Reflections
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent, Yr A, February 26, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 2/25/23
The season of grace is here once again, and we thank God for His special grace of redeeming love, which is made manifest in the seasons of the Church. Lent comes as an opportunity to awaken our spiritual senses and unite ourselves to the redeeming suffering and death of ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A, February 19, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 2/17/23
One late evening, two drunk motorcyclists strutted into a bar in Atmore, Alabama. Noisily, they ordered more drinks and headed to the right side of the bar where a gentleman was sitting alone enjoying a glass of soft drink. One of them grabbed the salt container and emptied its ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A, February 12, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 2/10/23
Whenever I see an icon on my phone asking me to update the software, I usually grow apprehensive, not knowing what changes are coming to the little machine. Sometimes, it’ll mean relearning everything you already know or are used to: because our little devices appear to have a mind ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A, February 5, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 2/03/23
Though the term “witness” is attached irrevocably to the exercise of religion, many Christians prefer to live like their fellow men and women in the world and ignore the import of the name Christian. The atheistic modern society would want Christians to change our beliefs to conform to the ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A, January 29, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 1/28/23
Jesus' mission statement, heard last Sunday says: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Today marks the announcement of His vision for the kingdom. Unlike the commandments of old that carried prohibitions, He issues benedictions. In place of “Thou shall not” we hear “You shall be blessed.” ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A, January 22, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 1/20/23
From the theme of “Manifestation to the Gentiles,” on the Epiphany of the Lord, to last Sunday’s theme of the “Lamb of God who takes away sins,” we’re greeted on this 3rd Sunday of the Year with the theme of “light that overpowers darkness.” The arrest of John the ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A, January 15, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 1/14/23
John the Baptist is unlike many of us in many ways. While we're more than happy to wash our hands of the responsibility for our hapless actions, and even blame others, including the devil (...the devil made me do it), we have a natural tendency to take the credit ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Epiphany of the Lord, Yr A, January 8, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 1/06/23
Just a few days ago, we entered a new year. As one author described the New Year, it is a book with 365 blank pages. Each day of this 365 finds us filling a page of our journey. No day passes with no writing on our blank pages. Every ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Yr A, January 1, 2023
Posted by John Wolf on 12/30/22
Whenever my friend Vera calls, she’ll ask, “What’s new?” So, whenever I see her number, I’ll go into search mode to figure out whether there’s anything new to share. People are obsessed with novelty—some dread things new while the majority are ever in search of something new—new dress, new ... Read More »
Fr. Jo's Reflection for The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Yr A, December 25, 2022
Posted by John Wolf on 12/23/22
It is important to note that the major celebrations of the life of Christ kick off at night. Think of Easter—the greatest feast of the Church, and Christmas—the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The idea that the world was filled with darkness until the light of Christ overcame ... Read More »