2024 archive of Reflections
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, September 1, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 8/31/24
The Jews received the 10 commandments from God, but over the years the scribes and Pharisees amplified the laws to include 613 precepts and by-laws. One wonders what became of Moses’ warning in today’s first reading (Deut. 4:2) against adding or taking anything out of God’s law. Observing the ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 21th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, August 25, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 8/23/24
Twenty seven years ago, together with 10 other young men, I stood before a congregation numbering about 15,000 and made a commitment. I decided that Jesus would be the only one I follow. No turning back. As a consequence, I was admitted into the ministerial priesthood of Christ—a mystery, ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, August 18, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 8/16/24
Have you ever been to heaven….? Perhaps my question sounds awkward; so, let me reframe it. Do you wish to know what heaven is like? Do you wish to experience it or know what happens there? You no longer need to do too much or even die. You just ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, August 11, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 8/10/24
If you’re familiar with Dante’s classic literature or poem, the “Divine Comedy,” you’ll remember Gaddo. In what might be considered the most beautiful cantos of the Divine Comedy, Dante with his great imaginative sense created this character called Gaddo. For no fault of his, Gaddo had been imprisoned with ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, August 4, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 8/03/24
Our five week reflection on the Gospel of John 6 brings us today to verses 24 through 35. (Remember your promise to read the entire chapter of John 6). The crowd fed by Jesus are everywhere looking for Him. What for? They want more bread and they have found ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, July 28, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 7/26/24
Mark’s Gospel is much shorter than the other synoptic gospels. Hence, from this Sunday, the Church fills the space by introducing a five-week discussion on the Eucharist, our Bread of Life, taken from the sixth chapter of St. John’s Gospel. I strongly recommend that everyone read this passage. Spend ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, July 21, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 7/20/24
Even our Lord agrees with Aristotle that “leisure liberates man from the oppression of the useful.” And so, today he invites his apostles who were basking with novice fervor after their return from their first missionary expedition to “come away to some lonely place and rest for a while” ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, July 14, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 7/12/24
How often have you over-packed for a trip—taking much more than you actually needed—only to return with many unused stuff? Some people cannot part with the pleasures of life for a second. A dear friend recently traded-in their Motor-home for a fully air-conditioned one with built-in dishwasher, stereo, two ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, July 7, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 7/07/24
Familiarity does indeed breed contempt. Frequently, people take others for granted for two reasons: familiarity and pride. You may add a third reason: ignorance, which often wears the garb of “I-know-it-all or I’m better.” Familiarity, pride, ignorance played out well in the first reading and the gospel of today. ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B, June 30, 2024
Posted by John Wolf on 6/29/24
Sickness, suffering, death—where did they originate? Who brought them? The author of the Book of Wisdom makes the case for God, stating that they are not God’s doing. Jesus Himself, who is the Wisdom of God, would demonstrate this beyond doubt. As proof, He went about curing the sick, ... Read More »