What is inspiration?[1] We usually think of inspiration in reference to artistic genius, and there is certainly something to this. Yale University’s library houses a wonderful collection of original and rare manuscripts, including musical scores written by some of the world’s greatest composers. A musician friend who viewed the Yale
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Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at
Read moreThe End of the World
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he [i.e. Jesus] said, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then they asked him,
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A Homily for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B And people brought to him [i.e. Jesus] a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into
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Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” –Matthew 16:24-25– A wise woman once said
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A Homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. –John 16:7– As a
Read moreThe Execrable Argumentum ad Hominem
He [Jesus] came home. Again [the] crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,”
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A Homily for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (Year B) and for Mother’s Day 13 May 2018 During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, “My brothers, the scripture
Read moreGrant Us Wisdom, Grant Us Courage.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit. –1 Corinthians 12:4– Whenever I taught my students about the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, I would always mention the 1970 Academy-Award-winning Hollywood film Patton, starring George C. Scott. There is that classic scene: It’s 1943.
Read moreI’m Not the Man I Used to Be
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the
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