
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Remembering Dad (6/19)
Father’s Day 2020 Dear Dad: Your self-proclaimed “pearls of wisdom” have helped me navigate the extended malaise. Sometimes I hear your booming voice resounding vital encouragements, like: “Treat others like you want to be treated.” “Actions speak louder than words.” “No problem.” “Life is good – find it [the good].” If you don’t have anything...